10/23/2026
⭐ FEATURE FRIDAY⭐
Meet Shadawn🤍
What inspired you to pursue pharmacy?💊
I was pre-med for a very long time. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Charles R. Drew University and my master’s in biomedical sciences from California Baptist University. While working in mental health and doing research in a children’s hospital emergency department, I realized how interested I was in medications and the treatment side of patient care. My faith has always been my beacon of hope, so I really started praying about what was next for me. A pharmacist friend introduced me to psychiatric pharmacy, and once I learned I could complete a residency and specialize in psychiatry, everything clicked. I took a leap of faith, and that’s ultimately what led me to pharmacy.
What’s been your favorite class or rotation?📚
My favorite rotation has been my hospital IPPE in psychiatry. I have more than seven years of experience working in mental health, so I was very intentional about choosing that setting. Being able to participate in treatment planning, interact with patients, and work alongside psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and my pharmacist preceptor brought my spark for mental health back. It allowed me to see psychiatry from the perspective of a future pharmacist and confirmed that psychiatric pharmacy is something I can truly see myself pursuing.
What’s been the most rewarding part of pharmacy school? ⭐️
The most rewarding part has been seeing how much I’ve grown and the connections I’ve made along the way. Having mentors, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and working in pharmacy while being in school have helped me connect what I’m learning in the classroom to real patients. Whether I’m educating patients, giving vaccinations, recommending OTC products, or helping with their medications, I’m reminded that I’m not just studying for an exam. I’m learning how to take care of people.
