When E. Michael Murphy was just 16, he started volunteering at a local hospital, helping patients by pushing their wheelchairs to the parking lot when they were ready to go home. At the same time, he was taking chemistry in high school and discovered a deep passion for it. Soon, he realized he could find a career that combined his two loves: caring for people and the science of chemistry.
Here’s our full interview with Michael about his journey:
When did you know you wanted to be a pharmacist?
I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist at 16, largely because of my grandfather. When he passed away in 2008, I learned more about his career as a community pharmacist in Cleveland, Ohio — nearly 50 years of serving his community. At his funeral, I saw how many lives he had touched, and it inspired me. I wanted to make a difference in my own community just like he did.
How did you decide which pharmacy school was right for you?
I’ve always been a Buckeye at heart. Ohio State University felt like home — it’s the heart of a city I love. With incredible opportunities at the Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Hospital, and faculty who are leaders in the profession, I knew OSU was the perfect fit for me.
What do you love most about pharmacy school?
The community. Being part of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has connected me with leaders across the country. Everyone brings something unique, and together, our collective voice makes us strong. That sense of belonging and support means the world to me.
Has anyone helped guide you to where you are now? How did they help?
No one achieves success alone. I owe so much to my mentors, family, and friends who have supported me and offered guidance. But the person who has helped me most is my wife, Robin. Her unwavering love and support have given me the confidence to dream big and reach for the stars.
What was the best advice you received in high school?
“Do the little things well and the big things will be easy.”
What advice would you give to someone in high school thinking about pharmacy?
You are brilliant and strong. The path to becoming a pharmacist might have challenges, but you will overcome them and come out stronger. Listen to your heart, find your true passion, and follow that inner voice. If you do, you will go on to make the lives around you happier and healthier.
Also Read : Pharmacogenomics: The Future of Personalized Medicine in Pharmacy
