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Success Stories
Tess M. Calcagno, PharmD
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine - 2023
Duquesne University - 2019
About Tess:
I am from central Pennsylvania, grow up in a small town and always knew I wanted to be in healthcare. I applied to a 6 year PharmD out of high school, and in pharmacy school, I was exposed to/learned my love for medicine. Now, I live in Miami and I am a 3rd year medical student who enjoys exercises, exploring the great outdoors/beaches, and meeting new people constantly. People are my energy source, and medicine is a perfect career for this. I also love my family, and hope to have a family of my own.
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Thoughts about making the switch:
Do it. Just do it. People will think you are crazy, but those people aren't the ones living your life. I wake up everyday passionate about what I do and I never regret going to medical school. Not even once.
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How to get in touch with Tess:
Timothy Do, PharmD
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - 2025
Duquesne University - 2021
About Tim:
I was born in Southern California and came to Pittsburgh for Pharmacy school, and I am now in Greensburg, PA for medical school. I made this transition because I wanted to use my expertise to provide optimized medical care that had a focus on diagnostic and pharmaceutical perspectives. In my limited free time I enjoy playing chess and trying to learn the Ukulele. In the future, I hope to specialize in Infectious Disease but I'm sure I'll find new interests as I move forward in my education! Although, I hope this is the last career switch!
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Thoughts about making the switch:
Find ways to take part in patient care beyond your standard rotations. You may need the additional shadowing hours to boost your application strength. Also, if you don't have a bachelor's degree (B.S.) when applying to medical school, some programs will delay your application. It's important to check with these programs and let them know you have a Pharmacy Doctorate in your pocket!. Some schools take the "B.S. Degree Requirement" quite literally!
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How to get in touch with Tim:
Bryce N. Grohol, PharmD
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine - 2024
Duquesne University - 2020
About Bryce:
My name is Bryce Grohol and I am an OMS-II medical student currently living in Lynchburg, VA with my girlfriend and my bernese mountain dog. I enjoy golfing, watching sports, and traveling.
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Thoughts about making the switch:
Although I appreciated the immensely important roll of the pharmacist in patient care, I quickly realized that pharmacy was not my calling. I wanted to be a part of the patient's entire experience, from the beginning until the end. I wanted to build relationships and have more autonomy over how I treated my future patients. Making the transition into medical school is a long and difficult road. From the MCAT to AMCAS/AACOMAS applications to the grueling process of medical school itself, the journey is incredibly stressful! Make sure you are confident in your decision. If you need to really think about whether or not you want to become a physician, then the decision is probably already made for you!
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How to get in touch with Bryce: