Name: Ken Chen
Hometown: Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province
University in China: Peking University Health Science Center
Program at UNMC: Doctor of Pharmacy
Why you chose UNMC: Honestly, I used to hesitate if it is necessary to apply for a PharmD program, for I already possessed adequate knowledge to seek a job as a pharmacist in most Chinese hospitals. However, a TA experience changed my mind.
I used to be a teaching assistant for 3 weeks, guiding and assisting 2 PharmD students from US in their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Education (APPE) Program. Although they had not practiced in the hospital as long as me, they were so well-trained about pharmacotherapy that they had known much more than me. I believed it was the professional PharmD training program in the US that made them so competitive as pharmacists.
UNMC has a long history of cooperation with CSC to involve Chinese students in their excellent PharmD program. Receiving positive feedbacks from my seniors, I chose UNMC as my dream school to pursue further studies in pharmacy.
Career goals and how you got interested in them: I would like to become a leader and precursor of clinical pharmacy in China.
My grandparents were both great physicians, and I grew up in their small clinic. I was really impressed by their ability to care for patients, and the respect from patients. As for me, I enjoy the sense of helping others, and pharmacists are able to optimize patient outcomes with their rich knowledge, just as physicians do.
With my postgraduate experience in the Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, where the clinical pharmacy is ranking #1 in China, I hold the firm thought that pharmacists really make sense in healthcare, and are heavily needed in China at present.
Hobbies: I tend to sing songs and play badminton after school. I love visiting different places and enjoying different views and cultures as well.
Music you're listening to now: Pops and country music
Three words you'd use to describe yourself: Energizing, optimistic, and reliable.