Get to Know AMCP Foundation's 2025 Summer Interns
We are celebrating 32 years of developing leaders and are thrilled to warmly welcome the AMCP Foundation Class of 2025 summer interns. These aspiring pharmacists are embarking on a valuable journey of gaining practical experience through our internships at various host sites, which include health plans, PBMs, and industry. AMCP Foundation is committed to creating transformative leadership opportunities for student pharmacists. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed funding partners: AbbVie, Pfizer, and Sanofi. Their generous support makes these internships possible and contributes to the professional development of these future health care leaders.
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Jiwon Oh
School/College: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2026
Dual Degree: M.S. in Regulatory Science
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Sanofi Internship in Specialty Care Program at Excellus
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Adapter
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I originally chose to pursue pharmacy because I wanted to become an infectious disease pharmacist! As a microbiology major in undergrad, I was fascinated by the mechanisms of antibiotics and how quickly bacteria and viruses can develop resistance. This sparked my curiosity in pharmacology and deepened my interest in understanding how we can stay ahead of evolving pathogens through innovative therapies and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose the AMCP Foundation/Sanofi Specialty Care Internship because I’m passionate about improving patient access to complex therapies and wanted hands-on experience in how specialty pharmacy services are implemented within a health plan. Through this internship, I hope to deepen my understanding of the specialty care landscape – particularly how treatment approvals are managed, how access barriers are addressed, and how patient care is coordinated across teams.
What is your hidden talent?
I love painting! I don’t always get the time, but when I do, it’s my favorite way to relax and reset!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Closed mouths don’t get fed”.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, Thoughtful, Empathetic.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a managed care residency and continue building my career in the managed care space.
Jordan Bernard
School/College: UConn School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2026
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Oncology Summer Internship Program at Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NJ
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Promoter
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
My decision to pursue pharmacy was influenced by seeing firsthand how essential good and accessible healthcare was to my family growing up. Those early experiences shaped my desire to be part of the healthcare community.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it aligns with so many things I’m passionate about: oncology, improving access to care, and gaining deeper insight into the payer side of healthcare. On top of that, the AMCP community is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and that sense of belonging really pushed me to apply. The chance to work on a capstone project for Nexus and take part in a wide range of professional development activities made it an ideal fit for both my personal and professional growth.
What is your hidden talent?
Piano.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Setbacks are part of the process; it’s how you respond that defines you. I’ve learned that staying persistent and learning from tough moments matter more than getting everything right the first time.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, Adaptable, Resilient.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
I plan to pursue a market access fellowship with a focus in oncology.
Kennedy Steele 
School/College: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation Pfizer Inc Managed Care Internship Program at Regence
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Persuader
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I was drawn to the versatility of the profession. Pharmacy offers a wide range of career paths, whether it's clinical practice, managed care, research, public health, or the pharmaceutical industry, there’s no single trajectory, and that excited me. I’ve always loved science, and I knew I wanted to apply that passion in a way that could make a real impact. Ultimately, my goal has always been to help make healthcare more accessible and equitable, and pharmacy gives me the tools to do just that.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it offers an invaluable experience to learn how population health strategies, formulary management, and value-based care are approached from both the industry and payer perspectives. Through this opportunity, I hope to strengthen my understanding of managed care principles and build the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to health plan strategies and evidence-based decision-making.
What is your hidden talent?
I won a pickle ball game in high heels.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to make lemonade out of a coconut. It’s a reminder that life won’t always hand you the perfect ingredients, but with creativity, resilience, and a positive mindset, you can still make something great out of any situation, even if it’s unexpected or unconventional.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, Charismatic, Resilient.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a fellowship or residency that prepares me to become a managed care or industry pharmacist. I’m passionate about using evidence-based strategies to improve patient access, reduce disparities, and drive meaningful change in healthcare on a larger scale.
Khrystyna Bodnarchuk
School/College: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation Pfizer Inc Managed Care Internship Program at Humana
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Promoter
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school after having the opportunity to work with a fantastic pharmacy manager who showed passion, love, and care for her patients. She used her pharmacy knowledge to improve patient outcomes and always made time to counsel her patients thoroughly. Her ability to blend clinical expertise with compassion inspired me to pursue pharmacy as a career.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose to participate in the AMCP Managed Care Internship because of my passion for managed care. That passion began when I joined the AMCP student chapter at my college. I quickly fell in love with the intersection of clinical decision-making, health economics, and population-based care. Through this internship, I hope to deepen my understanding of formulary management, value-based care, and policy development while expanding my professional network and gaining real-world experience in managed care pharmacy.
What is your hidden talent?
I can open a bag of chips with one hand – very useful when multitasking!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is: “You can do anything, but not everything.” It reminded me of the importance of focus, balance, and setting boundaries to avoid burnout and achieve meaningful goals.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Curious, Empathetic, Resilient.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a managed care residency to further specialize in formulary management and population health. Ultimately, I hope to work in a role that allows me to influence healthcare policy, improve access to medications, and drive innovation in the managed care space.
Philip Mercado
School/College: Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Oncology Summer Internship Program at Priority Health
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Collaborator
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Pharmacy offered the perfect intersection of my passions: science, health policy, and education. Coming from a background in biomedical research and public service, I saw pharmacy as a space where I could contribute meaningfully to health outcomes while advocating for underserved communities. I’ve always been drawn to roles that connect data with impact, and pharmacy empowers me to do exactly that.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
This internship speaks directly to my passion for managed care, especially at the intersection of health economics, policy, and oncology. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in formulary strategy, value-based decision-making, and real-world evidence application. Through this experience, I hope to strengthen my ability to translate clinical data into meaningful patient outcomes, while also building long-lasting relationships with mentors and peers in the field.
What is your hidden talent?
I have a knack for simplifying complex topics in a way that others can understand and apply—something I leaned on heavily as a science teacher, and now as a mentee learning from pharmacy professionals.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
"Never let your current situation limit your future potential." This mindset has helped me pivot across disciplines and continue progressing in pharmacy leadership.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Strategic, Collaborative, Purpose-driven.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After graduation, I hope to pursue a managed care pharmacy residency or fellowship where I can further explore formulary strategy, health outcomes research, and value-based care. I believe that mentorship and strong leadership are key to navigating such a dynamic field, and I look forward to growing into a role where I can help shape access to innovative therapies and drive impact on a population level.
Ramez Rizk
School/College: University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/AbbVie, Inc. Specialized Summer Internship Program in Health Outcomes at AbbVie in Chicago, Illinois
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Maverick
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Through my healthcare experiences abroad, I witnessed the impact of health inequities – particularly in access to essential medications. This inspired a strong interest in improving access and shaping better health outcomes. At the same time, I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a passion for innovation. Pharmacy school offered the perfect path to pursue a future that combines both: advancing access through policy and unlocking new innovations, such as in the pharmaceutical industry.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it offers a perspective in pharma that I’ve long been eager to explore. Health economics and outcomes research represents a unique intersection of innovative science and real-world value: where research directly informs access, affordability, and patient impact. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in this space and deepen my understanding of how data drives decisions in healthcare.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is probably my love for visual arts and filmmaking. I’ve professionally directed several short films that received international recognition. While pharmacy school doesn’t leave much room to pursue this talent fully, I still enjoy creating videos about fashion, career, and my student life whenever I can!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to be intentional with every step you take. In your 20s, it’s easy to move aimlessly, but I try to approach life like a story I’m actively writing – one that’s engaging, meaningful, and leads somewhere I’m proud of. Life will always (and most frequently!) throw in plot twists, but staying intentional helps keep the bigger picture on track.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Ambitious, Loving, Complex.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
My goal is to build a career in the life sciences industry: either within the pharmaceutical sector or in healthcare consulting. I’m also passionate about entrepreneurship, which is something I plan to pursue in the long term as I gain more experience and perspective.
Rebecca Brown
School/College: Howard University College of
Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation Pfizer Inc Managed Care Internship Program at Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Operator
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school because I’ve always been passionate about improving health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. My background in biology, experience in patient care, and interest in public health led me to pharmacy as the perfect intersection of science, patient advocacy, and impact.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it aligns with my long-term goal of working in managed care and health outcomes. I’m excited to gain real-world experience in population health, policy, and formulary decision-making, and to contribute meaningfully to projects that shape patient access and affordability.
What is your hidden talent?
I’m a natural encourager—whether it’s uplifting classmates during finals or cheering on my team, I find joy in motivating others. It’s something that doesn’t always show on paper but makes a big difference in team settings.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Don’t wait to feel ready—take the first step, and growth will meet you there.” It’s helped me step out of my comfort zone and embrace opportunities with courage and curiosity.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Resilient, compassionate, and driven.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a career in managed care or the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on medical affairs or health equity initiatives.
My ultimate goal is to bridge clinical knowledge with policy to improve access and outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Ronald Watson Jr.
School/College: Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site:AMCP Foundation Pfizer Inc Managed Care Internship Program at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Captain
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose pharmacy because it blends clinical knowledge with the ability to make a meaningful impact on both individual patients and entire populations. I’ve always been driven by a desire to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities, and pharmacy provides the platform to do that through science, leadership, and service.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I was drawn to this internship because of its focus on managed care and the opportunity to engage with real-world strategies that influence medication access and affordability. I’m eager to learn how data, policy, and clinical expertise intersect to shape decision-making and drive value in healthcare. I hope to gain practical insight into formulary management, health outcomes research, and the impact pharmacists can make beyond what we know.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is playing the piano—as well as a few other instruments. Music has always been a creative outlet for me and a way to connect with others. I also have a talent for public speaking, which has helped me lead confidently in academic and professional settings and communicate complex ideas with clarity.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“The way you do anything is the way you do everything.” This advice has instilled in me a commitment to excellence and integrity in everything I do—whether in the classroom, in leadership, or in service to others.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, Collaborative, Adaptable
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a fellowship in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on managed care, medical affairs, or health outcomes. My long-term goal is to contribute to initiatives that improve patient access, promote evidence-based decision-making, and enhance the overall value of care in our healthcare system.
Trent Bishop
School/College: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Dual Degree: PharmD/MBA
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Oncology Summer Internship Program at Prime Therapeutics
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Strategist
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Before pharmacy school, I worked in both a research setting and a community pharmacy. It was in the community setting, particularly one that served a predominantly Hispanic population, where I saw the most impact. Many patients came in with prescriptions they could not understand and questions they were afraid to ask because of language barriers or limited health literacy. Watching people leave with fear or confusion instead of clarity was hard. These were hardworking individuals doing their best to care for themselves and their families, yet something as basic as understanding their medications stood in the way. I realized then how powerful a pharmacist could be, not just in dispensing medication but in being a trusted voice and advocate. That experience made it clear to me that I wanted to be part of the change, using science and compassion to bring better care to those who are often overlooked.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship at Pfizer because I am passionate about oncology and the growing impact of specialty medications in patient care. Working with these therapies requires a deep understanding of safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes, all of which demand strong analytical skills and strategic thinking. I am especially interested in pharmacovigilance because it sits at the intersection of patient safety and data science. Through this internship, I hope to gain hands-on experience working with real-world safety data, learn how high-stakes decisions are made in a global biopharma setting, and strengthen my ability to interpret complex information to guide better outcomes. I also look forward to learning from professionals across different teams and contributing to work that directly affects patients' lives.
What is your hidden talent?
I’m surprisingly good at claw machines and arcade games. Give me a few tokens and I’ll walk away with a prize almost every time. It’s a mix of timing, focus, and probably spending way too much time at arcades growing up.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Growth begins where comfort ends.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Strategic, driven, and empathetic.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a leadership role in the pharmaceutical industry that focuses on access strategy, market development, or medical affairs. I want to help shape how innovative therapies, especially in oncology and specialty medications, reach the patients who need them most. By combining my PharmD and MBA, I hope to bridge the gap between clinical insight and business decision-making, ultimately driving value-based care models that improve patient outcomes while making treatment more affordable and accessible.