From Personal Care to Pharmacy Student: Ronald’s Path to PharmD at Dalhousie

Choosing a career path can feel like a massive decision, especially when you’re driven to make a real difference. Ronald Watema-Lord's journey into pharmacy shows how personal experiences can shape our career choices. 

Ronald was drawn to health care from a young age when he started helping his grandmother organize her daily medications.

He remembers memorizing the colours of her medication vials and going with her to doctor appointments. 

"My grandmother called me her little doctor. When she got a new medication, I had to know what it was,” says Ronald. 

This close relationship with health care sparked his interest in becoming a pharmacist—a career where he felt he could significantly impact people's lives, especially in managing their medications. 

When Ronald started his studies at Dalhousie University, the imposter syndrome hit hard, but his deep connection to his goals helped him push through.

“I felt like someone had already drawn a path out for me to take this career and make sure that I finish it,” he says.

Now, he’s not just surviving; he’s thriving.

Dalhousie University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is the only one in the Maritimes and offers a supportive environment perfect for students like Ronald. Known for its solid curriculum that merges theory with practical experience, the program prepares you to meet the complex challenges of the health care field head-on.

How to Become a Pharmacist 

How can you make a start in pharmacy? Ronald’s experience underlines the importance of the PharmD program's community-focused approach. Pharmacists are very accessible and play a critical role in health care, offering advice and support beyond prescriptions. This aspect of the job appealed to Ronald, driven by the chance to enhance lives through personalized care.

See yourself making a difference like Ronald? Explore what kind of pharmacist you could be with our quick quiz. 

Applying to Dalhousie’s PharmD program is straightforward as it doesn’t require PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) scores, focusing instead on your academic performance and personal interviews. This process helps highlight essential non-academic skills needed in the profession, such as ethical reasoning and problem-solving.

Ronald's path shows that becoming a pharmacist is more than a personal success; it’s about empowering others to lead healthier lives. He advises prospective students: If you see yourself making a difference, one patient at a time, pharmacy may be your path.

“A great way to look at it is, do you see yourself changing someone's life? I think I would have changed my grandmother's life if she was still alive today, I would have done a lot to help,” says Ronald. 

Join The Next PharmD Cohort at Dalhousie

Are you ready to start a fulfilling career that blends science, health care, and direct patient interaction? Explore the PharmD program at Dalhousie University’s College of Pharmacy. With our program beginning in September 2024, you’ll embark on a transformative journey through four years of innovative education and hands-on experience. This is your opportunity to become a health care professional who truly makes a difference.

Got questions or need personalized advice? Reach out to Padam, our dedicated admissions advisor. Padam is ready to help you navigate your path to a rewarding pharmacy career.