Name: Brandon San
Cohort: P2 [2nd Year of the 3-Year PharmD Pathway]
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Q. What is your educational background?
Bachelors of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Master of Business Administration.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I was drawn to pharmacy because it offers a sustainable work-life balance while maintaining a meaningful connection to patient care. My inspiration solidified when I met a pharmacist at a tech company who used their clinical expertise to guide employees in selecting optimal health plans. By analyzing factors unique to each patient, like provider access, network availability, and medication costs, they demonstrated that a pharmacist’s value extends far beyond the counter. This experience opened my eyes to the unique, data-driven ways pharmacists can improve healthcare access and outcomes in non-traditional settings.
Q. Why did you choose Pacific University School of Pharmacy?
The approachable faculty, strong mentorship, and innovative experiences, such as recently completing an industry Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) rotation with a pharmaceutical company to gain valuable experience before heading into Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).
Q. What has been your favorite experience so far as a pharmacy student?
Being selected as an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Aspiring Academic and continuing to work closely with the outstanding faculty here at Pacific, and exploring the possibilities of academia! Also competing with my friends in the Gilead Pharma Case Competition!
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of pharmacy school?
Going on food adventures in Portland, pickleball, traveling, and getting a cup of matcha!
Q. What advice would you give to prospective or incoming pharmacy students?
The scope of a pharmacist's role is truly endless as it extends far beyond the traditional community or hospital setting. Explore and network! Pharmacists are working in spaces you might never even think of, such as data science, clinical informatics, managed care, and global health. Don't limit your vision; look outside of the Community and Health System, and you'll be surprised by the impact you can have in fields like industry, technology, and health policy.
Q. Looking ahead, what career goals or interests are you considering after graduation?
After pharmacy school, I hope to leverage my skills to translate complex data into meaningful, actionable insights to advance population health, lead with compassion, and innovate with intention. I want to develop scalable innovations and use clinical informatics to drive equitable, patient-centered outcomes, whether it be in Managed Care, Pharma, or as a faculty member where I can teach, mentor, and conduct research!