NCPA Foundation-UAMS Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy

“Coming out of POLA, I feel energized and more excited than ever to be pursuing a career in pharmacy. POLA really solidified my dream of owning a pharmacy, and having the opportunity to talk to pharmacy owners who continue to pour into their communities and who are passionate about what they do was really refreshing. I feel prepared to navigate the ins and outs of pharmacy ownership and I owe this to the amazing pharmacists, faculty, and speakers we had over the week of POLA who taught us about financials, leadership, community engagement, and more. If I could do this week all over again, I would a million times.”

Maci Bradley, University of Mississippi

“POLA fundamentally changed the way I view the future of pharmacy. Beyond teaching the mechanics of pharmacy ownership, it challenged me to think strategically about leadership, innovation, and creating sustainable solutions that improve patient care. I especially appreciated learning how entrepreneurship and clinical excellence can work together to address healthcare needs in underserved communities. The mentorship from faculty, interactions with pharmacy owners, and collaborative business plan experience gave me the confidence to think like a future pharmacy owner and reinforced my desire to pursue innovative models of patient-centered care. POLA is an invaluable experience for any student who wants to lead, innovate, and shape the future of our profession.”

Cecil James, Western New England University

“I’ve always said that I wanted to own an independent community pharmacy, but attending POLA helped me understand what that really means. Learning about business planning, finances, leadership, and emotional intelligence made ownership feel achievable instead of just a dream. I left POLA with a greater sense of confidence in my ability to become a pharmacy owner and a better understanding of the leader I want to be. It also gave me the motivation to step outside of my comfort zone and compete in NCPA’s Business Plan Competition. POLA didn’t just strengthen my interest in ownership—it gave me the tools and confidence to turn my dream into a reality.”

Shamiracle Fanin, Mercer University

“POLA 2026 was an incredibly valuable experience that shifted how I think about ownership, leadership, and the role pharmacists can play in shaping healthcare beyond the dispensary. The week helped me connect day-to-day pharmacy practice with real business strategy, making the idea of ownership feel much more tangible and achievable rather than abstract. What stood out most was the exposure to the business side of pharmacy and learning to think not just as a future clinician, but as someone who can build, lead, and sustain a practice. It left me more motivated to pursue independent pharmacy ownership and to continue developing my understanding of the business side of healthcare.”

Mustafa Almawri, Roosevelt University

“POLA was an absolutely incredible experience that had a lasting impact on me. As someone who is naturally quiet and shy, I was surprised by how much the program brought me out of my shell. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and at home with the friendships and professional connections I was able to build.

POLA gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced pharmacy owners and leaders who shared their knowledge, challenges, and passion for independent pharmacy. It made ownership feel less like a distant dream and more like a realistic goal. The business plan presentation challenged me to think creatively, collaborate with others, and step outside of my comfort zone.”

Natalie Ayala Yglesias, Virginia Commonwealth University