Mikayla Harris, Pharm.D., spent July with ACCP’s team in the Washington, D.C., office as part of the 2024–2025 American College of Clinical Pharmacy/American Society of Health-System Pharmacists/Virginia Commonwealth University Congressional Healthcare Policy Fellow Program.

Now in its 18th year, the 14-month fellow program in Washington, D.C., the only one of its kind in the nation, offers a unique opportunity for a pharmacist to serve as a staff member in the U.S. Congress, with orientation managed by ACCP and ASHP government affairs offices.

In 2023, Harris earned her Pharm.D. degree from Lipscomb University, where she gained experience as a member of the American Pharmacists Association, the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, and the Phi Lambda Sigma Honor Society.

Through both educational and firsthand experience with the health care payment system, Harris developed a particular interest in health care payment reform and the barriers associated with health care services.

“Pharmacists are key front-line health care providers and can contribute significantly to this issue that has become a public health crisis,” Harris wrote in her application. “Whether in my personal or professional capacity, I am dedicated to using my pharmacy training to effect positive change in communities across America.”

Harris previously completed a 1-year executive fellowship in association management at the Iowa Pharmacy Association, where she gained experience in interprofessional collaboration, addressing barriers to comprehensive patient care, and initiating change through discussions with state leaders regarding artificial intelligence, pharmacogenomics, and workforce conditions.

As Harris moves on to the next phase of the fellow program with ASHP, ACCP staff asked her to reflect on her experience so far.

What motivated you to apply for the fellow program?

The fellow program has a strong history of developing great policy professionals. Seeing this and knowing that I wanted to be able to use my pharmacy training to positively influence health policy, applying was a clear decision for me.

You moved from Iowa to Washington, D.C. – what has been the biggest adjustment?

I had the advantage of living in D.C. for a short term a couple of years ago, which helped in learning to navigate the city. Being familiar with public transportation in D.C., I decided not to bring a car this time around, which has made activities like grocery shopping … interesting. The city has a lot of benefits, though. There are so many different events and things to see, and many of them are free. As a self-identified foodie, the restaurant scene is also a major plus!

Can you share any reflections on interviewing for positions on Capitol Hill?

The fellow program provides a unique opportunity to develop a different skill set. Being aware of where you are and what you hope to get out of the experience is helpful in determining which office you can leverage your clinical knowledge in and grow toward achieving your goals.

After your fellow year, what do you hope to achieve in the next phase of your career?

I am a person that gets very excited about new experiences and have often found myself picturing many different career trajectories. My ultimate goal is to work to ensure that health care professionals are able to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable care to all patients. In the next phase of my career, I plan to continue to pursue this mission with the new skills and network [that] I will sharpen and develop through the fellowship experience.

Do you have any advice for potential applicants to the fellow program?

Pharmacy practice and the legislative world are very different. That being said, the experiences from working in clinical settings bring an invaluable perspective when considering implications of potential legislative policy. Pharmacy professionals have so many transferable skills that make them so versatile, so don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Your voice is needed.

Alumni Fellows

• The 2023–2024 fellow, Wasem Gawish, D.Ph., BCPS, BCMTMS, is serving in the office of Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
• Amanda Ferguson, Pharm.D., currently serves as Senior Director, Federal Relations, Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).
• Nimit Jindal, Pharm.D., currently serves as Senior Health Policy Advisor, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).
• Tatiana Bujnoch, Pharm.D., M.S., BCPS, currently serves as Health Equity and Policy Associate at Morgan Health.
• Rita (Habib) Livadas, Pharm.D., currently serves as Director, Global Public Health, Life Sciences at Becton, Dickinson and Co.

Applications for the 2025–2026 Pharmacy Healthcare Policy Fellow Program

Interested candidates should click here for more information on the 2025 pharmacy Congressional Healthcare Policy Fellow Program and instructions on submitting an application.