Get to Know AMCP Foundation's 2020 Summer Interns
Eight rising pharmacists from across the country are gaining real-world experience through virtual internships this summer at host sites including health plans, PBMs, industry and AMCP Foundation. Thank you to our funding partners: Pfizer, Inc.; AbbVie, Inc.; and Genentech, Inc.
Get to know the 2020 interns below.
Zach Baldwin
School: University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2022
Internship: AMCP Foundation/AbbVie Specialized Outcomes Research
Internship Site: AbbVie, Inc.
What is your favorite color?
Blue
What is your hidden talent?
I can now survive on just coffee for weeks at a time, Domino's breaks my fast.
At what job would you be terrible?
Scuba tour guide, I have never gone scuba diving.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Mark Ruffalo, the guy just looks so supremely happy all the time and I want to see what he is happy about.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Attentive, persistent, light-hearted
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I like how we as humans can make molecules synthetically with the intention of interacting with our body in a way that benefits our health. The whole idea of pharmaceutical care is just incredibly interesting to me.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Medicinal Chemistry by far.
Read Zach's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Irene Chung
School: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2021
Internship: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Research & Nonprofit Leadership
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation
What is your favorite color?
Blue.
What is your hidden talent?
Drawing. I love drawing during my free time and designing original characters.
At what job would you be terrible?
Reptile veterinarian. I am absolutely terrified of snakes, so this would be really difficult for me.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
My grandmother who passed away. She was a very wise woman who I have many memories with. It would be wonderful to meet her again and hear her old stories on a bright sunny day at the park.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Inquisitive, righteous, creative.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I was always interested in the life sciences since I was younger. I knew from a young age I wanted to pursue a profession in the medical field. The question was, “Which profession.” I tried to connect my interests- I had a desire to help others and was fascinated by how drugs work in the body. I realized becoming a pharmacist was the best choice.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
The cardiovascular system therapeutics module. The class was taught in a very conceptual manner, and I really appreciated this. I believe that by understanding the concepts, I am able to absorb the knowledge better and develop stronger connections with the broader practice of pharmacy.
Read Irene's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Aisha Fowler
School: The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2021
Internship: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Oncology
Internship Site: Magellan Rx Management
What is your favorite color?
I am a fan of burgundy because of its depth in color.
What is your hidden talent?
Super dog mom of two French bulldogs that love to talk and cuddle.
At what job would you be terrible?
Chef – although I make decent over-medium eggs, I do not believe people would pay to eat my food.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel – to understand the personal history behind her iconic designs.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Resilient, open-minded, creative.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Within each challenge in life, there exists an opportunity to grow and triumph. In 2016, my closest uncle was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. During that time, I developed an interest in medications to treat cancer and learned first-hand from the patient's perspective. The prospect of exploring pharmacy was rewarding, as it fulfilled both personal and professional aspirations. I pursued pharmacy school to develop the clinical skills to better understand and improve medication access and care.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Health Innovations: This course introduced foundational entrepreneurial/innovation concepts and provided hands-on experience including developing ideas, conducting market validation, understanding business models, assessing competition, and learning skills for effectively working in teams. I enjoyed learning about various topics within the life cycle of the drug, device, and digital health development processes.
Devin Gerboth
School: University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2021
Internship: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Oncology
Internship Site: Prime Therapeutics
What is your favorite color?
Blue
What is your hidden talent?
Being able to simultaneously study for tests while binge watching TV shows
At what job would you be terrible?
I would be terrible at any job that requires artistic skills above the ability of drawing stick figures.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I would like to be able to meet Robin Williams, because I really enjoy the movies he acted in and his comedy. They say that laughter is the best medicine!
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, funny, and genuine.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I decided to go to pharmacy school because I have always been interested in chemistry and biology and the clinical application of these sciences to fight diseases and improve outcomes. From early on in pharmacy school, I have been interested in careers in managed care and industry where pharmacists are involved in critically thinking about new drugs and their value in healthcare.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
I have enjoyed the therapeutics series because it is the culmination of all the previous courses that you take throughout pharmacy school and where you get to see the treatment decision process.
Tina Gholami
School: University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022
Internship: AMCP Foundation/AbbVie Specialized Outcomes Research
Internship Site: AbbVie, Inc.
What is your favorite color?
Blue
What is your hidden talent?
To effectively use reverse psychology on my stubborn husky
At what job would you be terrible?
I’d make a terrible singer
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
J.K. Rowling - could use more of her magic in my world.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Intuitive, Motivated, Dynamic.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
For the love of drugs and teaching.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Marketing and Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry; an elective course for my area of concentration in Pharmaceutical Industry.
Read Tina's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Palna Mehta
School: Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022
Internship: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care
Internship Site: Independent Health
What is your favorite color?
Turquoise blue
What is your hidden talent?
This isn’t a hidden talent but I am also a dancer and have been training in dance since I was really young.
At what job would you be terrible?
Architect.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I would want to meet Elizabeth Blackwell. Not only is she notably the first woman in America to receive a medical degree, but she is also incredibly determined and showed strength and resilience as she faced discrimination throughout her career. She is a huge inspiration to me and I respect her work and her determination.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Motivated, sociable, open-minded.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school not only for my interest in the subject matter but also because I was interested in making an impact in the healthcare industry and on the healthcare system by having the ability to impact a large volume of patients at once. Pharmacy school is ideal because it provides me the ability to see patients and practice clinically, as well as to work in health plans and pharmaceutical companies, where I have the ability to impact thousands or millions of lives.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Infectious Diseases Therapeutics.
Montrell Taylor
School: Howard University College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2021
Internship: AMCP Foundation/Genentech Evidence For Access
Internship Site: Genentech, Inc.
What is your favorite color?
Olive Green
What is your hidden talent?
I love to play PS4!
At what job would you be terrible?
Car mechanic
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Martin Luther King Jr. because I want to learn more about his mindset and how he became so courageous during his lifetime.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Blessed, innovative, and family-oriented.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I wanted to be a pharmacist since high school. After I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, I enjoyed learning about science and how molecules affect the body. I also worked in a pharmacy during undergrad which allowed me to get some firsthand experience. I developed a passion to solve problems and pharmacy allows me to do that.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Read Montrell's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Marin Weiskopf
School: University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May of 2022
Internship: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care
Internship Site: Horizon BCBS of NJ
What is your favorite color?
Red
What is your hidden talent?
I was an Irish Dancer for over 15 years and was able to compete internationally!
At what job would you be terrible?
I think I would be terrible at fostering dogs or cats because I would probably want to keep all of them.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I would like to meet Vesalius because of his contribution to modern anatomy and medicine. He combined art, history, and medicine to create De human corporis fabrics Libri septem, the most accurate version of human anatomy of the time. I would love to understand how he utilized his passion to create positive change for his profession.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Compassionate, open-minded, and loyal.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school because I wanted to combine my love of biochemistry, understanding systems, creative problem-solving, and working with people. I saw an opportunity to engage with multiple roles within the healthcare system, but ultimately contribute to the wellbeing of patients.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
My favorite pharmacy school class has been centered around the research track at UNC where I have been able to develop a project from start to finish about medication adherence. It is challenging at times, but is one of the most rewarding experiences. My other favorite course was US Healthcare because I enjoyed understanding how different reimbursement models work, how pharmacy fits into the healthcare system, how different countries approach healthcare systems, and discovering how dynamic the pharmacy profession is.
Originally published in the June 2020 AMCP Foundation Insights e-newsletter.