Since graduating from PCOM School of Pharmacy in 2021, Nakoasha R. Graham, PharmD, MPH, has demonstrated a passion for patient care and a drive to impact the healthcare industry.
After graduation, Graham was accepted into the residency program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) as a community-based pharmacy resident.
“UNC School of Pharmacy offers a range of sites within their program, and my placement was particularly notable as I was the first community resident to be based directly within the hospital setting,” she said.
The unique position provided Graham with a broad array of experiences and allowed her to develop expertise in areas including outpatient pharmacy, transition of care, specialty pharmacy, and hospital administration.
A residency, Graham added, can offer significant advantages to pharmacists even if they are pursuing pathways that do not require a residency or fellowship.
“They provide intensive, hands-on training in various practice settings, allowing pharmacists to deepen their clinical expertise and enhance their patient care skills,” she explained. “Additionally, these programs offer valuable opportunities to build professional relationships with mentors, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals, which can be instrumental for career development and advancement.”
Graham completed her residency in 2022. By mid-2023, she was working as an HIV Clinical Pharmacist at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) providing critical care to more than 5,000 patients across multiple clinics in Atlanta. In her role, she led the development of clinical workflows for managed care, prior authorizations, and collaborative practices, enhancing patient outcomes across a range of complex conditions, including HIV/HCV, infectious diseases, pulmonary, and metabolic disorders.
Now Graham is actively pursuing a career transition into the pharmaceutical industry, where she hopes to leverage her clinical experience to advance innovative drug therapies.
“I am particularly interested in roles that will allow me to apply my background in patient care and clinical practices to advance pharmaceutical research, enhance medication management, and support the overall goals of improving patient outcomes within the industry,” Graham said.
From her first visit to the PCOM Georgia campus—where PCOM School of Pharmacy is located—Graham knew she had found her academic home.
“The atmosphere was incredibly warm and inviting, creating an environment where I felt instantly comfortable,” she said.
According to Graham, the genuine, conversational approach of the faculty during her interview felt more like an engaging discussion than a formal process. A campus tour further reinforced her decision to enroll.
“As I explored the facilities and interacted with the staff, it became clear that PCOM was not just a place of academic pursuit, but a community where I could truly thrive and grow,” she said. “This combination of a supportive environment and a strong sense of fit convinced me that PCOM was the perfect place for me to pursue my pharmacy education.”
Reflecting on her time at PCOM School of Pharmacy, Graham emphasized how the school played a crucial role in building her confidence and honing the skills needed to succeed in pharmacy. Her involvement as chair of the Student Organization Council, vice president of the Student Council, and regent of Kappa Psi helped her develop leadership skills, while research projects, co-authorship of articles, and challenging APPE rotations equipped her with the knowledge and confidence needed for her career.
“These experiences not only enhanced my pharmacy knowledge but also contributed to my development as a well-rounded pharmacist and individual,” Graham said.
Her journey from pharmacy school to clinical practice and her aspirations in the pharmaceutical industry show the impact that dedication, passion, and a strong educational foundation can have in shaping a successful career in pharmacy.
To current pharmacy students, Graham offers the following advice: “Stay dedicated to your education and embrace every opportunity for growth and learning. The path you’ve chosen may be challenging, but it is immensely rewarding when fueled by a strong commitment to serving others and advocating for their needs.”
© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine