PharmD Graduate Spotlight: Katie Blomquist
In preparation for the College of Pharmacy’s Virtual Convocation 2021 we’re highlighting a few of our many extraordinary graduates.
One of those outstanding students, Katie Blomquist, shared with us some advice and memories that she collected during her time at the College of Pharmacy.
Name: Katie Blomquist
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Program: PharmD
Q: What inspired you to pursue your PharmD?
A: When entering my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted to pursue a career within health care due to my passion for making an impact in patient care. My interest for pursuing a PharmD over other health care professions grew as I learned how compounds were made in my organic chemistry courses and how they could alter a process in the body during my biochemistry courses.
Q: What have you accomplished during your studies that you are proud of?
A: One of the many accomplishments I have achieved during pharmacy school that I am proud of is publishing a review article with the support of my infectious disease professor. The article, “A Critical Evaluation of Newer β-Lactam Antibiotics for Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections”, focuses on newer β-lactam antibiotics and how they are able to overcome common resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Q: What are your other plans for after graduation?
A: I will be continuing my education and training as a PGY1 resident at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson this coming year.
Q: What is your favorite memory from school?
A: My favorite memory from pharmacy school was attending the 2019 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in Las Vegas. I enjoyed spending time with my classmates and catching up with UA COP alumni.
Q: Do you have any words of advice for students who may be thinking about pursuing their PharmD?
A: I encourage students who are thinking about pursuing a PharmD to explore the many different unique career opportunities pharmacy practice has to offer. Pharmacy practice is unique in that there are many different career paths you can take following completion of your PharmD. Gaining experience in different settings early on will not only help you decide if pursuing a PharmD is right for you, but it will also help you find your practice niche.
Story by: Gracie Lordi