Tanvi Patel, P2, finds community through Presbyterian College Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy Program
With support from PC faculty and peers, Patel has successfully moved directly from undergrad into pharmacy school, completing an impactful internship along the way.
by Sarah Murphy
There is one factor that Tanvi Patel—a second-year pharmacy student at the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy—has always considered to be a must-have in her academic pursuits: a strong, close-knit community.
She found that support and sense of togetherness in the Presbyterian College Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy Program, which she began as an undergraduate.
“The early entry program really fosters a sense of community among its students, which I find to be crucial for personal and professional development,” says Patel. “The relationships I built with my peers, professors, and mentors have been a key part of my journey.”
Patel says the faculty at PC are personally invested in student growth, finding ways to promote individual interests and group-wide support starting right away as an undergraduate.
“After noticing that I had a particular interest in pharmaceutical chemistry, (PC chemistry professor) Dr. De La Cruz offered to guide me through extra readings and even recommended additional resources to deepen my understanding,” says Patel. “Her willingness to go beyond the standard curriculum to support my interests showed me just how dedicated she is to her students’ success.”
As part of her pharmacy training, Patel also had the opportunity to intern at CVS. There, she learned about patient counseling, medication therapy management, and the operational side of a pharmacy.
“I was able to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations, which deepened my understanding of patient care,” says Patel. “The experience enhanced my communication skills and gave me insight into the role of a pharmacist beyond just dispensing medications.”
Overall, Patel says being a part of the early entry pharmacy program gave her a solid foundation in both the scientific principles and the professional skills needed for pharmacy school.
“It helped me develop time management and study strategies early on, which allowed me to focus more on the advanced topics once I entered pharmacy school,” says Patel. “The program also familiarized me with the expectations and pace of the curriculum, so I felt well-prepared and confident when starting pharmacy school.”