Get to Know AMCP Foundation's 2021 Summer Interns
We are pleased to welcome the 2021 class of summer interns. These rising pharmacists are gaining real-world experience through virtual internships at host sites including health plans, PBMs, industry and AMCP Foundation. Special thanks go out to our funding partners: AbbVie, Inc., Genentech, Inc., and Pfizer, Inc.
Daniele Anina
School: Touro, College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2024
Internship Site: Genentech, Inc.
What is your zodiac sign?
Sagittarius
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
I’m definitely someone who has a curious mindset and am always trying to understand the world. As a fire sign, I will do anything to achieve my goals, and I have my heart set on exploring other cultures whenever I can.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school because I wanted to help patients with their health, especially through education and medication management.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
So far, my favorite pharmacy school class is pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, with pharmacotherapeutics as a close second.
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve learned that I really enjoy spending time in nature. This pandemic has given me time to take daily walks and enjoy the outdoors which I’m so grateful for.
What is your hidden talent?
Not everyone knows this about me, but I love to sing and know most of the words to Disney songs.
What job would you be terrible at?
I would be terrible at being a chef because I would like to eat everything I make.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I would love to meet Brené Brown because she is such a role model for me. Her work on practicing authenticity and living courageously with one’s imperfections, inspires me to embrace my unique gifts and allow myself to be vulnerable.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, creative, and thoughtful.
Read Daniele's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Amelia Brown
School: University of Washington, School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: June 10, 2022
Internship Site: Prime Therapeutics
What is your zodiac sign?
Capricorn
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Persistence
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I was always impressed by pharmacists’ scope of medication knowledge and their ability to communicate eloquently, whether to patients or health care professionals. I wanted to play a role in analyzing evidence and translating it into understandable concepts.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Managed Care: Principles and Practice
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I need to get outside at least three times a day during online school.
What is your hidden talent?
I modify baking recipes to make them healthier but still taste good.
What job would you be terrible at?
Truck driver
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Florence Nightingale because she was a statistician who advocated for health reform.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Active, diligent, and sincere.
Read Amelia's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Vy Do
School: Creighton University, School of Pharmacy & Health Professions
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023
Internship Site: Independent Health
What is your zodiac sign?
Pisces
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Creativity. I used to do art, music, and writing a lot. However, that part of me subsided when I found joy in math and science.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Making positive impacts on people’s lives and actually seeing the end result of my contribution have been enjoyable for me. I also found interactions between different systems very fascinating, so I thought pharmacy would be the perfect combination!
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Medicinal Chemistry. It’s the class that I struggled with the most at the beginning. I put a lot of work into understanding the concepts behind and finally reached a point where I could remember mostly everything just by paying attention in class.
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I used to only leave my apartment to go to class, work, or hang out with friends, but after social distancing became a thing, I’ve had a new connection with nature. Now I like to go for walks just to enjoy the trees and the weather.
What is your hidden talent?
I can drive for 16 hours non-stop (except for getting gas).
What job would you be terrible at?
Flight attendant. My balance is not very great and walking in an airplane with a catering trolley won’t make it any better.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Emma Watson. She breaks many stereotypes of actors/actresses by growing out of the character that brough her the original fame, going back to college despite already having a successful career, and later becoming an activist for women's rights. She's such an inspiration!
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Caring, thoughtful, and adventurous.
Read Vy's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Harvard Huynh
School: St. John’s University – College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022
Internship Site: Envolve Health
What is your zodiac sign?
Gemini
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Adaptable
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school because I have always been interested in working in the medical field. Pharmacists play a key role in maximizing overall health outcomes, especially during the pandemic, and I am delighted to be a member of this profession.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Self-Care Pharmaceuticals
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I have found a greater appreciation for in-person classes and for the interactions that I have had with my friends and colleagues.
What is your hidden talent?
Babysitting
What job would you be terrible at?
Chef
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I would like to meet Gordon Ramsay because he could give me some cooking lessons under pressure.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, dependable, and adventurous.
Read Harvard's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Name: Samirul Islam
School: Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy at Long Island University
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2022
Internship Site: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
What is your zodiac sign?
Sagittarius
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
I am very honest, intellectual, and spontaneous.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
As an immigrant, I began my life in the melting pot of NYC. I met patients from immigrant communities that either do not know about access to free professional counseling on medication and other preventative health measures or feel uncomfortable asking questions due to language barriers. My personal life experience with my neighbors and family friends helped me recognize the health disparities that affect many immigrant communities and now helps guide me on how to approach and counsel patients to improve their health and ensure medication adherence. Besides that, I grow by challenging myself to find the best possible way to get the work done to improve clinical outcomes and advance my expertise. I believe in the value of collaborations and adapting to new environments with motivation and passion alongside my colleagues to advance my skills in the practice of pharmacy. I enjoy continuously challenging myself toward my ambitions, seeking new opportunities to develop clinical outcomes. Since I am a foreign pharmacy student, I wanted to earn enough credentials to work alongside professionals. So, I went back to pharmacy school to continue my education and further advance my knowledge in medicine.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
I loved pharmaceutics. It's an exceedingly useful course as there are practical applications for most pharmacists as a PharmD/PhD researcher working on new drug applications (NDA’s). I have developed my interest in going for residency from that class.
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
During this pandemic I have learned to be self sufficient and more accountable for my responsibilities as a student and at my job. The pandemic has affected every person differently and for me, it motivated me to learn how to adapt to various changing environments both in school and at work. It was not until this year that I realized how adaptable I am. I started working on website designing and created my own website. Without pandemic, I would have never realized that I can be a website designer and apply myself in different ways.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is that I am artistic. I like photography, especially portrait photography. My friends always ask me to help them take photos for their LinkedIn and social media profiles.
At what job would you be terrible?
A lawyer. I am a terrible liar, and don’t feel comfortable defending someone’s life. Initially, I wanted to study law at the university, but my dad guided me toward pharmacy instead, for the better.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Albert Einstein. He is the one and the only person I have always had a strong desire to have met. I read how he kindly took the time to help a person to learn how to appreciate music during a meal. He was amazingly brilliant, his humbleness in his mistakes and regrets, he did what he could to support his ex-wife and children. He is conceptual, he seems to have a personality similar to mine, and I want to learn from him.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Balanced, adaptable, and innovative.
Read Samirul's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Anna Li
School: University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023
Internship Site: AbbVie, Inc.
What is your zodiac sign?
Libra
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Indecisiveness — never ask me where to go for dinner.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Although I knew I wanted to go into health care in the future, it wasn’t until I learned more about pharmacy and their ability to bridge both patients and medications that I first became interested in pharmacy. Being able to learn more about drugs and how they can best serve patients in a real-world setting has made me more interested in the industry side of pharmacy as well.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
US Health care Systems was a great class to learn more about managed care/industry as a whole and provide the opportunity for creativity and flexibility in a project that thought about how pharmacists can play a greater role in health care.
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I really learned to appreciate taking walks to enjoy nature and just be outside!
What is your hidden talent?
I can take exactly 15-minute power naps without an alarm.
At what job would you be terrible?
Chef
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Avicii, to learn more about his musical process and where he gets his inspiration from.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Passionate, inclusive, and thoughtful.
Read Anna's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Jenoy Merchant
School: University of Maryland - Baltimore, School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023
Internship Site: Humana
What is your zodiac sign?
Aquarius
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Intellectual, there is a need for intellectual stimulation to avoid boredom and loss of interest.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
The decision to pursue pharmacy and attend pharmacy school is one that is supported by my desire to contribute to the advancement of global human health. My lived experiences coupled with my innate desire to make a difference continues to fuel my passion.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Immunology
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I have learnt that I am more resilient and adaptable than I thought I was. I have also learnt that really enjoy staying at home and that the pandemic created an environment was in alignment with my introverted characteristics.
What is your hidden talent?
Writing poetry and flash fiction
What job would you be terrible at?
NASCAR Driver
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Bob Marley. There is great liberation in his music. The lyrics of his songs are timeless and always sends a message that can be applied to today’s society.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Determined, hardworking, and ambitious.
Read Jenoy's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Riana Nate’ Roberts
School: East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 23
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation
What is your zodiac sign?
Libra
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
The personality trait that’s most true about me according to my zodiac sign is that I am a great communicator. This not only makes me a team player but a leader and a good friend as well.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I’ve always had an interest in the field of medicine. I would take the initiative to find opportunities in shadowing different areas within health care when I was younger. I realized that I became queasy at the sight of blood and body fluids. However, I wanted to go into a career where I could still provide direct patient care. I was able to gain experience as a pharmacy technician while in high school and fell in love with the world of pharmacy. My interest grew deeper once my grandfather passed away. One thing that my family and I discovered is that he was not adherent to his medications. I was intrigued in learning how taking medications as prescribed could allow someone to maintain their health. Medicine is so important and understanding how to manage regimens is even more beneficial. I am happy that I chose a career that will allow me to share this knowledge with others and potentially help save someone’s life.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
My favorite pharmacy school class was cardiovascular or “cardio.” A lot of people in my family suffer from high blood pressure or other issues related to the cardiovascular system. Being able to evaluate their signs and symptoms or help them with their treatment plans is valuable information that I’ve taken away from the course. This will not only allow me to help my family members but my future patients as well.
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I have learned that I actually enjoy my alone time. Before the pandemic, I would love to socialize and be around people all the time. However, I realized that once the pandemic hit, I could no longer be as sociable. Therefore, I spent a lot of time by myself which was very peaceful. I also started new hobbies such as yoga and Zumba.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is that I am a great cook!
What job would you be terrible at?
A job that I would be terrible at is being a semi-truck driver. Driving is not something I enjoy one bit, and it would be a struggle for me to maneuver/handle such a large vehicle.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
One person that I would love to meet would be my great-great grandmother. I’ve always said I would like to look more into the ancestry of my family. Also, there’s many great stories about her, and I would be interested in hearing about them from her point of view.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Three adjectives that would best describe me would be empathetic, trustworthy, and selfless.
Read Riana's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Caitlyn Tung
School: University of Washington, School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2022
Internship Site: Cigna
What is your zodiac sign?
Sagittarius
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Not afraid to speak my mind!
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
My parents both work in health care and they inspired me to go to pharmacy school.
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Pharmacoeconomics
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
That I love plants and can keep them alive!
What is your hidden talent?
Able to sniff out deals/sales/bargains on quality items.
What job would you be terrible at?
Professional driver
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Michelle Obama. She is one of the most inspiring women of our era!
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Energetic, loyal, and easygoing.
Read Caitlyn's Summer Intern Perspectives.
Amy Wu
School: Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023
Internship Site: AbbVie, Inc.
What is your zodiac sign?
Aquarius
What personality trait is most true about you according to your zodiac sign?
Like other Aquarians, I am open-minded and am always willing to hear someone’s story. I constantly remind myself that the people you may have the most in common with in is the person who looks least like you.
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Pharmacy is a well-rounded profession that plays a vital role in improving patient care while having a wide variety of career opportunities. I wanted a career that was diverse and rewarding with opportunities in other health care environments involving research and innovation. I thought this health care profession was the right path to go down as it merged all my interests in to one career!
What is your favorite pharmacy school class?
Evidence-based Pharmacy
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I have learned that I am more productive when I have a weekly to do list as it is easy to lose track of time when learning in a virtual environment.
What is your hidden talent?
Nail art
What job would you be terrible at?
Plumber
If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
Michelle Obama. I’d want to ask her how she has been able overcome her biggest challenges and how she’s been able to live a fulfilling life.
If you had to choose only three adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Compassionate, motivated, and reliable.
Read Amy's Summer Intern Perspectives.