Student of the Month Spotlight: November 2021
Ethan King
PY3 Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Granby, MA.
Meet Ethan King! Ethan is a third year PharmD student who is being recognized for his ability to balance pharmacy school, work, research, and involvement in various student organizations. He currently serves in leadership roles as President of the Industry Pharmacists Organization, President of National Community Pharmacists Association, and Alumni Chair for Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Ethan is working with faculty on research projects pertaining to the immunomodulatory effects of polybrominated flame retardants on mast cells, and evaluating the effectiveness of flowcharts as an instructional method in a therapeutics course for pharmacy students. He is employed as a Pharmacy Intern at the independent drugstore Amherst Pharmacy and Baystate Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy, as well as serving as a Lab Assistant under Associate Professor Dr. Diptiman Bose. Ethan earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies at Western New England University in May 2021. He was nominated for Student of the Month by his faculty advisor Dr. Katelyn Parsons.
Interview with Ethan:
Why did you choose Western New England University?
I initially attended Western New England University for the Pre-Pharmacy program. I chose this school because of its close proximity to my home. I remained at Western New England University to start the PharmD program as this was where I felt most comfortable. I had previously worked with some of the College faculty, and I had made friends with the students enrolling in the pharmacy class of 2023, which factored into my decision.
Please share your thoughts about the pharmacy program at Western New England University.
I believe that the administration of the PharmD program cares about the students, which makes it a welcoming place. The faculty is constantly seeking feedback from students and implementing student recommendations. The faculty always make times to meet with students to discuss class material, career aspirations, and research opportunities. They have opened doors for dual degree programs for students by introducing additional courses to the pharmacy curriculum. The professors continue to promote the importance of interprofessional collaboration between healthcare professionals. The school's graduation metrics and post-doctoral job placement are directly correlated to the education received by the students.
What are your current career aspirations?
Currently, I would like to pursue a postgraduate industry fellowship with a focus in medical affairs. Thereafter, I would like to work at a pharmaceutical firm to provide an essential – but different – form of patient care.
What advice would you provide to a student considering pharmacy for a career?
Do it all. If you feel like you may have an interest in something, delve deeper into it. Find what is going to make you enjoy your career, and try to find it as quickly as you can because your time at school will be finished before you know it.
Ethan’s Faculty Advisor, Dr. Katelyn Parsons, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, shared the following thoughts:
Ethan does a great job balancing school, work (now working 3 jobs), research, and involvement in various organizations. He was selected as a member of Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society given his demonstrated leadership during his time in the College. He is working on developing a mentorship program within AZO to better connect the students with alumni and develop various programs for the College to learn more about industry careers and independent pharmacy. He is highly motivated but also has exceptional character – he is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed and goes out of his way to show appreciation to others for their work. Ethan is an excellent representative of our program and a worthy selection for Student of the Month!
Learn more about the opportunities available to our students by visiting our student organizations page here.