In high school, an aptitude test told Fairleigh Dickinson University alumna Priya Narang, PharmD, that she should pursue a career in pharmacy. So that’s exactly what she did.
Now, just over a year after graduating from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Dr. Narang has accepted a position as a pediatric clinical pharmacist at Johns Hopkins Hospital—ranked No. 3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
It feels unreal to be able to land a job there, especially as a new graduate, says Dr. Narang, who begins on August 6. Growing up, one of my family members was treated there and so the name Johns Hopkins has always kind of been one of awe.
A Full-Circle Moment
Dr. Narang was just six years old when a loved one was treated for an aggressive form of cancer at Johns Hopkins. Despite her young age, she vividly remembers being deeply impressed—not just by the hospital’s advanced care, but by the sense of trust and compassion it instilled in her family.
Everything came full circle when she began pursuing her PharmD at FDU.
The School of Pharmacy prepared me, Dr. Narang says, from career fairs to residency information sessions and networking with residents.
Paving the Way: First Residency with Atlantic Health System
After graduation, Dr. Narang became the first graduate from FDU’s School of Pharmacy to earn a one-year residency with Atlantic Health System (AHS).
After my first APPE (Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experience), which was in the ICU, I realized how much I loved being part of a multidisciplinary team, she says. Not only did I get to talk to patients and their families in real time, but also got to make decisions as part of a team, which helped me improve my critical thinking skills.
Dr. Dongmi Kim, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, recalls Dr. Narang’s passion for pharmacotherapy and her patient-first advocacy.
Priya’s passion for the study and the profession of pharmacy was noted in the classroom, says Kim. She was selflessly hardworking, pushing herself and others toward excellence in academics.
At AHS, Dr. Narang honed her clinical skills and gained a strong support system—laying the foundation for her next big step.
Stepping Into Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins
At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Narang will rotate across multiple pediatric specialties, including:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Hematology and Oncology
- General Pediatrics
- Pediatric ICU
Her passion for pediatric pharmacy began during a volunteer trip with Give Kids the World, a nonprofit that provides housing for families with critically ill children visiting Florida theme parks.
If it weren’t for FDU and the opportunity to volunteer with Give Kids the World, I never would’ve realized how special pediatric pharmacy is, says Dr. Narang. Pediatrics is a field where you can make a difference to a whole family.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Narang envisions one day working as a clinical coordinator, leveraging her master’s degree in health administration to achieve that goal.
In the meantime, she hopes to:
- Precept and instruct pharmacy students
- Obtain board certification
- Continue her volunteer work
Ultimately, my experiences at FDU made me realize that kids everywhere believe in magic and hope, she says. And if I can keep that magic and hope alive, I’ll feel like I made a difference.
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