Megan Nguyen, JCP 2024

Past President, Student Body Governance
Member – Rho Chi
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Council, American Pharmacist Association 

How has being involved in extra-curricular activities shaped your professional development? I’ve been involved with SBG for two years now and it has been extremely instrumental in broadening & developing my skills as a leader which has helped me to advocate for my peers as well as my profession. 

Evelyn Kim, JCP 2024

What experience have you had that has been most impactful?  I got to represent the college in a national patient counseling competition and from that I learned the importance of acquiring the skills to identify individual needs and patient-specific clinical pearls, to effectively communicate, and to address their concerns within the limited time frame. It was a very rewarding experience to enhance my communication skills as well as meet pharmacy students from across the nation.

Favorite Class

My favorite class is Clinical Diagnosis/Pharmacotherapy (Therapeutics) class as we learn to design patient-specific plan of care to effectively manage various disease states and to monitor patient safety. 

Sahani de Silva, JCP 2025

Key Rxperience: Pharmacy labs have been very impactful as they taught me how to interact with patients through simulated encounters. 

Tip: Try not to feel intimidated coming into pharmacy school. Yes, it is daunting but you are in this position, because you have already shown your capabilities. 

Favorite Course

Therapeutics. I like the direct application of concepts we learned in pharmacology and pathophysiology when selecting treatment options. 

Zach Balodis, JCP 2025

Member: American Pharmacist Association, Student Body Governance
Academy of Managed Care

Intern: Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals

Key Experience.  Patient experience is critical in implementing appropriate care, working at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals has emphasized this importance. 

Tip: Do not forget your roots as to how you got here. Make time to celebrate the little things. 

Favorite Course

Therapeutics. Optimizing patient outcomes through clinical decision-making is one of the most fulfilling aspect of pharmacy.

Kaylee Goodson, JCP 2025

Chair, Women’s Health Committee
Member, American Pharmacist Association

Intern, Jefferson Home Infusion
Intern, CVS Health

What extra-curricular activity have you been involved in and how has it impacted your view of courses or the profession? I am a part of of APhA and am currently the committee chair of women’s health. This has impacted my view of our profession because I realize there are so many ways that pharmacist, and pharmacy students can help to impact the health and wellbeing of the community.  

Tip: Do not sleep on the two-credit courses, they tend to be the hardest ones!

Favorite Course

My favorite class has been Pharmacy Calculations, because I think there is something calming about doing math problems. Most people do not feel the same, because it is a hard class.

Teague Smith, JCP 2025

President, Student Body Governance
Member: American Pharmacist Association, Industry Pharmacist Organization

Intern: Lehigh Valley Health Network
Intern: CVS Health

Why be involved in professional organizations or the student body? Being involved anywhere is so important. It helps you to build your own "brand" and build connections. In the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year I will be the Student Body Government (SBG) President. I joined to make an impact and so my classmates voices can be heard. I also wanted to bring students together and highlight the awesome peers we have at Jefferson. 

Tip:  Be true to yourself. You are here for a reason. You are supposed to be here, and it gets easier. Everyone messes up sometimes, but one bad exam will NOT ruin your grade. Lastly, enjoy your time here at Jefferson. 

Colleen Carrigan, JCP 2026

Member, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Industry Pharmacist Organization

Intern: Magee Rehab Hospital

Key Experience: My most impactful IPPE rotation was the first semester when I had the opportunity to work with the Family & Community Medicine medical students and pharmacy residents at the Thomas Jefferson University JeffHope Clinic. We got to interact with patients and counsel them on many OTC medications, while being able to shadow and learn from current residents.

Favorite Course

Pathophysiology. We get to learn in depth about so many diseases and infections, but the professors help make all of the information digestible. 

Mario Fanous, JCP 2026

As a first year student, I did not anticipate... The collaborative nature of the program. Pharmacy school can be demanding and rigorous, but the collaborative nature of the program fostered a supportive environment where we could learn from each other, share our experiences, and provide encouragement during challenging times. The friendships and professional connections I have formed during my first year have been invaluable and have enriched my overall learning experience.

My favorite first-year experience at Thomas Jefferson University's Doctor of Pharmacy program was my service learning IPPE at a homeless shelter. Working in an inter-professional environment with medical students, we provided healthcare services to underserved individuals. This experience taught me the value of collaboration, empathy, and addressing healthcare disparities. It was a transformative experience that will shape my approach to patient care in my pharmacy career.

Lauren Isaacs, JCP 2026

Chair, Class 2026
Member: Industry Pharmacist Organization
Asano Humanities

Intern: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Value of my internship: I learn just as much information on the job as I do in the classroom. Some examples include IV dosing, pharmacy calculations, proper aseptic technique, and troubleshooting any technological issues. HUP is a great place for curious and ambitious people, so I highly recommend applying to their intern program if you are interested.

Favorite Course

Medicinal Chemistry. I enjoy learning about drug structure, and I think it’s a very applicable class to my future. 

Emil Quartey, JCP 2026

What surprised you upon entering the program? As a first-year student, I did not anticipate that I would delve straight into the world of pharmacy in terms of direct learning and gaining experience in a pharmacy environment.

What was your favorite first year experience? Meeting people within the school of pharmacy and other disciplines. This resulted in friendships and relationships that transcend lecture room interactions.