Pursuing a PharmD is more than just a career choice—it’s a commitment to directly impacting lives. For Angela Chu, the turning point came not in a lecture hall, but during powerful face-to-face interactions with patients. Here’s her story of growth and discovery in the field of pharmacy.
When Did You Know You Wanted to Be a Pharmacist?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure until midway through pharmacy school. That changed when I began seeing patients. Making clinical recommendations, educating providers—suddenly, everything from the classroom felt purposeful. During my final-year rotations, preceptors gave me the confidence to work independently with patients. It was intimidating but transformative. I saw how pharmacists notice important details others might miss. And when I didn’t know something, it pushed me to learn more—a defining trait of pharmacists who provide direct patient care.
What Kind of Pharmacist Do You Aspire to Be?
I hope to become a faculty member practicing in an intensive care unit after completing a PGY-2 residency. I love mentoring students and helping them grow into independent practitioners while staying active in acute care. That balance of teaching and clinical work is what drives me. If you’re exploring paths, here’s a helpful resource outlining various career options after a PharmD.
How Did You Choose the Right Pharmacy School?
I considered the school’s reputation, whether it was a direct admit or 0–6 program, class size, and location. Most of all, I wanted professors who truly cared about students. My college had over 125 years of experience in pharmacy education and a large alumni network, which made me confident in their structure and support. You can find a list of accredited pharmacy programs here.
Mentors Who Helped Shape My Journey
Mentorship has played a crucial role in my development. From older students to professors and pharmacists in the field, their guidance helped me navigate everything—from the residency match to preparing a teaching portfolio. One mentor in academia has been particularly influential, opening doors for national-level teaching opportunities. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a valuable article on the importance of mentorship in pharmacy education.
What Did You Love Most About Pharmacy School?
Having all my friends in one place. Life changes quickly after graduation, so those moments—group studies, spontaneous hangouts, shared struggles—are what I cherish most. Build those memories while you can.
Collaboration Is Key
Whether it was official group projects or informal study sessions, collaboration was a constant. We’d debrief after cases over coffee, send tricky questions to each other, and lean on one another during tough exams. That team-based mindset carries directly into our professional roles today.
When You’re Not Studying…
Make time for what makes you, you. Pharmacy school is intense, so I prioritized activities I enjoyed—volunteering, running, weekend breaks. I always took Saturdays off from schoolwork to rest, recharge, and live outside my academic identity.
Best Advice I Got in High School
“You never want to be the smartest person in the room.” It’s a humbling lesson. Surrounded by bright minds, it’s easy to feel outmatched. But that’s exactly where growth happens. Don’t isolate yourself—ask questions, lean on your peers, and embrace the learning curve.
Advice for High Schoolers Considering Pharmacy
Shadow different pharmacists to understand what pharmacy really looks like. Most people assume it’s just counting pills at retail counters—but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Pharmacists work in hospitals, research, industry, ambulatory care, government, and academia. We’re often vital members of the care team and even operate independently in many clinical roles. The truth is, most pharmacists would be thrilled to talk with someone interested in the field. So go ahead—reach out and explore before you commit.
Also Read : Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 2024
