I've worked in independent pharmacy for 25 years and have owned my own store for 12 years. Everyday it's humbling how many patients and other providers reach out to me for advice as their most trusted healthcare professional.

I think what makes me successful is I guide my patients as if they were my own family. I really take the time to know all my patients and their families.

In a world with so many choices of where patients can fill their prescriptions. I think people still value the personal relationship personal relationship you get at an independent pharmacy.

There has never been a better time to be directly involved in the pharmacy profession. Over 4.5 billion prescriptions were filled in the USA last year. Now pharmacists must optimize health outcomes with enhanced medication management and advanced health technologies!

Growing up my parents instilled in me, you always give back.

One of my favorite quotes from my dad is, "Be a giver, not a taker, live and lead by example."

This philosophy remains in my heart today and I strive to apply this philosophy with every patient I serve, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and burdened with chronic disease.

These patients sometimes feel lonely not knowing how to pay for medications or where to go to receive care.

If I can help one patient connect with the right provider, or lessen the burden of polypharmacy costs through counseling or direct them to programs to help with costs, then I have fulfilled my purpose assisting those in need.

It is why I became a pharmacist, to provide the best care to all with love and humanity.

As an Iranian American pharmacy student, I am proud to advocate for underserved communities. Working as an intern in independent pharmacies, I enjoy empowering patients to care for their physical and mental health. In addition, I get to actively listen to the healthcare barriers they are experiencing and provide them with resources. As a future pharmacist, I will strive to provide quality patient care and advocate for independent pharmacies.

Pharmacy has allowed me to pursue a profession that is fulfilling, constantly changing, and intellectually stimulating. I am proud to be in a position today that allows me to give back to the community. I am very passionate about educating our student pharmacists and give them encouragement to believe in themselves, so they can realize their potential.

I wanted to be a pharmacist to deliver quality healthcare to patients.

I'm constantly inspired by the work pharmacists are putting into the world to ensure better health outcomes for our communities.

My goal as a soon-to-be-PharmD is to continue encouraging pharmacists to advocate for themselves and drive innovation in the profession.

Pharmacists are often the first-line access to healthcare and one of the last eyes that look at a patient's prescription before it is dispensed. By working together with our healthcare teams and the patient, we can have a significant impact on the patient's health and prevent life-altering medication errors. I am thankful for all the opportunities I have had to help patients manage their disease states and look forward to the many more I will have as an upcoming 4th year and soon-to-be pharmacist!