Name: Katy Christal
Cohort: P1-B [The 2nd Year of the 5-Year PharmD/Master's of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway]
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Q. Are you currently employed? If yes, where do you work and what is your position?
Yes! I have worked for Legacy Health for the past seven years. I currently serve as a Clinic Medication Technician across two outpatient sites: Family Medicine and Internal Medicine.
Q. Approximately how many hours per week are you able to work while attending the 5-Year PharmD pathway on campus?
I work 40 hours/week.
Q. What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Washington State University-Vancouver.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
I pursued a career in pharmacy because I’ve always loved the combination of science, problem-solving, and patient care. Working for over a decade as a pharmacy technician, including through the pandemic, showed me the impact pharmacists make and inspired me to take the next step in my career and advance beyond the technician role. Returning to pharmacy school has strengthened my interest in research and infectious disease and confirmed that this is the right path for me.
Q. Why did you choose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ School of Pharmacy?
I have had the opportunity to work closely with Pacific students throughout my years as a Certified Pharmacy Tech. Their clinical preparation and professionalism stood out, and I knew that if I ever returned to school to pursue my PharmD, this was the program I wanted to be part of. °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ was my first and only choice.
Q. What has been your favorite experience so far as a pharmacy student?
The learning process itself. I feel genuinely supported by the faculty, who are committed to helping us succeed, and I’ve met many wonderful mentors who have encouraged my growth and helped shape my future career goals. Being part of an educational community that invests so strongly in its students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of pharmacy school?
Spending time with friends playing RPG games, practicing copperplate calligraphy, cooking, and traveling whenever I can. Exploring new places and cultures is one of my favorite ways to recharge and stay inspired.
Q. What advice would you give to prospective or incoming pharmacy students?
Pharmacy school is very challenging. It may be one of the most demanding academic experiences you take on, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset. Stay organized, ask for help early, lean on your support system, and trust that the hard work truly pays off. You grow more than you expect, both personally and professionally, and the journey is worth it.
Q. Looking ahead, what career goals or interests are you considering after graduation?
After pharmacy school, I hope to pursue a non-traditional career path in industry or infectious disease/public health. I’m particularly interested in roles involving pharmacovigilance, drug safety, and drug development, where I can contribute to improving patient outcomes on a broader scale.
-Written by
Brandon Nuziale, PharmD, RPh, BCACP | Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Associate Professor | School of Pharmacy