Alex Hames
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Why did you choose to get your PharmD Degree?
I chose to pursue a PharmD because I wanted the clinical knowledge to change patients' lives by becoming a drug expert. I love learning pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutics, so being able to treat patients with this information is so meaningful.
Why did you choose the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy?
I chose the University of Arizona because I love the culture and environment that the school shapes for us. I went to UA for undergrad and it feels like home.
What about being a PharmD Ambassador excites YOU the most?
I love connecting with prospective students and showing them what our school has to offer because I was in their shoes once. I love giving back to our community.
What inspires you most about the many possibilities a career in pharmacy can offer?
It's amazing how many careers there are in the field of pharmacy, and it inspires me to push further because I know I will find a job that I love after I graduate.
What are your career interests?
I am interested in the pharmaceutical industry and pursuing a fellowship after I graduate. I love the collaboration between functional areas and how innovative the industry is.
What piece of advice you would give to a prospective PharmD student?
Explore! Try everything you can, especially in your first year. Attend club meetings, participate in competitions, and most importantly, talk to people! Networking is such a key part of being in the field of pharmacy.
On and off-campus involvement
I am currently a P3 on the Phoenix campus. I received my Bachelor's in Pharmaceutical Sciences and minors in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology in Tucson. I have been working at CVS Pharmacy for 5 years now and Phoenix Children's Hospital for almost 2 years. I've been working as a Clinical Intern in specialty pharmacy at Lumicera Health Services since May. In undergrad, I also conducted colon cancer drug discovery research in the lab of Dr. Rui Xiong as part of the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP).
Last year, I was the Director of VIPCC for IPhO and it solidified my interest in the pharmaceutical industry. I was also the AzPA Membership Representative and the SCCP Community Outreach Coordinator. This year, I will be the President of AMCP, Vice President of IPhO, Student Development Co-Chair of PLS, and Phoenix Co-Lead ambassador. I'm also starting a new industry-centered club called the Drug Information Association (DIA). I'll be volunteering as a Community Educator for the Alzheimer's Association this year too.
All of these experiences have shaped my leadership abilities and helped me grow as a future healthcare professional. I've grown to be more responsible, disciplined, empathetic, and analytical. I hope to grow even more as a pharmacist and become a leader in healthcare.