How do you learn about the future of pharmacy when breakthroughs in therapies are being invented every single day? Melscaryn Corcino, a fourth-year pharmacy student, details her personal journey on finding her very specific interest in pharmacogenomics and psychiatric pharmacy. Both are emerging and niche fields in pharmacy, but Corcino worked closely with dedicated student advisors who helped to find tailored experiences geared towards her interests in these growing fields of pharmacy. Psychology majors at WSU can now consider an expedited pathway to pursuing their psychology degree while also starting their Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
The WSU Doctor of Pharmacy program is a supportive environment that not only recognized my interests but also provided opportunities to pursue them. Unlike traditional pharmacy programs, the student-centered PharmD program exposed me to advanced topics like pharmacogenomics, expanding my understanding beyond conventional pharmacy practices.
The college’s forward-thinking approach enabled me to engage with experts in their fields. Through elective classes and international rotations, such as one in South Africa where we visited various hospitals and health care facilities in Cape Town, I gained invaluable hands-on experience observing patients who were living with HIV and tuberculosis while also seeking psychiatric treatment.
I encourage students interested in health care to explore diverse professional opportunities in pharmacy. It’s important to choose a pharmacy school that not only offers a comprehensive curriculum but also fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity and will go that extra mile for you to ensure you receive the tailored education you are seeking.
WSU’s emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and community engagement empowered me to advocate for mental health awareness and break the stigma surrounding psychiatric pharmacy. As the President of the WSU chapter of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacy, I spearheaded initiatives to promote dialogue and collaboration between health care professionals in the Spokane area.
The scarcity of psychiatric pharmacy will intensify in the coming years, and I hope more future pharmacists will consider this profession. A psychiatric board-certified pharmacist builds upon the duties of a standard pharmacist and allows us to practice beyond its limitations by acting as a direct prescribing and consulting provider.
WSU’s commitment to embracing new challenges and expanding horizons has not only shaped my academic journey but also equipped me with the skills and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the field of psychiatric pharmacy. As I continue to pursue my passion, I am grateful for the opportunities WSU has provided and look forward to a future where mental health care is accessible and stigma-free.