The Iowa Pharmacy Association has named Sharmi Patel, PharmD, MBA as the association's 2020-2021 Executive Fellow. As the IPA fellow, Patel will be immersed in the day-to-day activities of the association and work closely with IPA staff to continue advancing IPA's mission. She will work to expand IPA's clinical initiatives, attend state and national pharmacy meetings, gain exposure to all aspects of association work, and provide insight and assistance to the association. Patel will officially start on June 22, 2020. 

Patel is from Carol Stream, Illinois and a recent graduate of Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. In Iowa, Patel has worked at Walgreens Pharmacy and Methodist West Hospital. She held several leadership positions in organizations at Drake, as well as completed pharmacy practice experience in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Patel was selected based on her demonstrated leadership potential, knowledge of the profession, and vision for the future of pharmacy practice. 

The IPA Executive Fellowship in Association Management was created to support the development of individuals interested in association management through training and experience in leadership, advocacy, professional affairs and problem-solving at IPA. Individuals who complete the fellowship will be well prepared for leadership positions in a variety of settings in the profession of pharmacy and health care.