Finding Purpose in Health Care: Kristen’s Journey to Becoming a Pharmacist

Choosing a career path can feel like a massive decision, especially when you’re driven to make a real difference. Kristen MacKinnon’s journey into pharmacy shows how personal experiences can shape our career choices and lead to a fulfilling and impactful profession.

Here are three insights about sustaining your passion from our conversation with Kristen.

1. Find Your Mentor

Kristen chose pharmacy at a young age, inspired by a unique hands-on experience.

“Our local pharmacist offered to take me in and do a day of shadowing,” she explains. Getting that firsthand experience—on the floor, next to a real pharmacist—had a solidifying effect. “I didn't know I was going to love [it] so much. After even the first week, I pretty well knew what I wanted to do,” she says. This early exposure helped Kristen discover her passion for pharmacy, giving her a profound sense of purpose.

Having a mentor can make a significant difference in your career development. Kristen was fortunate to have a local pharmacist who offered her a day of shadowing, which was pivotal in her decision to pursue pharmacy.

2. Find Your Niche

One of the unique aspects of a pharmacy career is the variety of paths available.

“I think there's a place for everybody in pharmacy. There's research, hospital work, teaching, and even travelling as a relief pharmacist,” Kristen explains.

This diversity allows pharmacists to explore different facets of the profession and find their niche, whether it’s working on the front lines, conducting research, or educating future pharmacists.

3. Embrace Continuous Impact and Growth

Kristen takes pride in the progress made in the pharmacy profession. “Seeing the progress that's been made is a huge point of pride. And we've made leaps and bounds over when I graduated for being recognized for the things that we can do, but there's still a long way to go.” The advancements in pharmacy and the growing recognition of pharmacists' contributions motivate her to continue making an impact.

“Knowing that it's progressing so much and that we're making that impact makes you want to do more. Makes you know why you're there.” Embrace the continuous growth and impact you can make in your pharmacy career.

Start Your Journey

Inspired by Kristen’s journey? Take the first step towards a fulfilling 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 healthcare, 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.