UCI Alumna Joanna Park Completes Pharmaceutical Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Joins UCI PharmD Class of 2025 

UC Irvine’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is a four-year professional degree program that prepares graduates to be practice-ready pharmacists who are problem solvers, independent lifelong learners, team players, and leaders who will drive transformative changes in the healthcare system. 

The curriculum is taught by faculty from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice and delivered using innovative instructional methods and applying evidence-based practices.

Joanna Park ’19 completed her undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences at UCI and shares her experiences thus far in UCI’s PharmD program.

Q: What year are you in the PharmD program at UCI? 

I am currently a second-year student-pharmacist in the UCI PharmD program.

Q: Why did you choose to stay at UCI to pursue your Doctorate of Pharmacy degree? 

I received my undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences at UCI and I was able to experience first-hand how beneficial the program was. When I found out UCI started a PharmD program, I had no hesitation in applying right away. 

I was confident this program would be exceptional and would provide an education that would prepare me to become a competent pharmacist in the future. Additionally, the program’s mission of serving under-represented populations and advancing health equity aligns with my future goals.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the PharmD program thus far? 

I really enjoy the interprofessional courses I have been taking over the past two years. These classes have allowed me to broaden my perspective in the pharmacy field and to better understand how pharmacists can create positive impacts on different populations, particularly vulnerable populations. 

My courses also showed me the importance of different healthcare professionals working and communicating together to provide proper and better care to the patient. Pharmacists play an integral role in a patient’s healthcare team. 

I also really appreciate all the great friendships I have made thus far. Having a small class size has allowed me to have a great support system among my peers along with the UCI PharmD staff and faculty who are always looking out for all the students. 

Q: How has your experience in the PharmD program at UCI contributed to your growth? 

My experiences during the UCI PharmD program have allowed me to grow both mentally and educationally. The courses I have taken so far have given me the opportunity to look deeper into the role of a pharmacist and the many different roles a pharmacist can take on. 

Coming into pharmacy school, I felt that I was shy and not confident in my choices; however, during my time here in the program, I have gained much more confidence. This has helped me build many professional relationships with people around me and with new people I meet.  

Q: What do you hope to do after earning your PharmD?

After earning my PharmD, I hope to work as a pharmacist in an underserved community to provide better access to people who rely on medications to manage their conditions. I want to be able to develop a strong relationship with my community and give back by caring for the health of the community and by helping to create better health outcomes for medically vulnerable populations.

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Learn more about UCI’s PharmD program by clicking here.