Name: Lance Bui
Cohort: P1 [1st Year of the 3-Year PharmD Pathway]
Hometown: Tehachapi, California
Q. Are you currently employed? If yes, who is your employer and what is your position?
I serve as a Pharmacy Intern with Walmart Pharmacy and also serve as an Esports Strategy Analyst.
Q. Approximately how many hours per week are you able to work while attending the accelerated 3-Year PharmD pathway on campus?
On average about 10 hours per week.
Q. What is your educational background?
I completed by B.S in Molecular and Cell Developmental Biology from University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA).
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
An important aspect of my identity is my desire to support and care for those around me. Combined with my academic interest in the life sciences, particularly, pharmacology, this influenced me to pursue a career in pharmacy where I’m able to blend my academic strengths with my commitment to assisting others. Although I entered Pacific University’s program with little pharmacy experience, my cousin and family friends who work in this profession provided me with the support and confidence to choose this path.
Q. Why did you choose Pacific University School of Pharmacy?
I choose Pacific University School of Pharmacy’s 3-year accelerated pathway as it aligns with my current career goal of entering the workforce and jumpstarting my career as soon as possible. Additionally, my older sister is a Pacific University alumna and she highly recommended this institution. She encouraged me to apply and knew I would be a good fit for the community and the program.
Q. What has been your favorite experience so far as a pharmacy student?
It is difficult to pick one favorite experience; however, I would say I’m the type of person who enjoys challenges and being pushed out of my comfort zone. So, I appreciate how each day here poses a new obstacle to overcome and I love the process of gradual improvement and seeing myself evolve throughout my time here.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of pharmacy school?
Outside of pharmacy school I enjoy weight lifting, competing in video game tournaments, seeking out new experiences, and learning as many skills or party tricks. Right now, my current hyper fixation is rock climbing and juggling.
Q. What advice would you give to prospective or incoming pharmacy students?
My advice for incoming pharmacy students is to become comfortable with your cohort as they are essentially your second family during your time here. Everyone is struggling together; so, it’s important to support your peers and likewise they will help you. The 3-year pathway may feel overwhelming at first, but once you find which study method and time management tools work best for you, the program becomes more manageable.
Q. Looking ahead, what career goals or interests are you considering after graduation?
Coming into pharmacy school I was leaning towards a career in retail pharmacy because I enjoy serving the community and being an accessible point of care for my town. After learning more information about residencies, I’m considering completing a PGY1 and hopefully working in an ambulatory care setting.