Thayra Rios Schad
University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Thayra Rios Schad, originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a third-year student pharmacist at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. She has been involved in the American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) at her college`s student chapter, serving as the Operation Diabetes Chair for two consecutive years.
During her time at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, she has been an active member of several pharmacy organizations as well as an integral part of the college's student government association. She served as the Class of 2022 class president her first professional year, and currently serves as the Student Body President for the College of Pharmacy. In addition to her leadership in APhA and Student Government, Thayra is also the Phi Lambda Sigma Zeta Chapter Secretary and was part of the planning committee for the Charles Thomas Leadership Challenge, an event awarded to the school’s PLS chapter for the 2020-2021 school year. In addition, Thayra is also a member of Kappa Epsilon, and participates in an initiative called “Treat Yourself Care” in which she and another third-year classmate present an interactive, case-based, game-like presentation to undergraduate students on the topic of self-care to provide literacy about over-the-counter medications.
Thayra loves being a part of APhA-ASP and feels as though this organization has fueled her passion for chronic disease state management. Within her role as Operation Diabetes Chair, she holds Wellness Wednesday events at a local independent pharmacy to provide free wellness screenings, and raises awareness about diabetes by holding fundraisers, walks, as well as educational presentations for her peers. Thayra hopes to complete an Ambulatory Care Residency post-graduation. Thayra is thankful for her support system and is grateful to have the opportunity to be involved with this organization which has prepared her for a career in this rewarding profession.