During the 2024-2025 academic year, the UConn School of Pharmacy fielded a team that placed sixth out of 70 schools or college of pharmacy nationally in the annual Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO). The competition is based on a group of students from a school or college of pharmacy working together at a mock pharmaceutical company […]
(UConn Photo)
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the UConn School of Pharmacy fielded a team that placed sixth out of 70 schools or college of pharmacy nationally in the annual Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO). The competition is based on a group of students from a school or college of pharmacy working together at a mock pharmaceutical company to submit a plan to launch a brand-new drug onto the US market. This is even more impressive since the UConn School of Pharmacy is in the 30th percentile for class sizes nationally.
Lahar Miriyapalli helped lead the UConn student group and says, "This year, we had an incredible team of 35 participants, led by my amazing functional area co-leads: Brian Portela, Caitlin Raimo, Rachel Antonelli, Mona El-Mouwfi, and Melinda Fan. The competition gives students a chance to build real-world skills and present information the way a pharmaceutical company would. It's a great way to explore the roles and responsibilities within the industry and gives us the chance to practice some of the key functions these companies carry out."
This success coincides with the release of a new elective course "Pharmaceutical Industry Fundamentals for Pharmacists," where pharmaceutical industry experts across the country participated as panelists discussing the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in areas such as medical communications, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacometrics, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and research and development. Student also learned about how to position themselves for success in an industry-based career through specialized summer internships, advanced pharmacy practice experiences, and industry fellowships as well as specialized opportunities at the UConn School of Pharmacy including independent research, leadership tracks, and assuming executive board positions in pharmacy organizations. On April 15, 12 of our pharmaceutical industry panelists came to the School of Pharmacy for a half day in person event where they met with students in rotating small groups to provide individual mentorship, review CVs and cover letters, and discuss the value of networking. Students were so appreciative of being able to tap into the expertise of these mentors.
UConn student Emma Bourgeois said, "Getting the chance to speak with a panel of professionals from various functional areas was truly eye-opening. I was so thankful to receive personalized CV feedback and thoughtful mentorship about pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry from professionals who once were in our shoes. The panelists made it evident that building meaningful connections and learning how to network professionally can open doors to future opportunities."
Even the mentors were personally impacted by meeting with the students. Dr. Margaret Essex commented that, "it is invigorating to work with the next generation of pharmacy professionals. Because of their genuine interest, it is a joy to mentor them about career paths that they may not have imagined."
The industry pharmacist participants included: Amy Antipas, BS Pharmacy, MS, PhD (Pfizer Inc.), Margaret Essex, BS, Pharm.D., FCPP (Pfizer Inc. retired), Walter McClain, BS, PharmD, MBA, (Pfizer Inc. retired), Carren Jepchumba, Pharm.D. (Eli Lilly), Mary Inguanti, BS, MPH, FACHE (Becton Dickinson), Marie Smith, Pharm.D. (UConn), Amanda Idusuyi, Pharm.D. (Sanofi), Mirina Li, Pharm.D., MS (Adaptive Biotechnologies), Steve Riley, Pharm.D., PhD. (Pfizer Inc.), Chris Tanksi, Pharm.D., MPH, BCCP, BCPS (Pfizer Inc.), Andrew Vilcinskas, Pharm.D. (Sanofi).
Carl Possidente, Pharm.D., a recent retiree from Pfizer, helped to create and coordinate the course with C. Michael White, Pharm.D., Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pharmacy Practice. Dr Possidente says that "During my career I have enjoyed educating pharmacists and health care professionals. It has been rewarding to help students learn about career options within the pharmaceutical industry."
Dr White says that "Dr Possidente provides the insider's perspective that I would not be able to replicate if I were doing this course alone. There is a special gravitas that comes from succeeding in the pharmaceutical industry space for so long that cannot be replicated in any other way. His insider view and the insights from so many talented alumni and friends of the UConn School of Pharmacy is what makes this course unique."
Aside from competition placement, another marker of success is how many students are accepted into highly competitive pharmaceutical industry fellowships. Starting in the summer of 2025, seven recent UConn graduates will join these training programs.
Graduating student Rohan Kantesaria says, "Industry fellowships are highly competitive, with a rigorous application process that spans several months. UConn does a great job preparing us for this path through a variety of resources. From guest speakers who share their journeys in the pharmaceutical industry, to a strong alumni network eager to support us, and timely CV reviews and mock interviews, the support has been incredibly helpful. I'm very fortunate to have this strong support system of faculty and peers while navigating this process."
One way for students to get inside experience in the pharmaceutical industry is through Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. These one-month rotations allow students to be immersed in a pharmaceutical company every day under the supervision of a pharmacist specialist at the company. Overall, 21 students secured either a one- or two-month industry rotation at eight different companies.
