
Undergraduate School: University of California, Irvine
Pharmacy School: Western University of Health Sciences
Describe Yourself/About Me: Hello, my name is Joseph Anthony Castro and I am from Los Angeles (Eagle
Rock), California. The reason why I chose PVHMC for residency is because
the program offers rotations that align with my interests in Infectious
Diseases and Emergency Medicine, alongside the abundant amount of electives
to learn from. The supportive culture of the pharmacy staff and priority
for well-being are attributes that solidified this program was the best
option for my growth as an upcoming healthcare provider. Some hobbies
I enjoy doing include playing volleyball, bowling, traveling around the
world, watching Marvel movies, and attending live concerts.
Undergraduate School: University of California, Irvine
Pharmacy School: University of California, San Francisco
Describe Yourself/About Me: I was born and raised in Viet Nam before immigrating to the United States
in 2014. My love for pharmacy stemmed from a counseling session between
my grandfather and a pharmacist to address the drug-drug interactions
between his chemotherapy and other chronic medications. At that moment,
I was inspired to be a shield to protect patients from any medication
adverse events as well as to promote medication use as a life-saving,
life-improving, and life-sustaining element for those being treated. I
chose Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center as this program provides me
with the experience and tools needed to fill in gaps as a new provider,
educator, and leader. The challenging, yet supportive, environment fits
my learning style and also promotes personal growth. During my free time,
I enjoy exploring local boba stores, listening to music, and trying new
cooking recipes.
Undergraduate School: University of California, Irvine
Pharmacy School: University of Southern California
Describe Yourself/About Me: My name is Tina and I’m a local native from Westminster, CA. During
pharmacy school, I interned at Garfield Medical Center and CVS; both experiences
allowed me to bolster this narrative in which pharmacists are valuable
clinicians who are also a patient’s greatest advocates. I was especially
drawn to PVHMC because their residency program encourages their residents
to exercise full clinical judgement as pharmacotherapy experts and deliver
evidence-based input in a plethora of practice settings. My goals this
year are expanding my collaboration alongside providers who value my role
as a clinician, making more sound clinical judgement calls, and striving
to be a functional pharmacist—all which PVHMC can imbue me with
the confidence to achieve. In my free time I like to practice yoga, watch
new Korean dramas, and indulge in a delicious shabu shabu meal!
Undergraduate School: Baylor University
Pharmacy School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Describe Yourself/About Me: I was raised in Naperville, Illinois and completed my Bachelor of Science
degree in Biology at Baylor University in Texas. I grew up with an older
sister who shares her love of science with me and a rambunctious husky
at home. My first interaction with a pharmacist was during a high school
pharmacy compounding workshop where I had the opportunity to make aspirin
tablets. I later interacted with many knowledgeable mentors across my
pharmacy school journey, which drew me to pursuing a clinical residency
in a place that resonates with my interests in acute care. During my free
time, you can catch me enjoying a hike along the coast, spending time
with family, eating ramen, trying a new coffee shop near LA, or watching
a lengthy rom-com.