Austen Werab

Reasons for selecting pharmacy:

 I have always been interested in healthcare from a young age. While attending college at the University of Miami, I became fascinated with the brain and how it functions. While academically diving deeper into the brain as a member of the neuroscience program, I had an opportunity to shadow a family friend that was a practicing neurologist. During this time, I was exposed to the various treatments and medications that are used to help people with neurological disorders live a better life. This is where my interest in pharmacy had sparked, even though I had not realized it yet.
After graduation, my girlfriend’s mom had mentioned to me the role of pharmacists on the healthcare team at her workplace as a hematology and oncology nurse. This immediately ignited my spark previously lit by my shadowing experience and I decided I wanted to pursue that passion. As time goes on and I dive deeper into the field of pharmacy as an intern pharmacist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, I am always fascinated by the experience I gain and grateful to continue to learn and enjoy the endless opportunities that pharmacy provides in order to facilitate the highest quality of patient-centered care. 

Professional Interests: 

• Pediatrics
• Hematology & Oncology
• Critical care
• Pharmacy Education

Interest in the PSF Executive Committee:

 My passion for student leadership and professional development began when I attended my first national conference this past year during my P2 year. I was immediately fascinated by the grand scale of pharmacy organizations on a national level and I knew right away that I wanted to be involved. Upon discussion with my pharmacy manager at work about this conference, he shared with me his past experiences as a member on the PSF Executive Committee when he was in pharmacy school. Upon hearing his fond memories and incredible leadership and professional skills that he gained, I was ready to become involved on ASHP’s PSF Executive Committee and am very grateful to serve as the Vice Chair alongside an incredible team of student leaders and staff. 

How being a member of ASHP has assisted in my personal and professional development:

Being a member of ASHP has greatly impacted my growing career as a future pharmacist. ASHP has helped my professional skills such as time management, communication, and collaboration develop and prosper while also influencing my personal growth. My involvement in ASHP has helped me network with other members from across the nation and be a part of an organization that is putting the material I learn in the classroom into action to guide the safe and effective treatment of patients across the world.

Goals for the year as a PSFEC Member:

• Empower students to become involved in professional organizations on a national level
• Create tools and initiatives to further advance the goals of ASHP as well as aid in the development of students’ professional skills 
• Create an inclusive and collaborative environment for student pharmacists across the nation to learn from each other and other practitioners
• Increase my own and other student pharmacists’ awareness of post-graduation career options and opportunities 

Fun Fact: 

I am an identical twin, and my brother is my absolute best friend. Some of my favorite activities include fishing, boxing, and taking my two puppies to the dog park!