Jasmine Uchi, PharmD, RPh

Jamine Uchi, PharmD, RPh graduated from California Northstate University College of Pharmacy in 2022. Prior to pharmacy school, Jasmine achieved an A.S. in Biology and Chemistry. In 2022, she joined the Fellowship in Industry Program at the University of the Pacific partnered with VeganMed in the functional role of Medical Information and Innovation.

Jasmine was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. She has always loved the Bay area and how the beaches are close by in one area but wine country (Napa Valley) is just an hour away. During her free time, she loves to travel to new and familiar places and loves to spend time with her dog.

We caught up with Jasmine and asked her to provide some insight on her role as a Medical Information and Innovation fellow with VeganMed. Additionally, we asked her to provide insight for prospective pharmacy students interested in pursuing the fellowship path to industry.

Can you briefly describe your functional area and what kind of roles/responsibilities are expected?

"Medical Information refers to comprehensive knowledge about medications. It encompasses knowing how to interpret scientific research and clinical trials. Also understanding the regulatory information and approved product labeling provided by manufacturers. Roles within Medical Information include Med Info Specialist, Med Research, Medical Writer, and/or Training Education Specialist. Some responsibilities include responding to inquires from healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders regarding pharmaceutical products. The answers should be accurate and evidence-based. Another responsibility would be to collect and analyze scientific literature and assess the quality and relevance of the information."

What are some strengths that you feel are needed for your functional area?

"Attention to detail: This is the most important skill to have when it comes to medical information because the way you respond to inquiries must be in an accurate and evidence-based manner. Every word in the response matters.

Critical thinking: This enables individuals to evaluate information, solve problems, communicate effectively, assess adverse events, make informed decisions, and engage in continuous learning in a complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape."

What are 3 things that PharmD students can do now (non-APPE students) to prepare for an industry role? Please provide a brief description if possible.

"Gain experiences through internships. Research extensively what industry really entails and get a good understanding of different functional areas. Connect with people who are in industry."

What interview preparation, skills, advice do you recommend for fellowship interview process?

"Have a solid 4-5 stories prepared. With each story practice your storytelling and why you're telling the story (e.g. explain the skills) and be able to relate how these stories are applicable to what you're applying for. Know your why and be authentic. Really studying your CV/letter of intent for each program you apply for is so important. Everyone can have similar appearances on paper, really think about what makes you stand out."

What are your thoughts on the University of the Pacific? (Academic component of the fellowship, what do you do for UoP, thoughts on FIP events and professional development, etc...)

"University of the Pacific has been great. I enjoyed working with the students in the Travis region as well as attending in-person events. I was also about to learn a lot during the professional development days, I like how UOP is very receptive to fellow feedback."

For students that say, I don't have experience in industry, no internship, no APPE or etc., what advice can you recommend to current APPE students starting their rotations? And to non-APPE students (what can they do to make themselves competitive)?

"Remember that it's okay to not be as experienced as other people going for industry. Once you're committed to going into industry do the research. Continuously learn about what you want and how you can apply those skills listed on job/fellowship descriptions to your current rotations. Be involved in leadership to help build your story. Having soft skills that are applicable to industry are important too, so keep building your skills and learning. "