Q&A: Strong Community led Niyomugabo to UT Tyler

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Publication Date: 04/06/2020

O’neill Niyomugabo of Tyler will graduate this spring and enter a [PGY1] pharmacy residency with the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Temple. In the following question and answer session, learn more about him and why he chose UT Tyler and the Fisch College of Pharmacy.

What would you like to share about yourself?

I am currently employed by CVS here in Tyler as a pharmacy intern and in the process of completing my advanced pharmacy practice experience rotation in transitions of care at UT Health East Texas.

I'm originally from Rwanda, but I grew up in Southwest Michigan in the town of Berrien Springs. Believe it or not, I grew up just down the street from legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. I moved away after graduating from high school, and I haven't been back in years. But I can guarantee if I showed up today, I’d be greeted by the same familiar faces from my childhood.

What led you to UT Tyler?

I was drawn to UT Tyler after my adviser at UT Dallas suggested I take a look into the new College of Pharmacy program here. After the grueling — and at times agonizing — process of applying to schools, I realized UT Tyler's program was a perfect fit for my learning style.

Growing up in a small town, qualities such as a strong sense of community and close ties with each resident were essential to me. I saw and felt that at UT Tyler through my interactions with customers and patients while on rotations.

What do you enjoy about the Fisch College of Pharmacy? Why did you choose it?

I like that this program has provided me with valuable life skills, such as but not limited to, leadership and team-building skills. I also like that the pharmacy program is more than a stack of books I have to read; it offers patient-oriented training.

After several interviews, I decided on attending the Fisch College of Pharmacy because I liked the approach of how pharmacy was taught and structured. Plus, I saw its new innovative curriculum of team-based learning as an asset moving forward into my career. I think it's a safe assumption to make that starting a new program is not easy, and it's pretty rewarding to know I'm a part of the college’s early success.

How did you choose pharmacy as a career path?

During one of my summer trips to Rwanda while shadowing one of the ID pharmacists, I got an up-close look at the effects of non-compliant HIV sufferers. That experience piqued my interest in pharmacy and the role it plays in health.

What made you decide to pursue a pharmacy residency? 

While on my APPE rotations, I have had multiple opportunities to experience the dynamics between pharmacists and the patient care team, and how I could have a role in a tangible way. 

How did UT Tyler prepare you for a career in pharmacy? 

The college allowed me to learn from a group of talented and knowledgeable faculty and preceptors during my four years. Without their hard work and willingness to invest in our future, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish our career goals.

What are your ultimate career goals? 

I would like to complete a PGY2 in psychiatry, and hopefully, teach at a college of pharmacy.  

Anything else you'd like to share?

When I'm not pouring over coursework or at rotation, I'm watching movies, particularly movies that flopped. It's pretty fascinating to see what contributed to a movie’s failure at the box office. I'm also an avid podcast listener with interests ranging from sports to true crimes.

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