Discovering a Career in Pharmacy: Tanya’s Inspiring Journey

Sometimes, the path to a fulfilling career takes unexpected turns. Meet Tanya, a biochemistry student turned pharmacist, who fell in love with a career that allowed her to connect deeply with others.

From Biochemistry to Pharmacy

Tanya began her academic journey studying biochemistry. However, she soon questioned how her studies aligned with her goal of working in medicine. “I was doing an undergrad in biochem, and I dissected a cockroach. What in the heck is dissecting a cockroach gonna do to get me closer to medicine?” she recalls.

A conversation with her aunt sparked a pivotal realization for Tanya.

“What I loved about medicine was in pharmacy,” says Tanya.

The Essence of Pharmacy: Patient Connections

Community Impact

Pharmacy allowed Tanya to make meaningful connections within her community, helping people during joyful and vulnerable times.

“For me, it was all about making patient connections and being there and being available and accessible to your patients when they need you the most,” she explains.

Empathy and Support

Tanya emphasizes the importance of empathy in pharmacy. Her personal experience with cancer inspired her to start a wig bank for cancer patients, showing her commitment to supporting patients through their toughest times.

“I too had cancer. So I know how difficult it was to lose your hair. And so being there for patients when they're at their hardest moments is really satisfying for me as a healthcare professional,” she says.

Continuous Learning and Professional Growth

Learning and Development

Tanya is committed to continuous learning and professional development. She fosters a culture of growth within her team. “I wanted to be in a profession that I'd always continue to learn. And I don't think a single day goes by that I don't learn something,” she shares.

Building a Strong Team

Tanya believes in surrounding herself with people who challenge and improve each other. “You want to put yourself around like people that make you better than what you are,” she says.

Tanya’s journey from biochemistry student to a compassionate pharmacist highlights the rewarding aspects of a career in pharmacy. Her story is a powerful example of how personal experiences and dedication can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Start Your Journey

Inspired by Tanya’s journey? Explore a career in pharmacy with Dalhousie University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Our comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience prepare you for the complex challenges of health care, allowing you to make a real difference in patients' lives.

• Explore the Program: Learn more about the PharmD program at Dalhousie University and how it prepares you for a successful career in pharmacy.
• Take the Quiz: Find out what kind of pharmacist you could be with our quick quiz.
• Get Personalized Guidance: Connect with Padam, our dedicated admissions advisor, for personalized guidance on your journey to becoming a pharmacist.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates, insights, and reminders about application deadlines and info sessions.

Keep watching the video series to learn more about the impact of pharmacists and the opportunities available through Dalhousie’s PharmD program.