APIDA Student Spotlight: Ngoc Nguyen
In honor of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, we are highlighting some of our amazing APIDA Pharmacy students.
Name: Ngoc Nguyen
Degree: PharmD
Graduation year: 2023
Q: What inspired you to pursue a degree at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy?
A: It was my mom who inspired me to pursue a degree in pharmacy. When I was younger, I was always her translator at doctors’ appointments. In being the bridge connecting her to her health, I realized my passion for pharmacy school. As a young girl, I didn’t have all the tools to help my mom, but pharmacy school gave me an opportunity to provide exceptional care to others who might share the same disadvantages.
Q: Have you experienced any challenges in school? How did you overcome them?
A: Growing up in a low-income household shaped my foundations. It has taught me the value of working hard to bring my goals to fruition. Because of my family’s financial situation, I put myself through college. This allowed me to gain budgeting skills to pay for my tuition, rent, and gas. I am a firm believer in confronting adversity and that is why I am committed to my goals despite any personal hardships that may come my way. To me, the gift of education is priceless.
Q: Tell me about your family and community growing up.
My parents are both immigrants from Vietnam and have always been a really big source of support and love in my life. Unfortunately, due to language and cultural barriers, they didn’t have the necessary tools to assist me in my studies or professional development. But I am so grateful because I learned to navigate that journey by myself and that has instilled in me the independence, confidence, and patience needed for all my roles in patient care today.
Q: What does being part of the APIDA community mean to you?
One of the greatest challenges in my life has been balancing my identities. I am Vietnamese American and it is often difficult to retain my Vietnamese roots and culture while growing up in American society. However, as I joined more clubs in college and became friends with people of all backgrounds, I realized that this duality makes me unique. Being part of the APIDA community means having a safe place to turn to when I am lost and having something to bring me back to my roots. It also gives me a community to serve and advocate for in both my personal and professional life.
Q: Has being APIDA influenced the way you approach your studies or research?
I think growing up in a low-income community and immigrant family shaped my values and foundations tremendously. These circumstances not only highlighted the disadvantages of my minority communities but encouraged me to work hard to rectify them. The shift from the traditional dispensing of medicine toward a more interpersonal and advocational interaction with patients truly excites me. I want to break down the cultural and language barriers that prevent many individuals from truly understanding their health and medication. Combining my goals in pharmacy with my background in public policy, I hope to advocate for health equity.
Q: What are your goals after graduation?
A: Pharmacy is a commitment. It starts from the first day of pharmacy school and continues throughout your entire career. I want to continue to diversify my experiences and cultivate my skillsets in serving patients of all demographics. I hope to match with a residency program that allows me to grow as a clinician and to be able to travel in my spare time.
Q: Anything else you would like to share?
A: Just wanted to give a shout-out and lots of love to all of my friends and family who have supported me on this journey. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
Story by: Gracie Lordi