Byrdie Zaragoza
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Why did you choose to get your PharmD Degree?
I chose to pursue my PharmD because I wanted a career where I could combine my passion for healthcare and science with meaningful patient care. Pharmacy allows me to build relationships with patients, educate them about their medications, and make a positive impact on their health and well-being.
Why did you choose the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy?
I chose the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy for its strong sense of community, commitment to patient care, and opportunities to learn through meaningful hands-on experiences.
What about being a PharmD Ambassador excites YOU the most?
I'm excited to share my enthusiasm for the College with prospective students, answer their questions, ease their concerns, and help them feel excited and confident about pursuing their PharmD.
What inspires you most about the many possibilities a career in pharmacy can offer?
I love that pharmacy can take you in so many different directions. As I continue learning, I'm constantly discovering new specialties and opportunities to grow, explore, and shape a career that fits my interests.
What are your career interests?
My interests include acute care, intensive care, compounding, and academia, with many more areas I'm eager to explore. It's hard to choose just one, but I'm excited to discover where my experiences lead me.
What piece of advice you would give to a prospective PharmD student?
Always stay curious and ask questions! The more you ask, the more you learn. Don't be afraid to make mistakes your four years in pharmacy school are a time to explore, try new things, learn from experiences, and grow.
On and off-campus involvement
On campus, I am actively involved in our health fairs, an experience I truly value because it allows me to connect with the community and demonstrate the influential role pharmacists can play in patient care. This year, I'm excited to be managing the Tucson health fairs role I'm especially passionate about because I love giving back to the community.
I am also working with Dr. Date's formulations lab alongside a colleague to complete our PharmD research project. I have always enjoyed research, particularly the opportunity to be involved in the early stages of drug development and see how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements for patients. Research keeps me connected to advancements in science and inspires me to think about the possibilities for developing new and improved therapies.
Off campus, I work as a pharmacy intern, where I especially enjoy administering vaccines and interacting with patients. These moments of connection are some of the most rewarding parts of my experience. Being able to educate and care for patients reminds me why I chose pharmacy and motivates me to become a pharmacist who can make a meaningful impact in the community.