By: Ajla Dupljak, President-Elect, Rho Chi Beta Delta Chapter
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Greetings! My name is Ajla Dupljak and it is with great honor and privilege that I write to you all as your new President-elect for the 2016-2017 Rho Chi Society Beta Delta Chapter. First and foremost I would like to congratulate all those who were inducted into the society on January 20th 2016. Membership in the Rho Chi Society is a privilege accorded to the very few who distinguish themselves by their academic and professional achievements. My fellow members truly exemplify what it means to be a part of such a collaborative and honorable society. In addition to congratulating the new inductees, I would also like to thank all of the past members whose work and advances have paved the way for us all to have a role in the Rho Chi Society, in particular the 2014-2015 Eboard: Michael Bosco, Lina Lin, Julia Kamuda, Jessica Langton, Davidta Brown, and Zachary Piracha. They have all worked hard this past year to plan and execute countless events, including the induction ceremony, and they have also made this transition into the new Eboard effortless, for which I am beyond grateful.
In my experience thus far as a Pharm. D. candidate at St. John’s University I have worked with some of the most inspiring professors and some of the most intelligent students. While I think I speak for all of my colleagues when I say that the workload we have received can be a bit overwhelming at times, at the end of the day I don’t mind because I know that we are all getting the best pharmacy education there is to offer. With every passing class, exam, and homework assignment, we all become more and more equipped to take on the future of medicine. It is our goal as members of the Rho Chi Society to stimulate the development and advancement of pharmacy as future intellectual leaders.
The current and new executive boards are working side by side to ensure that your time here at St. John’s is embellished with great events and opportunities that can further the advancements made in the field of pharmacy. From networking events like Coffee House Chats and Mock interviews to events with a great purpose like S4Gift, we are all working tirelessly to ensure that all of our Rho Chi members get the most out of their educational experience.
In addition to the marvelous events hosted by Rho Chi, the Rho Chi Post is a publication that offers all students an outlet to get involved and educate their fellow classmates. The Rho Chi Post was founded by a group of hardworking students in 2011 and after over 415 unique articles, 40 published issues and 4 volumes, they have gained the respect and recognition of all of us here at St. John’s. The Post offers a unique platform for integrating ideas and opinions in a professional and scientific manner. I would encourage all of our present and future members to get involved in such a unique and rewarding outlet.
The success of the Rho Chi Society and all of its members is impressive and inspirational to say the least. I know without a doubt that we all will continue in these footsteps of success. There is a quote by the historical figure commonly referred to as the Father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, and it states: “Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity”. So despite the fact that we are often burdened by countless exams and endless hours of studying that have increasingly consumed a majority of our time, I encourage you all to love the art of medicine. This love is what’s going to follow us all into our future careers as medical professionals and allow us to make a real difference in the lives of all of our future patients. After all we are the future of pharmacy, and the future looks bright!
Sincerely,
Ajla Dupljak
President-Elect for the 2016-2017 Rho Chi Society Beta Delta Chapter
