The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy received its APhA-ASP Charter at APhA2018 in Nashville.
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) School of Pharmacy is home to a diverse population of students and provides enriching opportunities. The city of El Paso is bordered by Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, with an estimated total population of more than 2 million people. El Paso and the surrounding border region is critically underserved in the areas of medicine, and approximately one-fifth of the population lives in poverty.
UTEP “IDEAL” students are prepared to be Innovative, embrace Diversity, demonstrate Engagement, provide Access, and develop Leadership skills to meet the needs of a 21st century demographic.
An efficient learning experience
Our student pharmacists are encouraged to expand their experiences beyond the classroom by participating in a required study away/abroad course as well as engaging in many different community-oriented activities. The opportunity for UTEP students to address health concerns stems from our ability to work in close proximity with underserved communities to nurture and develop humane traits such as empathy and compassion. Students are prepared to make a positive impact in the community and beyond by the aligned, integrated, and meaningful approach of the curriculum that places the students in short but intensive courses where topics are introduced, reinforced, and applied, which results in a more efficient learning experience.
The curriculum is focused on building a strong foundation of pharmaceutical knowledge, cultural awareness, and adaptation to the predominantly Spanish-speaking population. Finally, students are required to complete a 2-year Capstone research project to further advance research skills, build on pharmaceutical knowledge, and expand the ability to practice evidence-based pharmacy. UTEP believes a strong educational foundation, in combination with deeply instilled moral values and the willingness to aid in the relief of suffering, are fundamentally critical components of an IDEAL pharmacist.
Here is how we individually feel about this innovative program.
Alejandro Perez
Malcolm X said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Pharmacy is a dynamically evolving field striving to remain at the vanguard of patient care and as such, demands an education that transcends minimal expectations. I can say without reservation that UTEP has and will continue to provide me with the knowledge, wisdom, and insight to excel as a future health professional.
Cristina Ortega
I am a strong believer that I did not choose UTEP, rather UTEP chose me. Being a part of the inaugural class is both a privilege and an honor. This life-changing opportunity is not only impacting our future, but also our university and community. I am excited to one day be able to serve our borderland city of El Paso, which is underserved yet with ample room for growth.
Gaspar Quintana
As a UTEP undergraduate alumnus, I was eager to be part of the inaugural class for our school’s pharmacy program. UTEP has afforded our community with countless opportunities for advancement and to know that we will be the first pharmacists to graduate from UTEP is a great honor. Our faculty is committed to providing an education that will be useful in effectively serving the Hispanic population of our community. I am certain that UTEP’s pharmacy program will provide our underserved community with pharmacists equipped to make a difference.
Marlene R. Gallegos
I chose UTEP because it is home. My passion and motivation to serve my community and give back was the main reason for pursuing my pharmacy degree here. My commitment to our unique, bi-cultural community moved me to be part of the mission in addressing the shortage of bilingual pharmacists in our borderland.
Ranielle L. Espinoza
Servant leadership, as coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, encompasses the ability of the servant-leader to share power, put the needs of others first, and help people develop and perform highly as possible. UTEP proved to be the catalyst to reach my academic endeavors. I felt the IDEAL program encompassed as a strong foundation to reach new heights in the areas of pharmacy.
Robert Gutierrez
I have personally witnessed several of my friends and colleagues honing their leadership abilities and greatly expanding their academic engagement by accessing the diverse and innovative environment fostered by UTEP. So, when UTEP announced that it was inaugurating a new school of pharmacy, I jumped at the chance to get in on the ground floor of this newest addition to an IDEAL educational institution.
Alejandro Perez, Cristina Ortega, Gaspar Quintana, Marlene R. Gallegos, Ranielle L. Espinoza, and Robert Gutierrez are first-year PharmD candidates at the University of Texas at El Paso, School of Pharmacy. The authors would like to acknowledge their APhA–ASP Chapter Advisor Sweta Andrews, PharmD, BCACP, for her assistance and dedication to the chapter.