PharmD Student Spotlight: Olivia Nguyen
Olivia Nguyen is a first-year student at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, where she is exploring various areas of the profession to discover her future path. Born and raised in Vietnam, Nguyen moved to the United States with her family in 2017. Her interest in pharmacy began with a simple yet memorable moment, walking into an American pharmacy for the first time and admiring the professionalism of the pharmacist in a white coat. That initial spark led her to research the field, where she became drawn to its flexibility, scientific depth, and the vital role pharmacists play in patient care.
Nguyen has long been fascinated by medications and how they work; even as a child, she “treated” her teddy bears with pretend medicine. Her passion solidified when she began working as a pharmacy technician, where she discovered how much she enjoyed interacting with patients. Through this experience, she recognized that her adaptability, patience, and emotional steadiness make her well-suited for a career in pharmacy.
Q & A
What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful pharmacist?
- Like any other field, pharmacy continues to evolve with the changing landscape of healthcare. A successful pharmacist should be flexible and open-minded toward these changes while maintaining a positive attitude toward lifelong learning. Accuracy and integrity are fundamental — patients place immense trust in us, and that trust must always be upheld. Above all, we must remain committed to patient-centered care. Integrity is truly at the heart of being a good pharmacist.
How has your experience in pharmacy school changed your perspective on healthcare?
- My experience in pharmacy school has already transformed how I view healthcare. Even as a first-year student, I’ve gained a deeper insight into how complex the healthcare system is. It’s a network of many professionals, each playing a unique and vital role, yet all sharing one common goal — putting patients first. I’ve also learned how challenging it can be to navigate third-party involvement, especially regarding financial barriers to care. Being in healthcare means working collaboratively to bridge those gaps and ensure that every patient has access to the care they deserve.
What role do you think pharmacists should play in public health and community wellness?
- Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare providers, and this accessibility allows us to make a real difference in public health and community wellness. As our scope of practice continues to expand, pharmacists can have an even greater impact on improving patient outcomes when almost all therapy involves pharmacologic treatment. Personally, I aspire to become the kind of pharmacist I would trust to treat my own parents — one who serves the community not only with knowledge, but also with genuine care and compassion, no matter the challenges that arise. When the odds are stacking against the patient, I realized healthcare providers are the ones patients can rely on. I hope to become a healthcare professional whom patients can entrust to serve them because, at the end of the day, they are someone’s loved one.
What’s your personal motto or mantra that keeps you motivated during challenging times?
- Every career path comes with challenges, but I believe how we respond to them determines the outcome. A quote I hold close to my heart reminds me of this: “Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely depends on what you think.” When things get tough, I take a step back to reflect on what I’m grateful for and how far I’ve come. Gratitude keeps me grounded, reminding me of the support I receive from my family, my partner, and the genuine friends I’ve met in pharmacy school — all of whom inspire me to keep pushing forward.
If you weren’t studying pharmacy, what career path do you think you’d be pursuing?
- I’ve known for a long time that I want to become a pharmacist. However, there’s a small universe in my heart that dreams of something else, too — owning a bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) business back in my hometown. I absolutely love bánh mì, and since it’s such a cherished tradition in Vietnam, I’m confident that dream would never go bankrupt! One day, after I retire from pharmacy, I hope to open a little bánh mì vendor that welcomes everyone — especially those less fortunate — and offers them a breakfast to start their day. It would be the perfect way to combine my love for food, community, and care.