Ole Miss Pharmacy Student Elected to Global ISPOR Network

“I found exactly what I wanted in the pharmacy administration program,” said Leong, who is entering her fourth year of doctoral study and expects to graduate in the summer of 2027. “The faculty are outstanding and committed to our success. The School of Pharmacy has given me a valuable educational experience.”

Leong, who serves as president of the ISPOR Student Chapter at Ole Miss, has been elected chair of the ISPOR Global Student Network. The organization connects nearly 150 student chapters and more than 2,000 members worldwide and connects students and professionals studying how health care decisions are made, evaluated and paid for.

The organization hosts student-centered educational and networking events during conferences, publishes newsletters that highlight the growth of student chapters, and offers other events guided by the results from annual student survey. The network is also planning to host research showcases designed to link chapters across countries, using webinars so students can present their work to an international audience.

The Ole Miss chapter counts about 20 members, and meets several times a year for educational events, professional development workshops, and collaborations with other chapters.

Leong’s path through the organization has been a steady climb. She served as secretary of the Ole Miss chapter during her first year in graduate school, then moved into a co-chair role in the global student network overseeing events the following year. Last year, she served as chair-elect of the global student network before stepping into the chair position in July.

“One of my responsibilities as chair is to support students as they prepare for their future careers,” Leong said. “We focus on collaboration, education and professional development, aimed at helping students build diverse skill sets in health economics and health outcomes research.”

The ISPOR Global Student Network runs a wide slate of programming, including hosting international conferences and bringing government and industry panelists together to discuss pressing issues in health economics and health policy. Last year, the group partnered with the ISPOR New Professional committee to help students strengthen soft skills using artificial intelligence.

The network also produces a newsletter highlighting individual chapters and members. Students may submit articles for the organization’s magazine, Value & Outcomes Spotlight, giving chapters around the world a chance to be seen by their global peers.

Looking ahead, Leong is weighing a career in health policy, at a pharmaceutical company, at a health policy institute or with a policy nonprofit organization.

“I’m excited about helping students and student chapters around the world connect with one another,” Leong said. “This organization offers valuable opportunities to build professional skills and expand our professional networks regionally, nationally and internationally.”