Ronald Makumbi is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy. He would like to extend a special thank you to his parents, and siblings: Collins, Chelsea, and Courtney.
As a third-year PharmD candidate, my journey has been shaped by perseverance, guided by curiosity, and propelled by the courage to take bold steps toward an evolving future—one made possible by the unwavering support of my family and mentors.
To me, pharmacy has never been solely about the classroom; it is also about people, about trust, and about the responsibility to stand as an advocate for better health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
Perseverance extends beyond the individual
Perseverance has been a constant companion throughout my academic and professional journey. Transitioning from a background in biomedical engineering into pharmacy school required me to rethink how science translates into meaningful patient care. Balancing a rigorous curriculum alongside leadership roles demanded discipline, resilience, and adaptability. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, yet each challenge reinforced my commitment to growth.
Serving as the president of the class of 2027 during my second year, and now as president of our chapter, as well as the executive president for the entire pharmacy cohort at University of North Texas (UNT) Health, showed me that perseverance extends beyond the individual. It is a shared collective effort. Supporting classmates, navigating institutional change, and advocating for student needs have strengthened my resolve to lead with purpose and empathy.
Exploring beyond the classroom
Curiosity has driven me to explore pharmacy beyond the classroom. My involvement in research, including contributions to publications and poster presentations, allowed me to ask deeper questions about public health, prevention, and health equity. Working as a pharmacy intern and junior research scientist further expanded my understanding of how evidence informs practice and policy.
These experiences transformed curiosity into action, showing me that asking the right questions can lead to meaningful change, whether at the bedside, in research, or at the policy level.
Everyone has a voice
Taking bold steps has meant stepping into spaces where my voice could make an impact. Engaging in advocacy at the Texas Capitol with the Texas Pharmacy Association and in Washington, DC, with APhA, participating in local and national pharmacy meetings, and discussing student leadership on the university podcast “Extra Credit” with Christopher Ray, PhD, UNT provost, each required confidence and intentional leadership. These experiences strengthened my sense of purpose and reinforced the importance of representation and leadership within the pharmacy profession.
I have learned that everyone has a voice, and the impact lies in how and when you choose to use it.
A goal to shape the profession
As I look toward the future, I see pharmacy as a dynamic profession at the intersection of patient care, innovation, and policy. My goal is to continue growing as a leader who champions equitable access to care and advances the role of pharmacists in health care systems.
Through perseverance, curiosity, and bold action, I am preparing not just for a career in pharmacy, but for a future where I can help shape the profession itself.