For Bryan Gomez, choosing UGA was an easy decision. With a background in biochemistry and neuroscience from Georgia Tech, he was drawn to UGA’s nationally ranked pharmacy program, currently No. 15 in the country.
His favorite part of the program? The pharmacotherapy course series that challenges students to integrate concepts from pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and evidence-based medicine to tackle real-world disease management. He credits faculty members such as Dr. Trisha Branan for making complex topics engaging and empowering students to think like professionals.
Beyond the classroom, Bryan has taken full advantage of the Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund, attending national conferences and even advocating on Capitol Hill at the NACDS Rx IMPACT Day. These experiences not only expanded Bryan’s professional network but also ignited a passion for healthcare policy, leading to an internship with one of the—at the time—two pharmacists in Congress.
“Through traveling with the college’s support, I’ve gotten to meet congresspeople, CEOs, and presidents of national pharmacy associations—something I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be able to do. I’ve been able to return to DC multiple times a year with various national associations and with the college’s support to continue the policy and advocacy work that I fell in love with during that first internship.”
Mentors also have played a crucial role in Bryan’s journey, offering guidance and opening doors to opportunities he never imagined. He names Dr. Duc Do, assistant dean for student affairs, as one of several mentors who continually supports students’ professional development. Dr. Do has helped connect students with institutional resources and funding sources—like the travel award fund—to support their ambitions, pursue internships, and experience conferences nationwide.
“Mentors are so important to find, not just now but continually throughout your career. My mentors at the college have encouraged me to pursue opportunities all across the country—and have often connected me to resources to make those opportunities realities. When I get lost in the weeds, it’s my mentors who encourage me to take a step back and zoom out. When I need emotional or professional support, it’s my mentors who I can lean on to provide it.”
Outside of pharmacy, Bryan’s a Broadway fanatic, outdoor adventurer, and bookworm with a love for sci-fi. Up next? A solo backpacking trip across national parks and a potential 100-mile trek in Scotland. His advice to current and future #PharmDawgs?
Find great mentors, chase big opportunities, and never stop exploring.
Please consider donating to the college’s Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund to help all pharmacy students take their careers to new heights!
