PharmD Student Spotlight: Annette Palumbo
After ten years of working as a pharmacy technician, Annette Palumbo decided to pursue her PharmD at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. It was seeing the important role pharmacists play in patient care and their communities that inspired her to become a Doctor of Pharmacy. As a third-year pharmacy student, she is known for her dedication to her community and active work in the field of substance use disorders. She continues to give back as a board and steering committee member on the Arizona Pharmacy Association's Professionals Assisting Professionals Program (PAPA).
Annette recently attended the APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders' ninth annual session in Salt Lake City, Utah. The APhA Institute's goal is to provide pharmacists, student pharmacists, and the profession with resources, information, and guidance regarding addiction education. Their overall goal is that the Institute will redefine views on the disease of addiction and serve as a catalyst to help increase the awareness of health and social problems related to alcoholism and other drug dependencies. During the session, attendees learned about the science and statistics, and also discovered the personal and emotional effects around substance use disorders. Below, Annette gave us some insight into her session takeaways and how they have helped her develop as a pharmacy student.
Q & A
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
My decision to pursue a career in pharmacy was shaped by over a decade of experience working as a pharmacy technician. Those years gave me a firsthand view of the critical role pharmacists play—not only in ensuring safe and effective medication use, but also in building meaningful, trusting relationships with patients.
What continues to drive me, especially from my time in retail pharmacy, is the daily interaction with patients. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of moments where a small act—whether it’s solving a medication issue, answering a question, or simply taking the time to listen—can make a real difference in someone's day. The gratitude patients express when you go above and beyond for them is a constant reminder of why this work matters.
Pharmacists are deeply committed to serving their communities, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought national attention to just how essential we are within the healthcare system. From vaccinations to medication access and public health education, pharmacists have stepped forward in new and expanded ways to support patient care. That visibility and responsibility only reaffirmed my passion for becoming a pharmacist and contributing to a profession that is both clinically impactful and community-centered.
What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful pharmacist?
A successful pharmacist must embody a strong foundation of compassion and a genuine desire to help others. Pharmacy is not just about dispensing medications—it’s about understanding the individual behind each prescription and being dedicated to their well-being. Taking the time to listen, educate, and support patients is key to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
Beyond compassion, effective communication skills are essential. Pharmacists must be able to clearly explain complex medical information in ways that are understandable and reassuring to patients. Equally important is being a good listener—picking up on concerns or barriers that might otherwise go unspoken.
Critical thinking and attention to detail are also vital. Pharmacists must constantly evaluate medication safety, manage potential interactions, and ensure accuracy in high-pressure situations. A strong sense of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to lifelong learning helps maintain trust and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.
Finally, being a team player is crucial. Pharmacists often collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes. The ability to work well within interdisciplinary teams while advocating for the patient’s best interest is a defining trait of an exceptional pharmacist.
In short, the most successful pharmacists blend clinical expertise with human connection—dedicating themselves not just to the medicine, but to the people they serve.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself since starting pharmacy school?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself since starting pharmacy school is just how strong, dedicated, and persistent I truly am. As a single parent navigating the rigorous demands of pharmacy school, every day presents a new set of challenges—balancing coursework, rotations, parenting, and everything in between. There have been moments of exhaustion and doubt, but through it all, I’ve discovered a level of resilience I didn’t fully realize I had.
Pharmacy school is demanding in itself, but doing it while raising a child has taught me the importance of time management, self-discipline, and grace under pressure. I've learned to push through obstacles, stay focused on my goals, and show up fully—for my education and for my family.
This journey has not only strengthened my commitment to becoming a pharmacist, but also reaffirmed that with determination and heart, it's possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. It's an experience that continues to shape the kind of healthcare professional—and role model—I aspire to be.
Which APhA speaker or session had the biggest impact on you and why?
The most impactful speaker for me was Jerry Moe, National Director of Children’s Programs at the Betty Ford Center, during the APhA School on Substance Use Disorders Conference. He delivered a powerful session on the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) on the family, particularly focusing on the stages of family recovery. One of his central approaches when working with children from families affected by addiction is helping them separate the disease from the person. This distinction allows children to understand that their parent’s substance use is not their fault and creates space for healing within the family.
Mr. Moe’s influential work has gained national recognition—so much so that Sesame Street partnered with him to help develop Sesame Street in Communities, a growing initiative that provides educational resources for children impacted by parental addiction. As part of this program, the character Karli was introduced in 2019 as a foster child whose mother is undergoing treatment for opioid addiction. Her story, shaped with guidance from experts like Moe, is designed to help children feel seen, supported, and understood as they navigate similar experiences.
How did the conference inspire you in terms of your career path?
Attending the conference on substance use disorders was a transformative experience that deepened my awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and families affected by addiction. It became clear to me that there is still significant work to be done to shift societal perceptions of substance use disorders—from stigma and judgment to compassion and evidence-based care.
The conference highlighted the critical role pharmacists can play in this effort. As some of the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support patients not only through medication management for substance use treatment but also by recognizing and addressing co-occurring mental health conditions. This dual approach can significantly impact patient outcomes and reduce barriers to recovery.
Hearing from experts and advocates at the conference inspired me to consider how I, as a future pharmacist, can contribute to reshaping the narrative around addiction. Whether through direct patient care, public health initiatives, or policy advocacy, I am motivated to be part of a healthcare system that views addiction as a treatable condition and supports individuals on their journey to recovery with dignity and respect.
If you could bring one idea or initiative from the conference back to your school, what would it be?
- One key initiative I would bring back to my school is the promotion of student attendance at the APhA School on Substance Use Disorders. The conference offers an invaluable learning experience that goes far beyond the classroom. Encouraging more students to attend—perhaps by offering elective credit or co-curricular recognition—could inspire future pharmacists to become more engaged in addressing substance use and mental health within their communities.
In addition, I would advocate for the creation of a student-led organization or club focused on behavioral and mental health in pharmacy practice. This group could host workshops, speaker events, and peer discussions centered on topics like addiction, stigma reduction, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction strategies. It would serve as both a support system and an educational platform for students interested in these critical areas.
Other ideas include integrating more behavioral health content into the pharmacy curriculum, offering interdisciplinary events with students from nursing, social work, or public health, and developing partnerships with local addiction recovery centers to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.
By fostering a culture that values and prioritizes behavioral health education, we can better prepare future pharmacists to serve as compassionate, informed, and proactive members of the healthcare team.