Amanda VanInwegen is in the Pharm.D. program, class of 2020.
Why did you choose VCU?
The first time I visited the medical campus, I was immediately drawn to the educational and interprofessional environment. Attending a pharmacy school where students from differing health care fields are educated together, learning from and with interdisciplinary student professionals sounded like the best way to learn how to one day work in our real world environment. Once I learned more about the school and its teaching philosophies, I knew it was the place where I would thrive as a learner and become the best future pharmacist possible.
What has been your favorite learning experience at VCU, and why?
My favorite learning experience is simply everyday interactions with my fellow students and faculty members. One of the best parts about VCU is the diversity of the students and their experiences. I feel that I learn best when I hear about someone’s personal experience with a topic. Whether it be comparing rotations or discussing specific encounters with patients, the students and faculty here are always striving to learn from each other about the profession and what we can do to help better the lives of our patients.
In your words, describe the unique learning opportunities available at VCU.
Being in an urban environment with a very diverse population, the community service opportunities are endless. Through involvement in pharmacy organizations, students are able to sign up for service events and projects on an almost weekly basis. In my first year, I was able to attend several health fairs and clinics, taking blood pressure readings and talking to patients about their medications. For me, these events have been just as valuable as classroom learning in my pharmacy education.
Lastly, what are your future professional plans?
I am pursuing a PGY1 hospital residency after graduation, hopefully followed by a PGY2 residency in a specialty area. My main interest as of right now is pediatrics and I would love to have a career working with pediatric patients in a clinical setting.
