Kayla Chu
PharmD Candidate 2029 at St. John's University
St. John's University
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I have always loved the field of medicine. But I never believed I could be a good pharmacist due to social anxiety. However, through meaningful discussions with experts and peers, I found my voice, built confidence and deepened my passion for science and healthcare. This journey led me to appreciate the critical role pharmacists play in bridging the gap between medicine and patients.
I firmly believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, and access to proper education and reliable resources is essential for well-being. I am driven by a desire to educate, combat misinformation, and uphold integrity in healthcare. As a future pharmacist, I want to ensure that patients not only receive the right medications but also understand how to use them safely and effectively.
Despite being a global leader in drug development, the United States faces profound healthcare challenges. Disparities in access, medication errors, and preventable hospitalizations continue to impact patient outcomes. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to address these issues through patient education, medication management, and advocacy. My strengths—introspection, responsibility, deliberation, curiosity, and relationship-building—align seamlessly with the demands of pharmacy practice, reinforcing my dedication to fostering trust and integrity in healthcare.
To me, pharmacy is more than dispensing medication; it is about improving health literacy, ensuring patient safety, and making a tangible impact on people’s lives. My vision extends beyond the traditional role of a pharmacist—I aspire to advocate for equitable healthcare and contribute to initiatives that expand access to quality care.
Pharmacy is my calling because it merges my love for science with my commitment to education and patient advocacy. It challenges me to grow both professionally and personally while reinforcing my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life. Through dedication, education, and compassion, I aspire to be a pharmacist who not only provides care but also drives positive change within my community.
1-5 Years
- Enhance time management and self-care practices to achieve a well-balanced personal and professional lifestyle, fostering personal and professional growth.
5-10 Years
- Actively work to bridge the gap between medicine and patients by improving patient care, medication adherence, and health literacy through education and personalized communication.
- Take on mentorship or educator roles to train the next generation of pharmacists.
- Continuously expand my expertise by pursuing certifications, attending professional conferences, and staying updated with advancements in pharmaceutical care.
15+ Years
- Contribute to my community and beyond through meaningful work that reflects my passion, purpose, and creativity, ensuring my unique talents and skills positively impact others.
- Inspire others by fostering a culture of lifelong learning, innovation, and empathy within the pharmacy profession.
1) Describe, in your own words, What is a pharmacist?
A pharmacist is a medication expert that dispenses drugs and counsels patients on how to take them. They ensure patients receive the drugs that were prescribed from the doctor, and that they get the education to take the drugs safely. A pharmacist is also knowledgable in drug side effects and drug interactions.
2) Why did you personally choose Pharmacy as your major?
I love studying medicine and educating patients about it. I also advocate that everyone has the right to access proper healthcare. Furthermore, I value integrity, and that befits the pharmacy profession.
3) Why did you choose to study pharmacy here at St. John’s University?
My decision to pursue pharmacy stems from the belief that healthcare is a right for all people. I believe my values closely align with SJU’s Vincentian vision on addressing issues of social justice. I chose to enroll SJU's PharmD program not only because it is the best, but because of its commitment to serve everyone.
My top five CliftonStrengths—Intellection, Responsibility, Deliberative, Input, and Relator—highlight qualities that will guide me toward achieving my professional and personal goals:
1) Intellection reflects my love for deep thinking and analysis. This strength will help me excel in problem-solving and staying updated with advancements in pharmaceutical care, supporting my goal of becoming a skilled clinical pharmacist and lifelong learner.
2) Responsibility underscores my commitment to fulfilling promises and maintaining high standards. This trait will ensure that I deliver reliable and compassionate patient care while effectively managing my responsibilities during residency and beyond.
3) Deliberative emphasizes my cautious and thoughtful decision-making, which will help me assess risks, anticipate challenges, and make sound choices in patient care and professional development.
4) Input highlights my curiosity and passion for gathering knowledge. This will fuel my pursuit of certifications, mentorship, and innovative healthcare solutions, aligning with my goal of continuous growth and leadership in pharmacy.
5) Relator represents my ability to form meaningful connections, enabling me to build trust with patients, colleagues, and the community.
By leveraging these strengths, I will close gaps between medicine and patients, improve care, and contribute positively to the pharmacy profession.
As I sat waiting for my name to be called during the White Coat Ceremony, I felt both nervous and proud. I understood that this was more than a ceremony—it was the moment I began to see myself as a pharmacist. Looking around, I saw my peers filled with the same excitement and anticipation. After so many late nights, challenging exams, and long lab hours, we had all faced the same struggles, and now we were united by a single purpose. The title “Class of 2029” no longer felt distant; it carried real meaning and pride.
Each time a name was called, the audience’s applause seemed to echo our shared journey. When it was finally my turn, I took a deep breath and stepped forward. The instant the white coat was placed on my shoulders, I felt a wave of accomplishment. Becoming a soon-to-be pharmacy intern suddenly felt tangible. The coat symbolized more than progress—it represented the trust patients will one day place in me and the responsibility that comes with that trust. In that moment, I wasn’t just a student learning about pharmacy; I was stepping into the role of a future pharmacist.
Reciting the Oath of the Pharmacist was one of the most powerful experiences of the ceremony. As I spoke the words aloud with my peers, I felt the weight of each line. The Oath reminded me that this profession is not simply about dispensing medications—it is about compassion, integrity, and lifelong learning. Its promise to maintain competence and serve others will guide me whenever I face self-doubt or imposter syndrome. The Oath tells me that excellence isn’t perfection—it’s commitment. Whenever I hesitate to speak up or question my ability, I will remember that I pledged to uphold the welfare of others. This promise will help me turn uncertainty into discipline and strengthen my confidence as I grow into the pharmacist I aspire to be.
The values of professionalism and ethics will shape how I treat my patients, classmates, and colleagues. When I meet a patient struggling with adherence, I will choose empathy over frustration. When I collaborate with other healthcare professionals, I will value teamwork and communication. These principles are not abstract ideas; they are the daily habits that define who I am becoming. They remind me that being a pharmacist means integrating clinical knowledge with empathy.
The white coat itself holds deep personal meaning for me. As someone who is shy and introverted, wearing it feels empowering—like armor that helps me overcome self-doubt. It transforms the way I see myself. Beneath it, I am still Kayla, a student striving to learn, but once I put it on, I feel more confident and capable. The coat becomes a visual reminder that I belong in this profession. It allows me to “fake it until I make it,” not by pretending, but by believing that I can grow into the professional I want to be. Each time I wear it in class or at my internship, it reminds me to act like the pharmacist I am training to become.
During the ceremony, guest speaker Dr. Michael D. Hogue, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association, gave advice that deeply resonated with me: “Be excellent in everything you do.” His words captured the essence of the profession. Excellence is not about competing with others; it is about giving your best effort in every moment, even when no one is watching. It is about progress, not perfection. His message inspires me to carry that standard into everything I do—from counseling patients to completing daily tasks. I want excellence to become not just a goal I strive for, but a habit that defines how I live and work.
The White Coat Ceremony marked more than an academic milestone; it marked the beginning of my transformation. It gave me a sense of belonging and purpose. The coat I now wear represents the trust of future patients, the expectations of my mentors, and my own promise to uphold the profession’s values. When I doubt myself, I will remember that day—the excitement, the pride, and the realization that I am on the path to something greater.
This experience reaffirmed my determination to grow into a confident, competent, knowledgeable, empathetic, and trustworthy pharmacist. Confidence will come with experience, competence with dedication, knowledge through continuous learning, and empathy through understanding. The white coat will serve as a reminder of the promise I made—to act with confidence and competence, to be excellent in everything I do, and to serve others with integrity and compassion.
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Expected May 2029
Pharmacy (Six-year Pharm.D) Major
Pharm D Candidate, 2029
GPA: 4.0 (Dean's List)
Hunter College - Manhattan, New York; August 2012 - September 2017
School of Arts and Sciences, Graduated September 2017
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Biochemistry
GPA: 3.7 (Dean's List)
Benjamin N. Cardozo High School - Queens, New York; September 2008 - June 2012
Graduated June 2012
Advanced Regents Diploma
ARISTA National Honor Society
260304042728_BLS_CPR_Certificate.pdf (.pdf) 0.25mb Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network — February 2026
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260223091743_COMM111_Certificate_of_Achievement_for_Communication_Skills_for_Successful_Healthcare_Team_Relationships.pdf (.pdf) 1.20mb 260223091706_TDH_Health_Literacy_certificate.pdf (.pdf) 0.17mb Pharmacy Technician at CVS Pharmacy
(Sep 2024 - Present)
Queens, NY
- Prepared and dispensed high-volume medication orders (200+ prescriptions daily) under pharmacist supervision, ensuring accuracy in drug selection, dosing, and labeling to support medication safety
- Maintained and updated patient profiles and medication histories, ensuring accurate documentation and supporting efficient prescription processing
- Managed inventory operations, including receiving shipments, ordering out-of-stock medications, removing expired stock, and returning unclaimed prescriptions to inventory in compliance with pharmacy procedures
- Reconstituted oral suspensions using automated reconstitution equipment (FillMaster Plus) and provided patients with instructions for proper use and storage, ensuring accuracy and safe medication administration
- Processed inbound and outbound prescription transfers, ensuring accurate documentation and continuity of patient medication therapy
- Collaborated with pharmacists and team members in a high-volume setting to streamline workflow and maintain efficient medication preparation and dispensing
- Identified and resolved insurance rejections and prior authorization issues, reducing delays in patient access to medications
- Facilitated patient check-in for immunizations, verifying documentation and insurance information to support efficient vaccine workflow and accurate recordkeeping
- Recommended over-the-counter (OTC) medications under pharmacist supervision, based on patient symptoms and provider prescriptions when applicable, ensuring safe and appropriate medication use
- Provided patient-centered communication, addressing medication, refill, and insurance inquiries to support adherence and patient understanding
- Detected and escalated medication discrepancies (e.g., incorrect strength, NDC mismatches), contributing to error prevention and improved patient safety
- Assisted in conducting and communicating Drug Utilization Reviews (DURs) under pharmacist supervision, reinforcing safe medication use
- Performed medication reconciliation on hospital discharge prescriptions, identifying discrepancies to support continuity of care
Freelance Medical Writer at Conexiant
(Jul 2023-Feb 2025)
Remote
- Authored tumor-specific oncology news content for healthcare professionals on JNCCN 360, summarizing emerging clinical updates and research findings
- Developed oncology-focused educational quiz content for OncGenius, reinforcing clinical knowledge through question-based learning tools
Clinical Research Writer at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc
(Oct 2018- Aug 2024)
Melville, NY
- Produced and quality-reviewed 300+ clinical study reports annually, ensuring accuracy of statistical data and compliance with regulatory and protocol standards
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams (clinical scientists, statisticians, regulatory affairs) to verify data integrity and ensure consistency across study documentation
- Identified and documented protocol deviations and data discrepancies, improving accuracy of clinical reporting and supporting regulatory compliance
Chemistry Laboratory Technician at Certified Laboratories, Inc
(Nov 2017 - Oct 2018)
Melville, NY
- Performed analytical testing (pH, protein, fat, nitrogen) using titration, digestion, and distillation techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results
- Conducted quality control and validated laboratory data, identifying discrepancies to maintain data integrity and compliance with testing standards
ELC Asian Affinity Group (AAG) Employee Resource Group
~May 2024~
- Organized and coordinated a leadership speaker event for Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month, promoting professional engagement within the organization
- Recruited an executive-level speaker and managed event logistics, ensuring successful program execution
- Designed and analyzed survey data to assess participant needs and guide programming improvements
Barista at 88Rising "Head in the Clouds" Concert
Silk
~May 2023~
- Prepared and served 5,000+ bubble tea orders in a high-volume environment, maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and quality under pressure
- Collaborated with team members to manage workflow and inventory, ensuring smooth operations during peak demand
Member
- Developed and delivered structured presentations, strengthening public speaking and professional communication skills
- Enhanced interpersonal communication and confidence, supporting effective teamwork in professional settings
Benjamin N. Cardozo High School | 2008 - 2012
St. John's University
Pharmacy
- Medication Safety & Reconciliation- Prescription Processing & Dispensing
- Patient Profile & Medication History Documentation
- Insurance Processing & Prior Authorization
Technical
- RxConnect (CVS pharmacy management system for prescription processing, patient profiles, and insurance adjudication)- FillMaster Plus (automated reconstitution equipment for preparing oral suspensions)
Professional
- Attention to Detail- Patient Communication
- Team Collaboration
Articles:
https://jnccn360.org/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/medical-literature/home-based-exercise-an-economic-approach-to-self-care-after-lung-cancer-surgery/
https://jnccn360.org/advanced-skin-cancers/medical-literature/are-adult-survivors-of-childhood-cancer-at-increased-risk-for-melanoma/
One accomplishment I am particularly proud of during my time at The Estée Lauder Companies is my leadership in ensuring the integrity of clinical study data. Recognizing the critical role of scientific accuracy and ethical responsibility, I proactively identified discrepancies and took decisive action by escalating my findings to internal teams. My initiative led to a comprehensive review and the implementation of corrective measures, strengthening research credibility and reinforcing the company’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity and consumer safety. This experience not only demonstrated my ability to lead with integrity but also delivered tangible results in upholding ethical and regulatory standards in clinical trials.
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