Name: John Cha
Cohort: P1-B [The 2nd Year of the 5-Year PharmD Pathway]
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Q. Are you currently employed? If yes, where do you work and what is your position?
Yes, I work as a pharmacy intern at Oregon Health & Science University - Hillsboro Medical Center.
Q. Approximately how many hours per week are you able to work while attending the 5-Year PharmD pathway on campus?
I work roughly 30 hours per week.
Q. What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor's degree in General Science and a Minor in Chemistry and a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Science Drug Development.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
Before enrolling at PUSOP and during my first year in the program, I worked full-time (40 hours per week) as an R&D Scientist, developing liquid mass spectrometry methods and assays to detect hormone biomarkers in saliva, blood plasma, and dried blood spots. Although the pay and position were great, I determined that, for the long term, I would strategically invest in a professional degree to gain the expertise required for leadership roles, clinical research, and advanced patient care settings.
Q. Why did you choose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ School of Pharmacy?
The flexible 5-year pathway allows me to balance my academic pursuits with my ongoing professional responsibilities and existing financial obligations.
Q. What has been your favorite experience so far as a pharmacy student?
The camaraderie of our cohort.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of pharmacy school?
Eating out and trying new cafe shops with my wife.
Q. What advice would you give to prospective or incoming pharmacy students?
Be PATIENT with yourself.
Q. Looking ahead, what career goals or interests are you considering after graduation?
I hope to work in an in-patient or ambulatory care pharmacy setting. Remote would be great!
-Written by:
Brandon Nuziale, PharmD, RPh, BCACP | Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Associate Professor | School of Pharmacy