Purpose Statement for Pharmacy Program

Pharmacology

One of my most important life goals is to continue my studies in pharmacology and become the most skilled practitioner that I am able to be. I am applying to the PN [Is it Pacific Northwest? ] University for a Masters Degree in Pharmacology primarily because of two factors. The University has a reputation for developing knowledgeable graduates whose high level of skills positions them to make strong contributions in their field. The second factor stems from experiences in my personal life.

My name is Reem AL Qahtani and I am 25 years old. I live in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I am currently a teaching assistant in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy at Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University. I became interested in pharmacology because of a family history of breast cancer. My aunt had a benign breast cancer. My grandmother was not as fortunate because her breast cancer was discovered at end stage. Consequently, my grandmother died from malignant breast cancer. I watched her suffered every day, especially from the side effects of the medications used in her chemotherapy. I wish so very much that I could have helped her in some way but, unfortunately, I didn't have any knowledge about the disease or about the medications used to treat malignant breast cancer. Even though I eventually lost my grandmother to cancer, the experience stayed with me and served to shape my interest in pharmacology. I was inspired by the idea that I might one day serve as a knowledgeable link in a chain of patient-centered practitioners.

I hold a Bachelors degree in Pharmaceutical Science from the College of Pharmacy, King Saud University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During my undergraduate studies, I volunteered during the summer at Riyadh Military Hospital. My volunteer efforts at the hospital focused on activities related to for patients' pharmaceutical services and community health related issues. My volunteer experiences have been rewarding in their own right, and have also contributed substantially to my professional learning. These positive experiences continue to influence my continuing interest in volunteering, and I would hope to join in student activities at PNU right away. The statistics and exams committee are of particular interest to me. Because my interests extend into the arts and science, as well, I would look for student associations that would enable me to pursue activities that contribute to a well-rounded volunteer service.

My career as a pharmacist officially started at National Guard Hospital at Riyadh. I have one year of experience as an outpatient pharmacist. I liked working at the National Guard Hospital, and especially enjoy interacting with patients. One of the responsibilities that I have been able to strongly develop is counseling patients about their medications so that they understand about dosage, precautions, potential side effects, and are prepared to closely follow the medication regimen. After that work, I accepted a position as a teacher assistant in the Department of Pharmacology, a job I have held for one year to the present.