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Mariava Phillips
August 26, 2024



The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is excited to welcome the PharmD Class of 2028! One hundred and fifty students are beginning their journey to become leaders and innovators in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Read below to get to know a couple of our incoming students. 

 

Q&A with PharmD candidates Catie McGrath (CM) and Tevin Williams (TW): 

Question: Tell me where you’re from and your educational background. 

Catie McGrath in front of the Old Well on campus.

CM: I am from Wayne, New Jersey and completed my undergrad degree at DeSales University, a small college in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. I completed a dual degree in biology and chemistry, and I really loved my four and a half years there.  

TW: I attended Saint Augustine’s University for my undergraduate institution and majored in biology. I also attended North Carolina Central University for graduate school and completed my master’s degree in biomedical sciences. I am from Wilson, North Carolina. 

 

Question: Both of you were college athletes. Can you tell me about your love of sports and what they have taught you? 

CM: I have been playing field hockey since 2012. It has taught me so much about myself such as the importance of leadership and teamwork. While at DeSales, I had the opportunity to play five seasons of college field hockey, which was highlighted by a 2022 Mid-American Conference championship and earning our program’s first NCAA tournament bid! 

TW: In undergrad, I discovered my passion for golf by taking a golf class, where I surprisingly found that I was a natural. Encouraged by my instructor, I tried out for the team, made it, and went on to win the “Most Improved Player” award in my first year in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. This experience not only fueled my love for the sport but also taught me the importance of dedication and perseverance. 

 

Question: What led you to choose pursing pharmacy as a career?  

Tevin Williams

CM: I chose pharmacy because I am deeply interested in the vastness of practice and the opportunity to help a wide variety of patients. I am drawn to the opportunity to combine my scientific knowledge with a direct impact on patient well-being.    

TW: I chose pharmacy as my career because I’ve always been fascinated by the mechanisms of action behind how drugs work. This curiosity, combined with my desire to help others, led me to pursue a profession where I could apply my knowledge to improve patients’ health and well-being. Pharmacy offers a perfect blend of science and compassion, allowing me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives every day. 

 

Question: Why did you want to attend the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy?  

CM: I am particularly excited about Carolina’s pharmacy program because of its strong reputation for excellence. I believe it will provide me with the education and supportive environment I need to succeed in my career as a pharmacist.  

TW: Carolina has always been my dream school because of its exceptional reputation in the field of pharmacy and its commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation. The supportive community and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration align perfectly with my values and aspirations. Also, the opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth make it the ideal place for me to achieve my career goals in pharmacy. 

 

Question: What are you most looking forward to during your first year at pharmacy school? 

CM: In my first year, I am most looking forward to diving into the foundational coursework and learning about all of the opportunities at the School. I am eager to begin gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings and learning from experienced pharmacists and faculty members.  

TW: For my first year of pharmacy school, I am eager to immerse myself in learning and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. I look forward to networking with peers, professors, and professionals in the field, building valuable connections that will enhance my educational experience and future career. This year represents an exciting opportunity to grow both academically and professionally in my journey to becoming a skilled and compassionate pharmacist. 

 

Question: Fast forward four years, what are you hoping you’ve gained from this experience?  

CM: In my four years, I hope to have gained valuable experience through the rigorous coursework, internships, and rotations. I hope that I have developed strong clinical skills and a deep foundational understanding of excellence to propel me into my career. 

TW: When I finish pharmacy school, I aim to become a trusted and knowledgeable pharmacist who makes a positive impact on patients’ lives. I aspire to contribute to the health care community by ensuring safe and effective medication use, providing patient education, and advocating for public health. Ultimately, I want to be recognized for my compassion, responsibility, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. 

 

 

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