August 14, 2014
Mark Yang & Hugh Nguyen representing the ISPOR Student Network.

The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 19th Annual International Meeting was held from May 31 – June 4, 2014 in Montreal, QC. The conference had an attendance of 3,400 people and included over 1,700 presentations.

Attendees from the University of Michigan included Dr. Rajesh Balkrishnan, Associate Professor of Social and Administrative Sciences, Justin Gatwood, PhD’14, Isha Patel, PhD’14, Yun Han, PhD’15, Mark Yang, PharmD’17, and Hugh Nguyen, PharmD’16. Several posters were presented between the U-M representatives. 

The theme of the conference was “Examining the Role of Big Data in Health Care Decision Making”. Presenters came from a variety of backgrounds, including academia, industry, managed care, and contract research organizations (CROs). In addition to research and plenary presentations, the conference offered multiple opportunities for professional development through workshops, short courses, continuing education, networking events, and discussion panels. 

The conference was truly international with attendees from worldwide; many avenues discussed for international growth. Patel attended the HealthNetIndia meeting, which aims to increase ISPOR related research collaboration in India. The ISPOR Student Network continues to expand worldwide and has several new student chapters within Europe, Asia, and South America. . Dr. Balkrishnan was also able to reunite with many prior PhD students, now in various fields.

“ISPOR was an eye-opening experience. Not only were we able to explore a famous city full of art and culture, but we had the opportunity to experience how pharmacoeconomics has changed and molded the healthcare industry. Being able to compete in the student research competition, as well as network with ISPOR leaders around the country, also enriched my experience with ISPOR and enhanced my understanding of the role of data in healthcare decision making,” states Nguyen.

Founded in 2000 as the 5th ISPOR Student Chapter, the ISPOR/AMCP student organization within the College of Pharmacy aims to expose student pharmacists to non-traditional career opportunities. ISPOR/AMCP was represented at the conference by Yang, VP and President-Elect and Nguyen, VP of AMCP.  Both are members of the ISPOR Student Network and attended many student-centered events. Highlights included the annual Leadership Retreat, where ISPOR Student Chapter leaders have the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with each other regarding growing Student Chapters, as well as outline student network initiatives for the 14’-15’ academic year. The U-M chapter also participated in the Student Research Competition, a tournament style trivia competition pitting schools head-to-head. Yang and Hugh made it into the Elite Eight.

Visit our website for more information about the College's student organizations.