Pharmacy student Chelsey Sparks recognized for excellence, service with national award
Kim Chaudoin |
Chelsey Sparks, a student in Lipscomb University’s College of Pharmacy, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Excellence in Pharmacy Award from the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Sparks is one of only 89 pharmacy students nationwide to receive this honor this year, recognizing her outstanding commitment to public health and service to underserved communities.
Sparks, from Marion, North Carolina and on track to graduate in 2026, has distinguished herself through a wide range of leadership roles and service projects both locally and nationally. She has served as class president for her first two years at Lipscomb and currently leads the university’s Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists (AMCP) student chapter. Through these positions, Sparks has coordinated numerous initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Middle Tennessee.
Among her many contributions, Sparks has worked closely with the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) to promote equitable access to affordable healthcare. She recently organized a Medicare Plan Comparison workshop, bringing in experts to train student pharmacists in helping patients select the most suitable Medicare plans. The workshop resulted in $19,105 in medication savings for patients, with nine students earning certifications from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sparks’s dedication to service extends beyond Tennessee. For the past three years, she has worked with the Indian Health Service (IHS) at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) in Cherokee, North Carolina. There, she has been instrumental in improving medication adherence and patient outcomes for underserved populations. Her efforts have included patient counseling, project management, and ensuring that patients leave the pharmacy with all necessary medications and supplies—a change that has significantly improved care continuity and health outcomes.
“Chelsey’s passion for serving others and her commitment to improving population health are truly inspiring,” said Sarah Uroza, associate professor in Lipscomb’s pharmacy practice department. “Her leadership and innovative approach have not only impacted the patients she serves but have also paved the way for future pharmacy interns at CIHA. Chelsey’s work exemplifies the mission of Lipscomb University and the pharmacy profession.”
Sparks’s impact is evident in the outcomes of her projects, which include 100 canned items and 25 coats donated to local drives, 50 over-the-counter medicines collected for those in need, and a Christmas shop organized for a local homeless shelter. She also participated in a medical mission trip to Honduras, where she and her team served 500 patients, and coordinated relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Helene.
Looking ahead, Sparks plans to continue her work in public health, with aspirations to serve with IHS or other public health systems after graduation. She credits her experiences at Lipscomb and CIHA for shaping her passion for population health and her belief in the power of community-focused pharmacy practice.