Back in high school, Jessica Murray received some advice that stuck with her: Find something you love learning about, and surround yourself with people who are just as passionate. It was a guiding light — one that eventually led her to the world of pharmacy and Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy in Nashville.
Discovering Her Path
While many students choose pharmacy for its clinical aspects, Jessica’s interest was a little different. What truly drew her in was the science behind how drugs are processed in the body — specifically, drug metabolism and toxicity. Pharmacy, she realized, would allow her to explore these areas through research while also gaining essential clinical knowledge.
By her fourth year of college, the decision became clear. She had been weighing the idea of pursuing a PhD, but when she discovered that some pharmacy programs offered a dual PharmD/PhD track, it felt like the best of both worlds. It wasn’t just about becoming a pharmacist — it was about becoming a scientist, too.
A Vision for the Future
Jessica sees herself working in pharmaceutical research, focusing on drug metabolism and toxicity, ideally within a drug company or a regulatory agency. Her goal isn’t just to understand how medications work — it’s to ensure they’re as safe and effective as possible.
Choosing the Right School
Finding the right pharmacy school took thoughtful planning. She spoke with advisors and professors, who introduced her to Lipscomb’s PharmD/PhD pathway. Hearing success stories of students who had gone on to PhD programs at Vanderbilt after graduating from Lipscomb gave her confidence in the choice.
The Lipscomb Experience
What Jessica values most about pharmacy school is the tight-knit community she’s found. Her classmates feel like a second family, and the professors have been instrumental not just in the classroom, but in shaping her professional journey. Their commitment to student success and willingness to mentor has helped her access research opportunities that align perfectly with her goals.
Advice for Future Pharmacists
For high schoolers considering a career in pharmacy, Jessica has some heartfelt advice: If your school has a pre-pharmacy or health careers club, join it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, teachers, or even local pharmacists to learn more about the field. When selecting classes, think ahead about college prerequisites. And most importantly, talk to professionals — understanding what a pharmacist really does can help you figure out if the role fits your vision for the future.
Jessica’s journey is a reminder that pharmacy isn’t just about counting pills or filling prescriptions — it’s also about curiosity, research, and making a lasting impact on people’s health through science.
Also Read : Pharmacogenomics: The Future of Personalized Medicine in Pharmacy
