OCPhA's Podcast on Pharmacy and Healthcare

72. Exploring Transitions of Care and Academia feat. Dr. Laressa Bethishou In this episode, Dr. Mary Ngo welcomes Dr. Laressa Bethishou to discuss her career journey and insights into transitions of care pharmacy as well as academia.  The conversation explores the importance and challenges of improving communication and care during patient transitions between health settings, and why this specialt...

71. Nontraditional Pharmacy Careers - Industry Insights feat. Dr. Kevin Shiau Originally recorded early 2025, this episode of the OCPhA podcast sees our president, Dr. Mary Ngo, interview Dr. Kevin Shiau in the area of pharmacy industry. Some highlights from Dr. Kevin Shiau's interview: Be Your Own Advocate: No one will hand you your dream industry job—you need to actively network, research, and r...

70. A Path to Pediatric Emergency Medicine feat. Dr. Katie Bui In this episode originally recorded in early 2024, we had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Katie Bui about her journey from critical care to emergency medicine pharmacy, her role at CHOC Children's Hospital, and the intricacies of pediatric emergency care. Key Takeaways: The Vital Role of Preparation and Adaptability: Dr. Bui shares...

69. From Academia to Medical Science Liaison feat. Dr. Marina Dykhne We recently had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Marina Dykhne, Medical Science Liaison at Amgen Pharmaceuticals and former faculty at West Coast University, on the OCPhA Podcast. Her journey and experiences from academia to industry are truly inspiring! From clinical rotations and academic teaching to her dynamic role as an MSL, Mari...

68. Academic Evolution: Pharmacy Practice and Teaching feat. Dr. Albert Bach 🎙 Excited to share insights from our interview with Dr. Albert Bach, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, in the latest episode of the OCPhA podcast! We discussed Dr. Bach's journey into academia, his residency experience, and advice for aspiring pharmacy professionals. Here are three key takeaways from our conversat...

67. Inside the World of Pharmacy: A First-Year Student's Perspective feat. Ryan Kwok In this episode of the OCPhA Podcast, join host Dr Mary Ngo as she interviews first-year pharmacy student, Ryan Kwok from UC Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Ryan discusses his journey from pre-pharmacy to becoming a student leader and the founder of the StudentRxNetwork, a platform for pharm...

66. From Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacy School feat. Anthony Herfi 🎙️👩‍⚕️ Join us for a captivating conversation on today's episode as Dr. Mary Ngo sits down with pharmacy student Anthony Herfi to delve into his inspiring journey from pharmacy technician to aspiring pharmacist! 💊📚 In this insightful interview, Anthony shares the trials and triumphs of his path in the pharmacy world, offering v...

65. PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency feat. Dr. Andrew Hean On today's episode, Dr. Mary Ngo takes the reins to interview PGY2 pharmacy resident Dr. Andrew Hean! Discussions delve into Dr. Hean's fascinating career journey, exploring his exceptional pathway through the world of pharmacy. From the insights gained during his pharmacy residency in psychiatric practice to the pivotal moments shaping...

64. Pharmacy Student Spotlight: Paving Your Own Path in Pharmacy feat. Anna Pham In today's insightful episode, Dr. Mary Ngo engages in a captivating conversation with Anna Pham, a dedicated pharmacy student at WesternU. This episode serves as a spotlight on Anna's unique journey in the field of pharmacy, providing a platform for her to share her experiences and wisdom with aspiring pharmacy stude...

63. From Active Duty to Resident Pharmacist feat. Dr. Arjay Mendoza In today's insightful OCPhA episode, Dr. Mary Ngo engages in a compelling interview with Dr. Arjay Mendoza, shedding light on his remarkable career journey. Dr. Mendoza's path from active duty to pharmacy school and his subsequent role as a pharmacy resident is an inspiring tale of dedication and determination. This episode offers...

62. How Academia and Ambulatory Care Changed with the Pandemic feat. Dr. Kim Vo 🎙️ On today's OCPhA Podcast, we have an insightful interview with Dr. Kim Vo, where we delve into her remarkable journey in academia and ambulatory care, highlighting the profound transformations brought about by the pandemic. Here's a sneak peek: 🌟 Dr. Vo shares her personal and professional experiences navigating th...

61. Pyrls App and Pharmacists in Web App Development feat. Dr. Derek Borkowski Originally recorded in early 2022. On today's episode of the OCPhA podcast, Dr. Mary Ngo interviews special guest, Dr. Derek Borkowski, on his career path and what led him to his current trajectory. Dr. Borkowski is Founder and CEO of Cosmas Health, which has the primary product of the Pyrls App for mobile. Dr. Borkowsk...

60. The Pharmacist's Voice and Medical Voiceovers feat. Kim Newlove On today's episode, we delve into a very different world, one of medical narration and voiceovers. We are honored to have our guest, pharmacist Kim Newlove on our episode today to share her journey into this world. She describes how she got into the role, what it takes to get into voiceovers, and what her experience with medical t...

59. Creating Your Path in the Pharmacy Profession feat. Melanie Tran Today's episode was originally recorded in early 2022. On today's episode, Dr. Mary Ngo interviewed Chapman student Melanie Tran on her experiences, what tips and tricks she's used to advance her knowledge, and where she is going in the next steps of her career. Since then, Melanie has graduated and now Dr. Tran is working in the...

58. Medical Cannabis and a Pharmacist's Role feat. Dr. Codi Peterson On today's episode originally recorded in December 2021, Dr. Codi Peterson discusses Medical Cannabis and its current state of regulation. Dr. Codi Peterson is an inpatient pediatric specialist pharmacist who is also involved in scientific advisory and currently serves as the Chief Science Officer for The Cannigma, which focuses...

57. CPhA, Advanced Practice Pharmacist, and Pharmacists' Roles During COVID-19 feat. Dr. Richard Dang Originally recorded on December 14th, 2021 On today's episode, we interview Dr. Richard Dang, President of CPhA, about how the pharmacist's role has changed and adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include: CPhA's efforts in supporting pharmacists during the pandemic The Advance Practice P...

56. Lifelong Learning, Consulting, and Being a Director of Pharmacy feat. Dr. Thien Vu On today's episode originally recorded in November 2021, Dr. Thien Vu shares his lifelong learning journey into where he is today. Topics include: The philosophy of pharmacy patient care Thoughts on lifelong learning and thinking outside the box Being a pharmacy consultant Transitioning into a Director of Pharma...

55. OCPhA Monthly Meeting Spotlights - Industry with Dr. Jorge Farias Today's episode delves into the world of pharmaceutical industry. Originally recorded at the OCPhA meeting of October 2021. Dr. Jorge Farias is interviewed by OCPhA President at the time, Rod Patterson, on the field of industry and how he got into it through a very unique path. Dr. Farias provides advice to those interested in t...

54. OCPhA Monthly Meeting Spotlights - Specialty with Dr. Mary Pham Today's episode is an excerpt from September 2021's monthly meeting, where the OCPhA president at the time, Rod Patterson, interviewed Dr. Mary Pham on her career path and what she's doing today with specialty pharmacy practice. Connect with Dr. Pham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-pham-pharm-d-chc-1507a439/ As always, you can v...

53. OCPhA Monthly Meeting Spotlights - Pharmacy Law with Dr. Tony Park On today's episode, we speak with Dr. Tony Park, PharmD, JD, about his role and how it came to be. Past President of OCPhA, Rod Patterson, leads this interview from our monthly meetings. Learn more about Dr. Park and his practice at https://www.capharmacylaw.com/ As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us...

52. Academia and Educating Future Pharmacists feat. Dr. Amanda Tran On today's episode, we spoke with Dr. Amanda Tran on pharmacy and academia. Dr. Tran teaches at Keck Graduate Institute and has been residency trained with teaching credentials. On this episode, she discusses her career path, what she's been able to apply to teaching, and important ideas she instills in her students. To reach out...

51. OCPhA Monthly Meeting Spotlights - Long Term Care with Pharmacist Clifford Young On today's episode of the OCPhA podcast, we share an excerpt from our monthly meetings. This episode was recorded in August 2021. OCPhA president Rod Patterson interviewed pharmacist Clifford Young on what it means to be a consultant pharmacist working in the long term care setting. For more great talks like these...

50. Precepting and Keeping Involved as a New Practitioner feat. Dr. Mary Ngo Networking and staying involved is the KEY to making an impact! On today's episode, we speak with Dr. Mary Ngo, PharmD, BCMTMS, clinical staff pharmacist and MTM pharmacist and co-chair of the OCPhA Digital Outreach Committee. Dr. Ngo is a more recent graduate but has made a name for herself making impacts across the prof...

49. A Business Mindset feat. Dr. Karine Wong, CEO of My Guiltless Treats On today's episode, we speak with pharmacist Dr. Karine Wong on her career path and switch gears to talking about the business mindset. Dr. Wong started her own company, My Guiltless Treats, and shares her thoughts on the business mindset and some resources on where to look at for those thinking about starting their own compa...

48. Vaccine Hesitancy and the Importance of Pharmacists feat. Dr. Leah Johnson Vaccine hesitancy continues to be a challenge in the ongoing climate of COVID-19. On today's episode in collaboration with Marin County PhA, OCPhA President Rod Patterson interviews Dr. Leah Johnson on vaccine hesitancy and the important role that the pharmacists play in being the accessible provider for vaccine informa...