Meet Orhan Khalilpour, a dedicated fourth-year pharmacy student at West Coast University in Los Angeles. Coming from a strong family background in healthcare, Orhan has always been passionate about medicine, wellness, and helping others. Inspired by his mentors, family members, and fiancée — who is also a medical provider — Orhan’s journey into pharmacy has been filled with perseverance, commitment, and a deep sense of purpose.
Why Pharmacy? A Calling Rooted in Family
“My family has always been involved in healthcare,” Orhan shares. “That naturally sparked my interest in medicine, especially the power of medications to save and improve lives.” He was drawn to pharmacy for its critical role in disease prevention and treatment. Witnessing the global importance of medications and vaccines during the pandemic only strengthened his conviction that being a pharmacist means being on the frontlines of healthcare.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
Orhan’s path was anything but easy. Originally from another country, he arrived in the U.S. eight years ago and began pursuing his dream shortly after. “English was my second language — and medical terminology felt like a third!” he laughs. Initially accepted into an out-of-state pharmacy program, Orhan chose to return to California to be closer to his family. “Family support is everything, especially when facing the pressures of a demanding academic program,” he says. The transition wasn’t simple — it meant restarting the application process — but it proved to be the right move for his mental and emotional well-being.
Choosing the Right School: West Coast University
Orhan chose West Coast University for its proximity to his loved ones and its focus on practical learning. “In a city like Los Angeles, long commutes are draining. I needed to prioritize time and health. Pharmacy school requires you to manage every hour wisely,” he notes.
Mentorship and Support
Strong mentorship has guided Orhan throughout his academic life. “I’ve been lucky to meet incredible pharmacists involved in inpatient care and research. That’s the path I want to follow.” His fiancée, a medical professional, has also been a steady source of motivation. Together, they share a vision of being part of a healthcare team that makes a real difference.
The Challenges of Pharmacy School
“Time management — that’s the toughest part,” he admits. “It’s not about how hard the material is. It’s the sheer volume. You have to retain and apply a massive amount of information in a short time.” Adapting to different teaching methods and systems was also a learning curve.
Advice for Aspiring Pharmacy Students
Orhan offers some valuable tips:
- “Be organized. Time management is non-negotiable.”
- “Before taking out loans or committing to years of study, be sure this is the right path.”
- “Shadow professionals in different pharmacy settings — community, hospital, research — to understand what the job truly involves.”
- “Pharmacy is much more than it seems. It’s a career with real responsibility.”
A Future Built on Compassion and Knowledge
Orhan Khalilpour’s story is a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and heart it takes to join the pharmacy profession. Guided by family legacy and personal ambition, he’s ready to take on the ever-evolving world of healthcare.
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