The Path I Took to Pursue My Passion and Gain a Competitive Edge

By Alyssa Pankau, PharmD Class of 2027

When I started pharmacy school at UW–Madison, I was excited but also not 100% sure of what I wanted to do after I graduated. I knew I wanted to help people and be part of something meaningful in healthcare, but I also had a long-time interest in pursuing a career in developing new medications. What I didn’t know then was that UW–Madison School of Pharmacy offers a program that would let me explore that passion while earning my PharmD: the Scholars in Pharmacy (SIP) program. 

Exploring your career interests

SIP is one of the things that makes the UW–Madison PharmD program truly special. It’s designed to allow students to personalize their education by choosing a Path of Distinction, which allows you to take additional courses, participate in specialized experiences, and build expertise in a specific area of pharmacy. What’s incredible about this program is that it fits into your PharmD curriculum—it doesn’t replace it. You still get the same rigorous pharmacy education, but with the chance to explore something you’re truly passionate about in more depth. 

I chose to enter the Applied Drug Development (ADD) Path of Distinction. This pathway focuses on the drug development process—from early discovery in the lab through clinical trials on patients and all the way to FDA approval and manufacturing. This area of pharmacy has been of interest to me for as long as I can remember. I wanted to learn more on how medications are created, tested, and brought to market. I’ve always imagined myself working behind the scenes, contributing to the science that helps bring new therapies to patients. 

Discovering pharmacist roles in the pharmaceutical industry

Through the ADD path, I’ve taken extra courses in addition to the standard PharmD curriculum. These classes are taught by professionals with real industry experience and are offered online, which makes them flexible and easy to fit into a busy pharmacy school schedule. What I appreciate most is that these courses are low stakes, meaning they’re focused more on learning than on grades. That has allowed me to really enjoy the content, explore topics that interest me, and ask questions without feeling the pressure of high-stakes exams. 

As I’ve worked through the ADD courses, I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve learned—not just about drug development, but about the wide range of careers that pharmacists can pursue within the pharmaceutical industry. Before this program, I thought most pharmacists worked in community or hospital settings. Now, I know that pharmacists are essential members of clinical research teams, regulatory departments, formulation design, and so much more. This pathway has opened my eyes to roles I didn’t even know existed before pharmacy school. 

What’s also reassuring is that even if I don’t end up working in drug development, the knowledge I’m gaining still matters. It helps me better understand how medications are designed and tested, which can benefit me in any pharmacy role—whether I’m counseling patients, working in a clinical setting, or collaborating with other healthcare professionals. I’m building a foundation that I know will strengthen my future career, whatever path I choose. 

Making the PharmD program your own

One of the best parts of the SIP program is how empowering it feels. Pharmacy school can feel like a long and structured path, but SIP gives you the ability and flexibility to make it your own. I’ve been able to pursue an area that excites me, take ownership of my education, and prepare myself for a future that aligns with my interests. It’s helped me stay motivated and excited about the profession, even during challenging times. 

I would absolutely recommend the Scholars in Pharmacy program to any student who is curious about how they can tailor their pharmacy education to fit their goals. Whether you’re interested in research, drug development, public health, clinical innovation, or another area of pharmacy, SIP gives you the structure and support to explore that interest meaningfully. You get to learn from passionate faculty who aren’t just pharmacists, but also experts in their field. It also allows you to connect with peers who share your interests that aren’t in the PharmD program and prepare yourself for a unique and fulfilling career. 

UW–Madison doesn’t expect every student to follow the same path. Instead, they encourage you to discover your passion and give you the tools to pursue it. That’s what the SIP program has done for me—and it’s one of the many reasons I feel proud to be a student here.