Past Student Perspectives

Meet some of the students from previous years in the PharmD degree program.

Chris, Class of 2016

Chris credits his grandparents, girlfriend, and classmates in providing him support and sanity through UCSF’s rigorous doctor of pharmacy curriculum.

Sarah, Class of 2017

Seeing how Project Healthy Heart promoted the services her papa had received, Sarah feels a strong connection to give back.

Timothy, Class of 2015

I will help my patients understand how to use their medications safely and help them create a world where they can find peace, love, and joy.

Maria, Class of 2014

We must never forget to remember where we come from and to give back to our communities.

Kanizeh, Class of 2014

From the moment I walked into the pharmacy school on the day of my interview I knew this was the place where I could become the best possible pharmacist for my patients.

Francisco, Class of 2014

My classmates share my struggles and my joys and knowing that we are all in this together is what keeps me working hard.

Diana, Class of 2014

My classmates come from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences, which really enhances my learning because I get to see so many different perspectives.

Tina, Class of 2013

My advice is to take on a challenge you think is too big and when you make a mistake—and you will make mistakes—people will see you are trying to learn.

Dennis, Class of 2014

I appreciate how a pharmacist needs to maneuver in so many different ways to arrive at a solution for a patient.

Asma, Class of 2011

Pharmacy is an opportunity to embody my faith on a day-to-day basis … in a way, it’s prayer through action.

Isabel, Class of 2012

It was truly a rewarding experience to be able to use the knowledge that I have gained in pharmacy school to help people solve their problems.

Monica, Class of 2010

Whenever I’m interacting with a patient, that’s when I know I belong in this profession.

Patrick, Class of 2012

I respect just how much the role of a pharmacist depends on establishing relationships with others and understanding their challenges when it comes to maintaining health.

Richard, Class of 2012

Even with the year and a half of school I’ve had so far, I’ve been able to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

Thomas, Class of 2010

UCSF is an environment that supports its students no matter who you are and what struggles you face—they will help you achieve what you want to achieve.

Ashish, Class of 2009

The way I see it, you go to the doctor’s office for 15 or 20 minutes, but you go on medication for life.

Maha, Class of 2009

I was very fortunate to experience life outside the United States, which made me aware of people who are struggling . . . and do not have the most basic things we take for granted here.

Manuel, Class of 2008

I would like to help people who are disenfranchised, particularly the Spanish-speaking community.

Nicole, Class of 2009

I want to be able to bring what I learn back to Fresno … there is such a need for healthcare professionals in the Central Valley.

Nony, Class of 2008

Pharmacy allows me to apply my love of economics and skill as a pharmacist to serve diverse, underserved communities.

Paul, Class of 2009

I wanted to make more of a contribution given what I had learned through my experiences in life.

Shannon, Class of 2009

As the only person in my pharmacy who could speak Spanish, the patients would pour their hearts out to me.

Sophia, Class of 2010

In Islam, you always have to keep in mind that you need to give back to humankind. If you were given the resources, it’s your responsibility to help out.

Image credits: Shirin Houshangi, Joel W. Gonzales

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