PharmD Graduate Spotlight: Jeffrey A. Asman
In preparation for the College of Pharmacy’s Virtual Convocation 2020 we’re highlighting a few of our many extraordinary graduates.
Jeffrey Asman returned to college at age 50 with a dream of working in healthcare. In a few days, at the age of 57, he’ll graduate with his PharmD. We asked him about his experience in pharmacy school, as well as some advice for future students who are thinking about going back to school. Take a look!
Name: Jeffrey A. Asman
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Program: PharmD
Q: What inspired you to pursue your PharmD?
A: I always wanted to be a physician, but coming to it as a second career later in life would have taken too much time. A doctorate of pharmacy seemed like a good compromise, 6+ years back in school instead of 10 or more.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: After licensure, I’ll be pursuing a position in community pharmacy to start and would like to work towards a career either in long term care or ambulatory care, as I enjoy the patient interaction.
Q: What emotions are you feeling now that you’re getting close to completing your program?
A: I think the question should be what emotion am I not feeling right now? This has been a very long time coming for me. My first time in college was 1981-84. I didn’t quite graduate as I started a business which was my first career, however I am looking forward to getting back to work and back to a more normal life.
Q: What is your favorite memory from school? 
A: Being elected class representative for three years, and getting to know a lot of people because of it.
Q: Do you have any words of advice for students who may be thinking about pursuing their PharmD?
A:
- Explore the different pharmacy practice settings as much as you can before starting pharmacy school. For example, shadow current pharmacists, ask your advisors questions, and reach out to pre-pharmacy clubs. Even though you can switch back and forth between different career paths, its best to have some idea of where you want to end up so you can shape your experience in school towards that goal.
- I highly recommend getting involved outside of the classroom. Join one organization that aligns with your career path. Also join a pharmacy fraternity for networking, emotional support, and academic support. No one understands what it’s like to go through pharmacy school except those that are going through it with you or have in the past.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: Speaking to the older adult that is considering going back to college…it’s never too late, I’m living proof. I started back at age 50 and will turn 57 shortly after receiving my PharmD!