From Philosophy to Pharma: Meet UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy Alum Courtney Shakowski

How did you transition from philosophy to pharmacy?

I was a junior at Columbine High School when the shooting occurred. When I went to college, I spent a lot of time processing that experience while also coming to understand that my true strengths were in math and the sciences. During my senior year at Hanover College, I took introductory biology and chemistry courses alongside freshmen and completely loved it. I went on to take additional undergraduate-level courses after graduation, and organic chemistry quickly became my favorite. One of my professors encouraged me to explore a career in pharmacy, believing it would align well with both my skills and my personality—and I couldn’t agree more.

What’s your favorite part of your job today?

Supporting our clinical trial sites across Southern California. Being part of research that may shape future patient care is incredibly rewarding. I work closely with principal investigators and research sites to ensure our studies progress smoothly, answer their scientific questions and engage in high-level discussions about ongoing Phase 2 and 3 trials.

What surprised you most about the field of pharmacy?

When I first discovered pharmacy, like many I assumed community pharmacy was the only career option. Pharmacy school opened my eyes to the breadth of the profession—clinical roles, hospital practice, research and industry opportunities. Even now, I’m still learning how many ways pharmacists can contribute to health care and scientific advancement.

How did pharmacy school prepare you for your current role?

Skaggs School of Pharmacy is rigorous, and that preparation made a significant difference in my career. I spent many hours at the library studying, developing critical thinking skills and truly learning the science behind patient care, which have all directly served me in my role today.

Looking back, one of the most influential parts of the curriculum was taking classes alongside medical students. When I became a clinical pharmacist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, I immediately saw how natural it felt to collaborate with physicians and residents. I already knew many of the medical residents who went to medical school at UC San Diego, so it was easy continue this relationship now through our residencies.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Skaggs School of Pharmacy?

My favorite memories come from my study group. Every Friday, we’d make a run to a nearby grocery store, stock up on snacks and spend the weekend studying together – creating SOAP notes, practicing calculations and quizzing each other on pharmacotherapy content. Those long study weekends not only helped us master the material but also built friendships that have lasted far beyond graduation.

Would you recommend Skaggs School of Pharmacy to prospective students?

Absolutely. The continued support, community and quality of the curriculum at Skaggs School of Pharmacy is hands down the reason I’ve been so successful in my career. We only had 60 students in our class and to this day, more than a decade later, I am still close with many of my professors, who continue to give me valuable career advice, and so many of my classmates, some of whom work with me at Novo Nordisk.