In this episode, Dr. Mary Ngo welcomes Dr. Laressa Bethishou to discuss her career journey and insights into transitions of care pharmacy as well as academia. The conversation explores the importance and challenges of improving communication and care during patient transitions between health settings, and why this specialty is so meaningful and impactful for both patients and practitioners.

She dives into what drew her into transitions of care, the daily realities and variations in clinical practice, and the ways in which pharmacists play a crucial role in reducing readmissions, resolving medication barriers, and empowering patients through education. She also discusses the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and professional development—sharing advice for pharmacy students and new practitioners interested in her career path.

• Reach out to Dr. Bethishou at bethisho@chapman.edu or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laressa-bethishou-pharm-d-aph-bcps-26b50a25/ For those interested in the OCPhA mentorship program, applications are typically available in late summer/early fall.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to catch future episodes and connect with the OCPhA community for more perspectives from across the pharmacy profession.

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

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Originally recorded early 2025, this episode of the OCPhA podcast sees our president, Dr. Mary Ngo, interview Dr. Kevin Shiau in the area of pharmacy industry.

Some highlights from Dr. Kevin Shiau's interview:

• Be Your Own Advocate: No one will hand you your dream industry job—you need to actively network, research, and reach out. Use tools like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and mentors who can help guide your path.

• Explore All Avenues: Every experience—whether a rotation, internship, or first job—acts as a stepping stone. Don't worry if your first role isn’t a perfect fit; the pharmaceutical industry offers diverse paths including medical affairs, regulatory, commercial, and scientific communications.

• Start Early and Research Thoroughly: Don’t wait until graduation—start learning about different industry roles early in pharmacy school. Review fellowship brochures, talk to current fellows, and clarify what roles align best with your skills and interests.

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

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Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!

In this episode originally recorded in early 2024, we had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Katie Bui about her journey from critical care to emergency medicine pharmacy, her role at CHOC Children's Hospital, and the intricacies of pediatric emergency care.

Key Takeaways:

• The Vital Role of Preparation and Adaptability: Dr. Bui shares how her critical care background taught her to anticipate and prepare for a wide range of medical emergencies, highlighting the importance of being ready for any situation.
• Challenges in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: From weight-based dosing to managing a diverse age range, learn how pediatric emergency care differs significantly from adult care and why it demands meticulous attention to detail.
• Continuous Learning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Discover how Dr. Bui stays updated with the latest guidelines and best practices through ongoing education, conferences, and learning from her colleagues in various medical fields.

Tune in to hear more about Dr. Bui's experiences and insights on navigating the high-stakes environment of emergency medicine. You won't want to miss it!

You can reach out to Dr. Bui at bui103@hotmail.com for any further question

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

========== Twitter: @OCPhA_CA

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Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Marina Dykhne, Medical Science Liaison at Amgen Pharmaceuticals and former faculty at West Coast University, on the OCPhA Podcast. Her journey and experiences from academia to industry are truly inspiring!

👩‍🔬 From clinical rotations and academic teaching to her dynamic role as an MSL, Marina shared invaluable insights that can benefit anyone interested in pharmacy, academia, or the pharmaceutical industry.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

🔑 Transitioning from Academia to Industry: Marina's shift from being a clinical faculty to becoming an MSL at Amgen highlights the importance of transferable skills—from deciphering complex data and communicating with clinicians to staying updated with the latest clinical guidelines.

💼 Dynamic Day-to-Day of an MSL: The role of a Medical Science Liaison is far from routine. It involves constant learning, effective communication, and a lot of on-the-go engagements with key opinion leaders (KOLs) across the healthcare landscape.

🚀 Pathways into Pharmaceutical Industry: Whether through direct routes like industry fellowships or via clinical experience, there are multiple avenues for pharmacists to explore roles within the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a field rich with opportunities beyond the traditional pharmacy roles.

Follow Dr. Dykhne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marina-dykhne-pharmd/

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

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🎙 Excited to share insights from our interview with Dr. Albert Bach, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, in the latest episode of the OCPhA podcast! We discussed Dr. Bach's journey into academia, his residency experience, and advice for aspiring pharmacy professionals. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

🔍 Start Early & Explore Opportunities: Begin by identifying your passion and career interests early. Look for opportunities to gain insights and experiences, such as reaching out to faculty members, engaging in your APPE rotations, and utilizing resources to learn more about specific fields of interest.

🎓 Continuous Learning & Preparation: Prepare residencies and/or fellowships by proactively pursuing experiences and resources. Utilize the support from faculty members and seek guidance on how to approach the career path you are interested in.

🤝 Engage & Connect: Networking and seeking mentorship are essential. Don't hesitate to connect with professionals in your field of interest, request informational interviews, and leverage networking platforms to build meaningful connections.

Thank you, Dr. Bach, for sharing your valuable insights! If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Bach's journey or want to seek guidance, feel free to reach out at abach@chapman.edu.

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

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In this episode of the OCPhA Podcast, join host Dr Mary Ngo as she interviews first-year pharmacy student, Ryan Kwok from UC Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Ryan discusses his journey from pre-pharmacy to becoming a student leader and the founder of the StudentRxNetwork, a platform for pharmacy and pre-pharmacy students. He shares his experiences with pharmacy networking, work at a student health center pharmacy, and his goals for the future, including plans for graduation and potential career paths.

Ryan also explores the need for more representation of pharmacy professionals in media and discusses his ambitions to become an advocate for the pharmacy profession.

Contact Ryan at ryanthkwok@gmail.com and visit his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-tsz-him-kwok-2b93211b4/

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

========== Twitter: @OCPhA_CA

Instagram: @OCPhA

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Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!

🎙️👩‍⚕️ Join us for a captivating conversation on today's episode as Dr. Mary Ngo sits down with pharmacy student Anthony Herfi to delve into his inspiring journey from pharmacy technician to aspiring pharmacist! 💊📚

In this insightful interview, Anthony shares the trials and triumphs of his path in the pharmacy world, offering valuable insights and reflections on his experiences along the way. From his humble beginnings as a pharmacy technician to his current pursuit of a pharmacy degree, Anthony's story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a passion for healthcare. 🌟

Tune in as we explore the challenges, lessons learned, and the moments that have shaped Anthony's journey, providing inspiration for fellow pharmacy students and aspiring healthcare professionals. It's a conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the pursuit of a dream in the world of pharmacy. 🎓💡

Reach out to Anthony at aherfi@health.ucsd.edu

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

========== Twitter: @OCPhA_CA

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Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!

On today's episode, Dr. Mary Ngo takes the reins to interview PGY2 pharmacy resident Dr. Andrew Hean!

Discussions delve into Dr. Hean's fascinating career journey, exploring his exceptional pathway through the world of pharmacy. From the insights gained during his pharmacy residency in psychiatric practice to the pivotal moments shaping his professional trajectory, this conversation promises an engaging exploration into the intricacies of pharmaceutical practice. Join us for an enriching discussion and gain unique perspectives into the world of pharmaceutical care!

You can reach out to Dr. Hean at andrewhean.pharmd@gmail.com or on LinkedIn. You can follow him on social media at https://www.instagram.com/bandyandy562

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

========== Twitter: @OCPhA_CA

Instagram: @OCPhA

Facebook: OC Pharmacists

Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!