Laura Nguyen, PharmD ’22, has found her calling as an emergency medicine pharmacist, following a journey that began with her grandmother’s struggle to manage medications.
Nguyen’s interest in pharmacy was sparked by personal experience. Growing up, she observed the challenges her grandmother faced with medication management and health literacy. Watching how pharmacists played a key role in improving her grandmother’s health ignited Nguyen’s passion for the field.
“I witnessed the profound impact of pharmacists on patient outcomes through my grandma,” Nguyen said. “It became clear early on that pharmacy was the ideal profession to fulfill this passion to help my family members and the community around me.”
Nguyen pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2018. She then enrolled at PCOM School of Pharmacy, drawn by its proximity to home and the strong sense of community the school offered.
“I knew that being close to family, friends, and my significant other would provide invaluable support throughout the rigorous demands of a professional graduate program,” Nguyen said. “In addition, I felt that PCOM School of Pharmacy was a close-knit community that fostered a collaborative learning environment, providing valuable mentorship and guidance.”
At PCOM School of Pharmacy, Nguyen discovered her passion for emergency medicine pharmacy during a clinical rotation in the field. The fast-paced, team-oriented environment proved to be an ideal fit for her.
“The opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to care for a variety of patients and the ability to see the immediate impact of my interventions and contribute to patient outcomes is very rewarding,” she said.
After completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2022, Nguyen pursued additional training, completing a Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY-2) residency in emergency medicine. Today, she plays a vital role in trauma care, working alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide critical care in emergency settings.
According to Nguyen, her favorite aspect of the job is the opportunity to work side-by-side with other healthcare professionals, learn from their expertise, and contribute to a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
Nguyen credits her time at PCOM with preparing her for the challenges of her current role. The mentorship and guidance she received from faculty, many of whom are practicing pharmacists, helped her develop the skills she uses every day.
“I valued the personalized mentorship and guidance from faculty members who were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about pharmacy practice,” Nguyen said. “The diverse experiential learning opportunities also allowed me to explore various areas of pharmacy, helping me solidify my career goals.”
For those considering a career in pharmacy, Nguyen said it is important to keep in mind that pharmacy offers many career paths, some of which might not be immediately apparent.
“Maximize the opportunities when given, and explore and gain knowledge in the different areas of pharmacy,” she advised. “This versatility will position you for success in any chosen field.”
And most importantly, she added, be intentional with your goals.
“Clearly define your career aspirations and how a career in pharmacy aligns with them,” Nguyen said. “Whether you are drawn to clinical practice, community pharmacy, industry, or research, having a clear vision will guide your academic, professional, and personal pursuits.”
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