Ciera Patzke, '16

Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
University of Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore, MD

"UB SPPS gives students many opportunities to develop strong mentor-mentee relationships that can help the student develop into a reputable professional upon graduation."

I am a Class of 2016 graduate of UB’s prestigious PharmD program. A few years ago I was where you are now, wondering what pharmacy school was really going to be like. There is a lot to look forward to and, based on my personal experience, here are three distinctive aspects of UB’s program that have allowed me to be happy at UB and successful as an alumnus:

  1. Quality Mentorship
    My ability to obtain a post-graduate residency and to start along my career path in oncology could not have been possible without the quality mentors that UB SPPS provided. Between the faculty and preceptors, as well as programs like the Scholar’s Program and the Clinical Research Program, UB SPPS gives students many opportunities to develop strong mentor-mentee relationships that can help the student develop into a reputable professional upon graduation.
  2. Professional Advocacy
    As a student, I found it so important to be involved with the pharmacy profession outside of the classroom. Through the various student organizations that UB SPPS has available, I not only gained insight about the growth of our profession thus far, but was also able to help further growth through events like the annual Pharmacy Lobby Day and various interprofessional activities.
  3. Community Outreach
    UB SPPS organizes various community outreach programs on the local, national, and international level. As a student, I had the opportunity to participate in multiple international medical mission trips. Participating in these were truly eye-opening, and it helped my ability to empathize with my patients back home. I learned to understand the barriers patients have in accessing adequate healthcare, both abroad and here in the states.