From Vet Aspirations to Pharmacy Leadership

Pharm.D. Candidate Bethany Bluitt Sets Sights on Regulatory Setting for Broader Impact  

Bethany Bluitt's pharmacy journey was anything but linear. Originally from Maryland, Bluitt spent most of her life in North Carolina, where she earned a B.S. in Animal Science, with dreams of becoming a veterinarian. However, a realization during her junior year set her on a transformative path toward pharmacy.

A Shift in Passion

While working at an animal hospital, Bluitt said she found herself losing interest in the classes and struggling with some aspects of the work. A conversation with her manager introduced her to the idea of pharmacy. Curious about the profession, Bluitt took a job at a community pharmacy and found she was drawn to direct patient interactions. 

"Administering COVID vaccines during the pandemic solidified my desire to pursue pharmacy," she said. "I felt I could make significant impact in health care."

This experience not only affirmed her passion for patient care but also sparked her awareness of the underrepresentation of Black pharmacists, further motivating her to enter the field.

Choosing UHCOP

Seeking new horizons, Bluitt chose the University of Houston College of Pharmacy (UHCOP) for its proximity to the Texas Medical Center and its strong NAPLEX performance.

"Houston's diversity and the opportunities here made it the perfect fit," she said.

The decision to move away from her family on the East Coast was daunting, but it became a catalyst for personal growth.

Rising to Challenges and Embracing Growth

Transitioning to pharmacy school wasn’t without its hurdles. As an out-of-state student, Bluitt had to step out of her comfort zone to build new and lasting connections. These experiences shaped her resilience and fostered a deeper appreciation of mentorship.

"Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my education," Bluitt said, crediting faculty members like Louis Williams, Ph.D., and Onyebuchi J. Ononogbu, Pharm.D., MPH, BCOP, for their guidance.

Whether through classroom support, advice on her post-graduation plans, or words of encouragement, these mentors played a pivotal role in shaping her career path.

Leadership and Community Impact

Bluitt’s dedication to leadership is evident in her active involvement in student organizations.

As vice president of membership for the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, she focused on building a greater sense of community and engagement within the organization.

"One of my proudest accomplishments were increasing our chapter’s membership by over 60%," Bluitt said.

She also served as chair of Operation Substance Use Disorders, where she led educational initiatives to promote medication safety, overdose prevention, and raise awareness about substance misuse.

"One of the most impactful events I participated in was the Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest, where we educated economically disadvantaged children and their families on medication safety and naloxone administration," she said.

Bluitt has also been involved in the college chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), including helping organize the 25th Annual Alumni Dinner, and participated in other organizations such as the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) and Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) Pharmacy Leadership Society.

"These experiences have not only helped me grow as a leader but have also given me the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community," she said.

A Vision for the Future

Bluitt had an eye-opening experience during her rotations, especially at the Food & Drug Administration's Division of Medication Error Prevention and Analysis.

"Working on projects like analyzing proprietary name denials gave me insight into how regulatory oversight shapes public health," she said.

As she nears graduation, this experience reaffirmed her passion for a career in regulatory affairs, focusing on advertising and promotion.

"My goal is to work in a role that allows me to contribute to the development of life-saving therapies, ensuring that patients receive accurate information about their medication," Bluitt said.

As Bluitt prepares to graduate, her goals reflect her desire to combine critical thinking with creativity in regulatory roles. She also hopes to address health care disparities by fostering trust and communication between healthcare providers and underserved communities.

Advice for Students

Her advice for future pharmacy students is to stay focused on their own path.

"Don’t compare yourself to others, embrace every opportunity with an open mind and take time to reflect on what drives you," Bluitt said. "Remember, pharmacy is about growth, learning, and making a difference."

— By Elias Lilienfeld