Allen Tran has joined Lilian Allahverdian, Mary Deeman, and Amanda Tran on the Anteaters in Pharmacy board, helping to contribute to the alumni chapter’s mission of promoting mentorship, professional development, and connection for people throughout the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences community.
A 2015 graduate of the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, Tran went on to earn his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from UC San Francisco in 2019 and complete his PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara in 2020.
Where do you work? Tell us what a typical day in your shoes looks like.
“I work at Kaiser Permanente as a Drug Education Coordinator and Drug Use Manager, a role that combines clinical pharmacy, managed care pharmacy, and leadership. I love this job, as I am able to support our outpatient, inpatient, and ambulatory care pharmacy teams along with other healthcare professionals (including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, health educators, and more). My day-to-day varies — one minute I can be completing financial reports, then educating physicians regarding medication-related strategies, then holding an educational session with pharmacy residents and students, and then rounding with our pharmacy staff to provide clinical and operational support. It’s busy but fun, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”
What interests you the most about your current work? Are there any special projects you are working on?
“I love that each day is an adventure. Pharmacy is boundless in its potential, and this role is just one example of how someone can practice. Currently, my focus revolves around weight loss medications, the strategies an integrated health system must consider, and the creation of clinical services that involve their use. It is an exciting venture, as it utilizes my pharmacy experience and my learnings as a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist and Lifestyle Medicine Pharmacist.”
Who/what inspires you?
“Ms. Frizzle (from The Magic School Bus) and her motto: ‘Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!’. I encourage everyone to feel excited about their education and career, no matter where you are as a learner.”
If you could go back in time to your UCI days, what advice or lesson would you give yourself to prepare for the future?
“Have even MORE fun than you already are having. I loved my time at UCI, as it was a magical time when I was a pre-pharmacy student, a tutor, a student researcher, a leader, and a drummer, all at once! Opportunity is everywhere at UCI, and I am happy to have met so many wonderful friends and mentors along the way. I also would have encouraged younger me to utilize Google Calendar or another ‘centralized’ notetaking system. My backpack would have been much lighter without the numerous handwritten lists and half-used planner notebooks!”
Share a favorite UCI memory, person, place, or thing.
“I loved performing with UCI’s Japanese drumming ensemble: Jodaiko! I never could have imagined all the places it took me to perform, such as the San Jose Obon Festival, the 626 Night Market, and even the UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. I am thankful for the lifelong friendships I built and always look back at this time fondly.”
What is your message to current students?
“If there is something you have always wanted to do, like dancing, singing, or performing, give it a try! You never know where the journey will take you, but I’m sure it will be fun if you let yourself have fun.”
To learn more about Anteaters in Pharmacy and join the alumni chapter, visit pharmsci.uci.edu/alumni today.
