After 13 years of steady growth and innovation, the College of Pharmacy’s Student Oncological Advocates in Pharmacy (SOAP) chapter recently was named “International Student Chapter of the Year” by the Network for Collaborative Oncology Development & Advancement (NCODA), a global, medically-integrated non-profit organization dedicated to improving patient-centered care in cancer treatment.
Affiliated with NCODA since 2022, UGA’s SOAP competed against 70+ other student chapters in the world for the recognition, which was presented at the organization’s Fall Summit in Orlando, FL in mid-October. The award recognizes the student group that best fulfills the mission to empower future pharmacists, especially in the field of oncology. The recipient is awarded a plaque made from the wood of a cherry tree on land owned by NCODA founder, Michael Reff. Sentimental in nature, the plaque represents the growth and accomplishments of the winning chapter.
Examples of SOAP’s efforts and events at the College include Pillympics, fundraising for Hope Lodge in Decatur, involvement with Pharmtoberfest, hosting guest speakers and experts in the pharmaceutical oncology field, and more.
SOAP President LB Mason remarked, “I honestly had no idea that we were a viable candidate for ‘Chapter of the Year.’ NCODA has more than 70 student chapters from countries around the world that all do such unique programming and events. The recognition came as quite a surprise to our chapter members, but it was a welcomed one.”
When asked about the event that the UGA chapter is most proud of, Mason replied, “Our involvement with Hope Lodge is extremely rewarding. Hope Lodge is a free housing center through the American Cancer Society for patients receiving chemotherapy and treatment far from home. SOAP-NCODA takes a couple of trips each semester on Sunday afternoons to cook a meal for residents at Hope Lodge. We join them during their mealtime, hear their stories of survivorship, and encourage them in their cancer journey.”
As part of a network of 22 student organizations in the College of Pharmacy, the UGA SOAP chapter fosters leadership, service, and professionalism that prepares students for future pharmacy practice, especially in the field of oncology.
Members of UGA’s SOAP receive the “International Student Chapter of the Year” Award from NCODA. (l-r) Mustafa Abacioglu, NCODA official; Meghan Hammond, P4 and President of the NCODA International Executive Board; LB Mason, P3, SOAP President; Sergio Alejo, P3; and Kim Mai, P4.
