University of Hawai‘i at Hilo welcomes new class of pharmacists

First-year students took the oath of a pharmacist as part of the annual White Coat Ceremony at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

The ceremony was held Oct. 22 in Hale Kihoʻihoʻi.

Students, family and friends were welcomed by College of Pharmacy Interim Dean Miriam Mobley Smith and Chancellor Bonnie Irwin, who both talked about the valuable roles that pharmacists play in delivering quality healthcare to their communities.

Dr. Bindu Sheth, healthcare supervisor of pharmacy and retail operations for Walgreens, shared three recommendations for being successful in studies and future careers in pharmacy: find a mentor; find your passion and get involved; and collaborate within the profession.

The keynote speaker was Prabu Segaran, Pharm.D., (College of Pharmacy Class of 2013), who now serves as ambulatory care clinical pharmacist for Kaiser Permanente on Maui.

He challenged the student pharmacists to study more than just intellectually by taking advantage of field trips and outings, recalling the value of an excursion to Moloka‘i that he participated in during his time at the school.

Segaran also emphasized the value of play and exploration during the four years of study by making connections with fellow students and forming social bonds through participation in fraternities or simply seeing more of the island.

Lastly, he encouraged students to be of service to the College, the community and the profession by taking leadership roles while in school and beyond.