Student Spotlight: PharmD Student Selected for the Air Force Health Professional Scholarship

Jan. 29, 2020
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Third year PharmD student Ajla Mujezinovic knew early in life that she wanted to go to Pharmacy school, what she didn’t expect was that her path would lead her to the Air Force. Recently, Mujezinovic was one of ten students selected nationwide for the Air Force Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). This highly competitive program covers the cost of a student’s health professional education in exchange for three years of service in the Air Force.

Mujezinovic first heard of this opportunity while attending a pharmacy conference. After conducting her own research, she decided to learn more by volunteering at the Pharmacy on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ. “One of the biggest things that stood out to me about the Air Force is the sense of community,” shared Mujezinovic. “Everyone looks out for one another, and this culture really aligns with how I was raised.”

Mujezinovic has been an Arizona resident since relocating with her family from Bosnia and Herzegovina 19 years ago. “Attending the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy was the ideal choice for me because I was able to be close to my family while gaining a quality education through a reputable college,” said Mujezinovic.

When asked about her experience in the UArizona PharmD program, Mujezinovic only has one word, “Challenging”. “The opportunities available at the college would challenge me to improve my skills and myself,” said Mujezinovic “The level of dedication and organization required to succeed in Pharmacy school has prepared me to be a pharmacist and for the military. I honed my organization and time-management skills by juggling a fully course schedule with multiple deadlines from classes and extracurriculars.” 

When Mujezinovic received the call that she had been accepted into the program she couldn’t stop smiling. “I was so grateful and happy that my hard work and determination [had] paid off. After the call ended, I cried happy tears with my mom and celebrated with my family.” 

Attending UArizona College of Pharmacy taught Mujezinovic the resilience needed to serve once she graduates at the end of her fourth year. “I cannot think of a better way to utilize my professional skills than to provide patient-centered care to the men and women who serve our country.”

Congratulations to Ajla and good luck in all your future endeavors!