Student Spotlight: Joseph Chen

Hometown:

Westfield, NJ

Why did you choose to study pharmacy?

I originally chose pharmacy because of my interest in organic chemistry in high school, though being an organic chemist was not my calling, I knew I wanted to apply that knowledge to healthcare, and ended up with pharmacy!

Why did you choose the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy?

I decided on Duquesne University because of my familiarity with Pittsburgh (both of my parents went to a university in the city), and I knew the pharmacy program would be both challenging and prepare me well for the future.

If you could go back and give advice to yourself about college as a high school senior, what would you say?

If I were to go back six years ago, I think I would tell myself to take a breath, to not focus so much on the "do, do, do" culture we have created and to focus on the things that keep me grounded. It's difficult to recharge when we are constantly pulled in a hundred different directions trying to live up to expectations from society and our industries to paint that pretty picture of being the best, which has always been arbitrary in nature. So, I would say do everything you want to do, always keeping in mind boundaries are not a bad thing, and taking time for yourself is OK!

What is your favorite thing about Duquesne University (SOP or non-SOP related)?

My favorite thing about the School of Pharmacy here at Duquesne is the faculty. Each and every professor acts as a mentor, both pushing us to apply the substantial amount of knowledge we are taught while at the same time as guiding us through our own reservations of the future.

What are your plans for the future and how is the Duquesne University SOP helping you reach those goals?

My ambitions for the future include pursuing a residency with a focus in acute care, and at some point in my journey, I'd like to teach at a SOP and precept students in a clinical role. The faculty at Duquesne, have been absolutely fabulous in aiding students with similar and different goals, through concentrations offered during the 3rd professional year, and an email blast for students interested in residency (thank you Dr. Wolfgang!), I have some additional much-needed confidence in my ability to fulfill my aspirations.