Our first year gave way to one of our most important accomplishments - a partnership with Hematology Oncology Pharmacists Association (HOPA) and Rhode Island Pharmacists Association (RIPA). Together, we were able to provide four pharmacist trainees scholarships! Give it up to our winners - Maher Alhajeh, Pharm.D., Joseph Washington, Pharm.D., Phuong Hodges, Pharm.D., and Gisela Canales, Pharm.D.! Cheers to continuing to support the future of pharmacy for years to come!
Maher Alhajeh, Pharm.D.
Scholarship: HOPA Diversity in Scholarship
College of Pharmacy: University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduation Year: 2021
Current Position: PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Resident, University of California San Francisco
Accomplishment: My biggest win this year is winning the "Blue Ribbon Award for High-Value Care" for my PGY1 pharmacy research project provided by UCSF Center for Healthcare Value, attending HOPA Conference as a PGY1 pharmacy resident sponsored by PGWL and HOPA, joining HOPA Practice Outcomes & Professional Benchmarking Committee as pharmacy resident member, and submitting my PGY1 research manuscript to be considered for publication.
Advice for New Graduates: Never compare yourself to others but to the person you would like to be in the future and think thoughtfully about the steps that will lead you there.
Joseph Washington, Pharm.D.
Scholarship: HOPA Diversity in Scholarship
College of Pharmacy: University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Graduation Year: 2022
Current Position: Health Outcomes & Market Access Research Fellow
Accomplishment: My biggest win this year is graduating with both a Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health degree this past May
Advice for New Graduates: As a student pharmacist be willing to learn, be willing to explore, and be willing to serve your patients and colleagues
Phuong Hodges, Pharm.D.
Scholarship: RIPA New Graduate Scholarship
College of Pharmacy: University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy
Graduation Year: 2021
Current Position: Graduate Intern/Pharmacist at White Cross Pharmacy
Accomplishment: My biggest win this year was winning the 2022 Senior Awards for COP Academic Excellence
Advice for New Graduates: Keep doing what you are doing, work hard, and you will be exactly where you need to be!
Gisela Canales, Pharm.D.
Scholarship: RIPA New Graduate Scholarship
College of Pharmacy: University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduation Year: 2021
Current Position: PGY2 Pharmacy Resident at RIPCPC
Accomplishment: My biggest win this year was completing my PGY1 and now pursuing a PGY2 in Ambulatory Care!
Advice for 2022 Graduates: Graduation is a special time, take a second to soak it all in. Feel the joy of accomplishing something amazing and be proud of yourself. Approach the future with an open mind and be willing to learn from those you encounter.