The UW Difference Is Real and Here’s My Hot Take

By Adriene Nuelle DA Agcaoili, PharmD Class of 2026

When I first stepped onto Rennebohm Hall, I felt the energy immediately—discovery humming through, students bustling between classes, and a quiet sense of purpose in the way people moved. It was intimidating then. It still is now, but now I know choosing the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy was the right decision.

Like many others, I came into pharmacy school with a love for science and a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. But I had no idea just how many different paths that passion could take—until UW–Madison opened every door.

Tapping into the Pharmacy Badger network

The School has been a pillar of pharmacy education since 1883. That legacy isn’t just a number—it’s a living network. During our first-year Pathways course, we were introduced to alumni from all around Wisconsin. Some were hospital directors. Others worked in public health, policy, research, academia (professors) or the pharmaceutical industry. Every single one had stayed connected to the PharmD program. And more importantly, they were eager to give back.

In fact, I met my mentor during my first semester—a professor at the School. She didn’t just help me navigate coursework and rotations. She shared her own journey, introduced me to professional networks, and pushed me to apply for leadership positions I never would’ve considered on my own. She also supported me when I doubted my place in the profession.

Countless opportunities

The support system here is unmatched. Between one-on-one advising, faculty office hours, and peer mentorship, you’re never left guessing about your next step. And when it comes to resources, UW–Madison spares nothing when it comes to supporting the growth of its students. There are countless opportunities to work with staff and get an opportunity to be part of research projects. There are pharmacy student organizations for every interest—from industry to pediatrics, rural care to global health.

One of my favorite moments came during my second year, when I got to work on an interdisciplinary team case with students from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work. We tackled a case study involving transplant candidates—the decisions involved in ranking a patient on a transplant list and what happens after they get on the list. That experience gave me a glimpse into the future of healthcare—one where pharmacists don’t just dispense medications, but sit at the table, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and public health experts to improve outcomes.

Real experts in the classroom

That integration between pharmacy and medicine isn’t an afterthought here—it’s part of the School’s foundation. During labs, lectures, and discussions, we are constantly going through cases based on real patients our professors have interacted with, allowing us to experience their thought process as they help patients and the complexity of each patient case as we learn to consider the patient beyond looking at their list of medications and medical history. In these classes, we also learn to be leaders in healthcare teams, taking turns leading discussions.

And speaking of leadership—the faculty are a force. They aren’t just teaching from textbooks. They’re writing them. I’ve had classes taught by nationally recognized researchers developing new cancer therapies and experts advising national pharmacy policy. You see your professors quoted in national media. Then, a few days later, you’re in their office going over a patient case. That kind of access is rare—and it’s the heart of what makes this school special.

Exploring your pharmacy direction

What I didn’t expect when I first applied was how many different avenues of pharmacy I’d get to explore. I always thought I’d end up in community practice. But thanks to my introductory rotations, I was able to spend one week shadowing and learning from long-term care pharmacists at Oakwood Retirement Home, then the next week spend two days working with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in UW Health’s Pediatric ICU. That experience opened a door I hadn’t even considered. By third year, I was doing patient care calls at my 10-week specialty pharmacy rotations and working on a project to help them simplify their medications list. Now I’m doing my overnight critical care and emergency room rotation where I respond to codes and dose critical medications for patients.

The UW–Madison School of Pharmacy doesn’t push you in one direction. It gives you the foundation, freedom, and mentorship to explore your direction—whatever that may be.

A transformative experience

Now, as I prepare for graduation, I’ve been reflecting on the journey. What started as a simple interest in pharmacy turned into something much bigger—a purpose, a profession, a future I’m genuinely excited about. I owe that transformation to a program that has spent over a century building excellence, connection, and opportunity.

To anyone considering pharmacy school, know this: if you’re looking for a place that doesn’t just teach pharmacy, but helps you become the kind of pharmacist the world needs, UW–Madison is that place.

And it might just be the best decision you’ll ever make too.