Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

More than 360 students graduated from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) this year. These individuals have conquered academic challenges and nurtured a broad range of interests, paving diverse paths for themselves. While each is unique, they all possess the requisite skills to excel in a dynamic world. Here are thoughts from some students graduating in 2024.

**Doctor of Pharmacy**

**What is your next step after graduation?**

"I am thrilled to announce that I have been matched with Healthfirst as the PGY-1 Managed Care Pharmacy Resident for 2024–25. I am eager to contribute to Healthfirst’s mission of improving health service outcomes and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a talented team and collaborate to achieve amazing goals."

**How did your affiliation with St. John’s help enter the workforce after graduation?**

"Being affiliated with St. John’s University has been instrumental in opening doors for me regarding networks, connections, and communication skills. The pharmacy program at St. John's stands strong on professionalism, a characteristic that I carried with me to every interview and professional interaction. This enhanced my confidence and also helped me make a strong impression in various professional settings. The network and connections I gained through St. John's have been invaluable in my career journey, allowing me to navigate the pharmacy field with a solid foundation."

**How did St. John’s prepare you with the skills you need for your chosen field?**

"St. John’s University prepared me exceptionally well for a role in managed care by exposing me to the stark realities faced by many individuals, including those uninsured, unhoused, and grappling with financial and physical challenges. One significant aspect was the opportunity to work at rotation sites like Project Renewal, where I had the chance to assist the underserved."

**Why did you choose a career path in pharmacy?**

"I chose pharmacy as my profession because I see it as a crucial bridge between a physician’s diagnosis and the patient receiving necessary medication. Being able to directly impact patient care by ensuring safe and effective medication use is incredibly fulfilling. It’s about translating medical knowledge into practical solutions that improve patients’ health outcomes and well-being."

**Do you participate in service activities?**

"I participated in the Urban Institute’s Equity Scholars Program. In April 2024, we focused on preparing food and personal care items for Midnight Run."

**Was there a specific professor at St. John’s who inspired you?**

"Tina J. Kanmaz ’93P, ’95Pharm.D., Associate Clinical Professor and Chair of Department of Pharmacy Practice inspired me greatly because she embodies the true essence of an educator."

**B.S.in Biomedical Sciences ROTC Cadet**

**What is your next step after graduation?**

"I will be a student in the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Professional Nursing degree program."

**How did your affiliation with St.John's help you with your admission to grad school for nursing?**

"Being a member of honor societies such as President's Society positively impacted my ability to apply prestigious universities."

**How did St.John's prepare you with skills needed successful career nursing?**

"St.John's University gave skills thrive any environment helpful nursing developed soft more technical thanks variety courses taken professors internship experiences overall acquired network individuals guided helped develop chosen career anesthesia"

**Why choose B.S.Biomedical Sciences from St.John's University initially drawn amazing accomplished Reserve Officer Training Corps(ROTC) program started journey appreciate diversity commitment student success**

**Did participate clubs organizations heavily involved campus several organizations helped Athletics Department made calls during phonathon Student Ambassador member President Society highest honor society Catholic Relief Services Project Sunshine R.I.S.E Network UNICEF**

**Have done internships residencies interned several organizations including Summer Health Professions Education Program Rutgers New Jersey Medical School MLMIC Insurance Company Partnership End Addiction Laudato Si Policy Weill Cornell Medicine**

**Was specific professor inspired Konrad T.Tuchscherer Ph D Associate Professor Department History Director External Scholarships Fellowships amazing professor mentor individual assisted every step journey graduate school internship opportunities scholarship awards hope knowledgeable influential many other students Doctor Pharmacy What next step after graduation PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident NYU Langone Health Tisch Hospital Helen L Martin S Kimmel Pavilion Manhattan NY How affiliation enter workforce fruitful learning experiences cocurricular events introduced various specialties College Alumni Mentoring Program connected alumni navigate residency process Why choose career desire part direct patient care work collaboratively interprofessional team understand rationale surrounding medication use improve outcomes optimized regimens personal medical experiences rotations high-acuity settings solidified passion pursuing residency Have done internships worked intern Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Cureatr currently pharmacology tutor nursing program SUNY Morrisville What drew dedication service excellence aligned professional personal goals Serving less fortunate played key role education upbringing wanted attend university embraced same values offering rigorous academic opportunities growth addition proximity Manhattan allowed ample pursue clinical rotations leading institutions York City Did anyone family attend father earned M B A Peter J Tobin Business brother graduated Radiologic Sciences native resident Queens household name since young Relatives spoke fondly quality education athletics camaraderie among students Did participate clubs served President Congress Rho Chi Honor Society Student Pediatric executive board positions within Student Clinical OTC Medication Safety Chair American Pharmacists Association Academy Peer Mentorship growing Peer Mentee serving Mentor Outside active Hellenic Society President 2021 How prepare successful didactic courses provided crucial knowledge pathophysiology pharmacology medicinal chemistry therapeutics disease states enhanced case studies drug-induced collaborated discussing developing plans labs information literature hone multiple practical counseling compounding research foundation Advanced Experiences APPE focused practical application-based learning