OSHP Member Of the Month - Nikhil Kishore

Learn more about OSHP Student Member of the Month - Nikhil Kishore

Second year student pharmacist at Pacific University School of Pharmacy. Areas of interest include administration, informatics, and cardiology. Outside of didactics, Nikhil works as an inpatient Pharmacy Intern at Providence Portland
Medical Center.

Professional journey:
My professional journey started at Oregon State University, where I completed my undergraduate degree in computer science. After working in the IT field for a few years, I knew it was time for a change. The field of pharmacy was not an immediate interest of mine. Rather it arose from a series of experiences and mentorship interactions with pharmacists that inspired me to pursue pharmacy as a lifelong career. Transitioning from a computer science background to pharmacy was challenging and a bold career move, but I knew it was the right move for me. Experiences at Ardon Health and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) solidified my decision to go to pharmacy school, and I decided to complete my pharmacy prerequisites at Portland State University. After two years, I completed my prerequisites and was accepted to Pacific University School of Pharmacy. And now I am here. Halfway done with pharmacy school. The future is looking bright!

What made you take an interest in OSHP?

I have been a member of OSHP since starting pharmacy school. However, I have been involved with OSHP since the start of my P2 year as a member of the professional relations committee. My contributions to OSHP are to provide student perspective into increasing the visibility of OSHP through social media. I believe others should become involved to stay up to date with the field of pharmacy on a state level, as well as create meaningful connections with fellow pharmacists, residents, students, and technicians across the state of Oregon

What are some unique opportunities you have had throughout your career?

My first exposure to pharmacy was at Ardon Health Specialty Pharmacy as a Technician. On the job, I quickly learned the backend process of dispensing and filling medications, as well as the frontend process in the call center where I got to talk to patients about their next fill order. My curiosity motivated me to learn more about pharmacy and what pharmacist did. This led me to obtain a job OHSU, where I worked as Pharmacy Technician. At OSHU I was fortunate to meet many pharmacists in different specialties. Speaking to them gave me perspective of their day-today duties and responsibilities. What stood out to me was that all of them came from different backgrounds and had various paths that led them to become a pharmacist. Through my interactions with these pharmacists I learned they were all great leaders and mentors, always ready to face any challenges. I currently work as a Pharmacy Intern at Providence Portland Medical Center. Working at Providence has given me another perspective of how the inpatient pharmacy operates in different health-systems.

What professional activities are you involved with?

I currently serve as the Regent of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Epsilon Xi chapter, an appointed member of the ASHP Career and Leadership Development Advisory Group, Professional Relations Council Representative of ASHP-SSHP chapter, and a member of Phi Lambda Sigma, Gamma Lambda Chapter.

What's next?

I am looking forward to pursuing residency training following my PharmD graduation in May of 2023. I hope to pursue a PGY-1 and PGY-2 in either informatics or health-system pharmacy administration and leadership.