2017 Future Pharmacist of the Year Finalists

2017 Future Pharmacist of the Year Finalists

Joe Cusimano, BS

Pharmacy Student

The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy

Columbus, Ohio

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

The human lives that I improve and save are my greatest achievements. I am also proud of cofounding the Ohio State University (OSU) chapter of the College of Psychiatric & Neurologic Pharmacists, collaborating with OSU Harding Hospital to eliminate stigma, and inspiring colleagues to pursue careers as neuropsychiatric pharmacists.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

I adore biochemistry and am enamored by the beautiful, complex chaos of our cells. I entered this profession because I want to be a conduit, channeling humanity’s knowledge of the atomic universe into the power to heal people.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

I believe in freely offering over-the-counter kindness; empathy is a potent medicine. Chemistry and compassion can heal hearts, bodies, and minds. My job is to fundamentally better the human condition.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

We must strive to define pharmacists as clinician-scientists. Clinical pharmaceutical scientists will herald the era of personalized medicine as leaders in clinical pharmacogenomics in the community. Neuropsychiatric pharmacists will be the most accessible neuropsychopharmacology experts available to all patients suffering from nervous system disorders.

Kim Tho Nguyen, BS

Pharmacy Student (class of 2018)

Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy

Claremont, California

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

My greatest achievement in pharmacy school was having the fortunate opportunity to have a wide range of mentors—research, academic, clinical practice, community service, life, etc. My mentors have all shaped and influenced the person I am today. Without them, none of my accomplishments would have been possible. Working alongside my mentors, I helped to develop and implement PharmCAMP, a student engagement program that exposes primary and secondary school students from underserved communities to careers in pharmacy.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

My interest in oncology and pharmacogenomics influenced my decision to pursue a PharmD. Pharmacology was also my favorite topic during my undergraduate studies.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

Never give up, and always be proactive, productive, and passionate about everything you do.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

Together in the profession, we must promote innovative science and practice protocols as a means of ensuring the continuous recognition and development of the pharmacy practice as a research-oriented and evidence-driven profession. Pharmacists are innovative leaders in education, research, and service, committed to the advancement of our profession, our partners, and our patients’ health.

Kristy Thi Nguyen, PharmD, MBA

Pharmacy School Graduate

Oregon Health & Science University College of Pharmacy

Corvallis, Oregon

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

My greatest achievement in pharmacy was my dedicated work to promote pharmacist and student pharmacist involvement in mental health, particularly in suicidality and suicide prevention. With the implementation of appropriate education and training programs, pharmacists can play a vital role in providing counseling services and pharmaceutical care to at-risk patients.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

As a first-generation Vietnamese American, I was inspired by my parents’ journey from Vietnam to the States in search of a brighter future to pursue a career in which I can do the same. I entered the pharmacy profession because the field allows me ample opportunity to be a change agent on behalf of my family, my patients, my community, and our bright future.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

My personal philosophy is to continuously pursue a brighter future by living and working with passion, welcoming lifelong learning and professional growth, and being dedicated to public service and community engagement.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

Today, pharmacists are diligently working to further pharmacist-driven value and be recognized as health care team members. With new and unexplored ventures revealing themselves, there will be an expansion of responsibilities for pharmacists to take on to find the next forefront of innovation for evolving the practice. The role will be reimagined and revolutionized, and pharmacists will become fully accountable interventionists to support improved medication safety and enhanced service coverage.