Our newly combined Clinical Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine program incorporates the content and curriculum that was previously covered in the two separate Precision Medicine and Pharmacogenomics/Individualized Medicine programs. Hear what our students and alumni have to say!
Laly Havern, Pharm.D.
“While it [pharmacogenomics] is very much a developing field, the more I study it, the more I understand the benefits of it and really the opportunity it holds in the future.”
Laly Havern, Pharm.D.
Director, Specialty Health Solutions-Oncology
Rola J. Karadsheh, M.S., MBA
What is your favorite part of the program?
“My favorite part of the program is the diversity of topics. Whether it is pharmacogenomics, oncology or genomic technologies, the Master’s program in Precision Medicine offers students knowledge in multiple precision medicine disciplines.”
Has the program helped you in your current job?
“As a marketing professional with a biotech company, I find the knowledge gained from the program helpful in communicating my products’ key features and benefits. I am always up-to-date with my knowledge in the precision medicine field through the scientific literature provided in each class. The field of precision medicine continues to evolve – what we know today is just the tip of the iceberg of what is possible in the future.”
Rola J. Karadsheh, M.S., MBA.
“The field of precision medicine continues to evolve – what we know today is just the tip of the iceberg of what is possible in the future.”
Student in the M.S. Precision Medicine Program
Alexis H., Ph.D.
What were some program highlights?
“The articles that I read and the new perspectives that I gained sparked many fun professional and personal conversations, enriching my life in unexpected ways! I cannot say enough positives about this program. I complete my Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine next month. If I later continue classes toward a Masters in Pharmacy, I will have just 6 really interesting, thought-provoking, clinically relevant classes to go.”
Why did you pick Online PM?
“We all have 168 hours in a week, and how we spend them in any given week may vary. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to use those hours in the most productive way possible. I could follow prerecorded lectures from anywhere in the USA, with just my cell phone and a block of time to spare. With a week to complete assignments and computer access to meet all requirements, geographic location did not limit me: I was able to travel and even relocate. ”
“I cannot say enough positives about this program.”
ALEXIS H., PH.D.
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
Graduated Summer 2019
Precision Medicine Certificate Program
Sonal Singh, Ph.D.
What do you like about the online format?
“The best thing about this format is that you can control the pace at which you are going and work on the lectures, readings, assignments and quizzes based on your schedule which is great plus for working professionals.”
How do you see the future of precision medicine?
“I feel precision medicine is the future of health and biomedical sciences. Coupled with integration of various diverse ‘big data,’ I feel precision medicine is poised to revolutionize the current health care system towards a more targeted and customized medicine approach.”
“I feel precision medicine is the future of health and biomedical sciences.”
Sonal Singh, Ph.D.
Precision Medicine Certificate Program
Aldo DiNardo, Pharm.D.
Why did you choose UF’s online graduate program?
I chose UF as my landing spot for my degree firstly because I was a student of the WPPD program which was done exceptionally well. Second, the reputation of the UF pharmacogenomics program as a leader in the field was important in my decision as well.
What is your takeaway of the online learning format
I believe that the online learning platform serves an integral role in advancing the education of working professionals who want to grow and advance in their fields without the limitation of having to choose between brick and mortar classwork and their employment.
“The staff and [course] material are both excellent but, as a working professional, the key to a successful completion of a program is the ability to integrate schoolwork with daily life.”
Aldo DiNardo, Ph.D.
Individualized Medicine, Master’s Degree
Allana M. Alexander, Pharm.D., M.S.
Why did you choose the online master’s degree program?
Through my pharmacy school curriculum and extracurricular organization involvement, I developed a passion for providing clinical services. I soon realized medication therapy management(MTM) was the ideal platform to fulfill my desire. Upon completing pharmacy school, I aspired to provide the best MTM services to my patients. Even though I had already earned a MTM certificate through the American Pharmacists Association, I knew I needed something more. The master’s degree program provided an optimal opportunity to perfect my craft and strengthen my existing clinical skills and knowledge.
How has furthering your medication therapy management education affected your current work?
Overall, I feel furthering my MTM education has made me a better clinical pharmacist. The skills and knowledge I obtained from the program allows me to provide more thorough care for my patients. I was recently afforded the opportunity to design and facilitate a MTM training course for our pharmacists and nurses at VIVA Health, Inc. Also, with the recent changes made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), I’m also working with our pharmacy department to enhance our MTM metrics at VIVA Health from a quality of care perspective.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of information received not only through textbooks and program materials, but from professors and fellow students from varying professions.”
Allana M. Alexander, Pharm.D., M.S., Clinical Pharmacist
Medication Therapy Management, Master’s Degree
Gregg Russell, Pharm.D., M.S.
Why did you choose the online master’s degree program?
Pharmacy as a profession is transforming rapidly. Getting paid to dispense commercial medications is becoming obsolete. I felt the need to learn new skills to help me manage patients with Chronic diseases. The medical profession as a whole needs to be better in managing these patients. For example, the rapid increase in patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes is creating such a need which I think pharmacist can contribute.
What has been the most useful takeaway that you have applied to your day-to-day responsibilities?
I think that being able to better understand the disease process, and what the current clinical practice guidelines state about which medications are best for the disease, has helped me better help my patients get the most out of their prescription therapies.
“I have incorporated medication reviews in my nutritional business. The combination of the two, has positioned me as the leader in my market.”
Greg Russel, Pharm.D., M.S., Pharmacist & founder Fort Wayne Custom RX
Medication Therapy Management, Master’s Degree
Nancy Handley, R.Ph., M.S., BCGP
Why did you choose the online master’s degree program?
I have a B.S. in pharmacy and I was looking for an online program that would help me stay current in my career. I did some comparison between the Pharm.D. and the M.S.-MTM. I decided that the M.S. offered both the business component as well as a strong review of the core disease states that I see in my daily patient population. The length of the program was reasonable as well as the cost.
What was your favorite part of the online learning experience?
Even though we didn’t have classes face-to-face, I felt as though I got to know my classmates. I still keep in touch with a few over social media and texts. It is interesting to see what pharmacists in other states are doing and how we can take an idea and create a business model out of it.
“I was surprised to learn how pharmacists can become entrepreneurs and provide services outside of our traditional roles.”
Nancy Handley, R.Ph., M.S., BCGP, Health-System Pharmacist
Medication Therapy Management, Master’s Degree
Reneé Nacin, Pharm.D., M.S.
Why did you choose the online master’s degree program?
I was looking to further my career and distinguish myself from other pharmacists. I reviewed residencies and the master’s program and decided it was the best fit for my family and lifestyle, since I could continue to work while attending classes online.
What surprised you most about the program?
Patient individualization. I was impressed by the amount of detail given to each disease state taught in the program. We focused on the pathophysiology, as well as the treatment options available to each one. It allowed me to look at each patient as an individual and integrate my comprehensive knowledge to think about what was best for each patient’s therapy.
“I have stepped away from retail pharmacy and now focus primarily on patient care. The master’s program offered the clinical knowledge to enhance my love of learning.”
Reneé Nacin, Pharm.D., M.S., Senior Clinical PharmacistCenter for Quality Medication Management at the University of Florida
Medication Therapy Management, Master’s Degree