Blood isn’t Rachael Cardinal’s favorite thing. In fact, she’s afraid of other people’s blood. So how did Rachael, a student who wants to help people by working in healthcare, minimize her exposure to blood? She decided to pursue a career in pharmacy.

When did you know you wanted to be a pharmacist?

My 3rd year of high school when I took my college chemistry course.

What type of pharmacist do you aspire to be?

A clinical pharmacist in the ambulatory care setting (working with a doctor in a clinic or primary care office).

How did you go about deciding what pharmacy school was right for you?

I was born and raised in Buffalo and was just not ready to leave here yet. When I learned University of Buffalo was one of the top pharmacy schools in this area, I knew I wanted to stay.

Do you have any mentors that helped you get where you are now?

I have several mentors in my life that have helped me become who I am today. However, one mentor of mine throughout pharmacy school has inspired me to become a clinical pharmacist in ambulatory care and pursue a residency. I admire her passion to helping other students (on top of being a wonderful mother and pharmacist). She has helped me with applying for scholarships, encouraged my personal and professional growth, challenged me during my rotations with her, and provided me with advice on my future.

What do you love most about pharmacy school?

Being able to apply the knowledge I gained throughout school to real life situations and see the positive outcome my decisions have on patients.

Are you able to collaborate with your pharmacy peers? How?

Yes, there are many activities where you need to work together with other pharmacy students. We have poster presentations, verbal presentations, and group quizzes. Outside of the classroom, there are several professional organizations where we work together to plan events for our school.

When you’re not studying, what do you do for fun?

I love to workout at the gym and spend time with family and friends.

What was the best advice someone gave you in high school?

Don’t give up your dreams.

What advice would you someone who wants to enroll in pharmacy school?

Take risks, be confident, and challenge yourself. Apply for that job you want. Pursue that organization position. Pursue a residency. Don’t sell yourself short. What you put into pharmacy school will reflect what you get out of it.