Maria Gonzalez Arias
Hometown: New York, NY
Why did you choose to get your PharmD Degree?
I chose to get my PharmD because I've always loved science; pharmacy lets me solve real problems, help real people, and never have a boring day. Whether it's explaining meds, catching a dangerous interaction, or just being someone patients trust.
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's Phoenix campus to experience a new city, grow in a vibrant healthcare hub, and challenge myself in a fresh environment.
What about being a PharmD Ambassador excites YOU the most?
What excites me the most about being a PharmD Ambassador is being able to not only connect with current students, but also show what the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy has to offer to prospective students. It allows me to bring together the new and the old and everything in between.
What inspires you most about the many possibilities a career in pharmacy can offer?
I'm most excited to explore all the cool corners of pharmacy from patient care to research while finding my niche, making a difference, and never having a boring day.
What are your career interests?
I'm interested in ambulatory care, oncology, and emergency pharmacy; I thrive in fast-paced environments while providing expert medication management and compassionate care during critical moments.
What piece of advice you would give to a prospective PharmD student?
Make sure to manage your time well, we all expect it to be hard, but its even harder if you fall behind. Its easy to fall behind, but extremely difficult to catch back up. Be open and take small steps to connect: join clubs, study groups, or events. Everyone's in the same boat, and those first friendships often start with a simple.
On and off-campus involvement
During my time in the U of A pharmacy program, I have been involved in a variety of activities both on and off campus. I have continued working at Fry's Pharmacy as an intern, where I am able to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world patient care. I have also been involved in the PRIMED Leaders Certificate, which included completing 80 hours of volunteer work this past year. Additionally, I served as the Secretary for SNPhA and will be serving as the Tucson Liaison for IPhO. I am also excited to continue serving as a U of A Pharmacy Ambassador and to share my experiences with prospective and incoming students.
On and off-campus involvement
- Phoenix Health Fair Fall 2024
- Feed My Starving Children
- Sun City West Foundation Health Fair
- NMDP x NCODA
- Mobile Health Unit Health Fair
- Orientation Tour Guide as a PharmD. Ambassador
- ASU West Valley Fair as a PharmD. Ambassador
- Paradise Valley Fair as a PharmD. Ambassador
- Phoenix Health Fair Fall 2025
- Phoenix Health Fair Fall 2025
- Paradise Valley Fair as a Pharmacy Ambassador
- Discover Pharmacy Open House as a PharmD. Ambassador and Tour Guide
- R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy Recruitment Tour as a PharmD. Ambassador
- Live Student Interviews to prospective students
- Live Student Interviews to prospective students
- EVIT Class Presentation as a PharmD. Ambassador
- OSCE Mock Patient