UMSOP Prepares PharmD Class of 2028 for the Fall

More than 50 incoming students attended New Student Welcome Day.

By Andrew Tie
July 11, 2024

Incoming Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) visited campus and learned more about the program at New Student Welcome Day on June 5.

The optional annual event provides an opportunity for students and their guests to meet leadership, faculty, staff, and fellow classmates before orientation in August.

The agenda included presentations from School administration, offices that work with and support PharmD students, and first-year course managers. The incoming students also met Audra Stinchcomb, PhD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC), who will serve as the Class of 2028’s faculty advisor.

“At the School of Pharmacy, we’re wholly committed to your success. We want your first semester to be smooth and successful, both from the academic and co-curricular standpoints,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean of the School of Pharmacy and professor of PSC. “As you’re thinking about your first day of pharmacy school, focus on getting ready to engage yourselves with your new colleagues and faculty. Today is a great opportunity to get started.”

After the presentations, rising second- and third-year PharmD students participated in a panel about what to expect in pharmacy school. The day concluded with tours of Pharmacy Hall and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

A common suggestion repeated by faculty and current PharmD students was to enroll in the Maryland Academy for Pharmacy Success (MAPS), an optional series of modules that incoming students can complete over the summer to ease the transition.

“I’ve heard questions like, ‘what should I do to prepare for pharmacy school?’” said Sandeep Devabhakthuni, PharmD, BCCP, associate dean for student affairs and associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research. “Do MAPS. It’s not going to be daunting work, and it will help build the skills, knowledge, concepts, and principles required for their first semester.”

At the beginning of their educational journeys, some incoming students looked ahead to the impact they hope to make one day in health care.

“I might want to go into industry,” said Paramjit Kaur, a first-generation student from the Baltimore area. “I love one-on-one patient interactions but being able to use that information to make an impact on public health is important to me.”

Although there was a lot of information to absorb during New Student Welcome Day, speakers reiterated to incoming students that the School and its faculty, staff, and current students are ready to support them over the next four years and beyond.

“It’s very reassuring getting to know what to expect as far as coursework, networking, and resources we have,” said Solomon Jenkins.

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