- Hometown: Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Major: Pharm.D.
- Graduation Year: 2015
Why did you choose URI?
Before I started applying to pharmacy schools, I talked to my high school mentors about which pharmacy schools had a good reputation. URI always got great reviews. As cliché as it sounds, when I visited campus, it felt like I was meant to go to pharmacy school here. I got the best of both worlds in the sense that it had a big university feel as well as the small college feel within the College of Pharmacy.
Why did you choose the Pharm.D. program?
A big factor in choosing URI’s Pharm.D. program was because it is a 0-6 school. It was great to know that in 6 years, I would be coming out with a doctorate degree. A small number of 0-6 schools exist in the United States and I chose URI because of its amazing reputation, camaraderie, and passion to advance the pharmacy profession.
What made you decide to become a pharmacist?
I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field. When I started looking into pharmacy, I liked how many different tracks a pharmacist can take. A pharmacist can work in the community, in a hospital, run a clinic with a medical team, do research, become a professor, etc. The possibilities are endless and always changing. I like the flexibility and options for pharmacy.
What has been the best part of your studies in the College of Pharmacy?
By far, the best part of my studies in the College of Pharmacy is the camaraderie and support from my peers and mentors. Here, students aren’t competing with each other. If a friend is having trouble in class, we help and support them. We work together to help each other succeed.
What has been the best part of your entire URI experience?
I love the friendships I have formed at URI both within the College of Pharmacy and in the University community. There are so many groups on campus and there is something for everyone. I love volunteering and doing service. I got involved in the Clearinghouse for Volunteers, the main volunteer office on campus, which opened so many doors for me to do service and develop my leadership. I have interned, co-coordinated events, and led alternative spring break trips. All of this helped me form the amazing relationships I have today.
What do you consider the biggest strengths of your major or program?
There are so many strengths to the Pharm.D. program, it is hard to pick just one! We learn our core information in a unique way through an organ-based system. Each semester, we learn about a different system and become mini-specialists on diseases and medications affecting that system. Learning this way helped me retain the material in a coordinated way. Also a big strength is that our professors are great mentors and really try their best to help students succeed. They truly care and want us to be the best pharmacists possible.
What was your favorite experiential education placement so far?
All my experiential education placements have been enjoyable and great learning experiences. If I had to pick a favorite, my general medicine rotation with a faculty member was memorable. I was part of a medical team and worked with Brown University medical students and residents to manage patients while they were in the hospital. It is my favorite because it showed me the importance of pharmacists on a medical team. Also, the faculty member has become a great mentor to me.
What has surprised you most about URI?
I thought I would gain a Pharm.D. degree and walk away from URI with memories of long nights studying and occasional beach days. But URI has given me so much more. I found my passions for pharmacy and community service. I was really able to grow as an individual while surrounding myself with some of the most passionate and caring people I have ever met.