The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s School of Pharmacy welcomed 140 new students to campus on Thursday, August 12, 2010 for a two-day orientation program. Members of the Class of 2013 are excited to embark on a new chapter in their lives. The work will be challenging and difficult, but those who make it through the next three years will leave with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

This is LECOM’s ninth pharmacy class. The students come from all over the United States. Some bring their families with them to Erie. There is also a good mix of young students fresh out of college and some who are returning to school after working for many years in other professions.

“Those students are usually very successful,” said Rachel Ogden, BSPharm, Director of Curriculum at the LECOM School of Pharmacy. “They’ve had the time to be out in the workforce and know how to build on their experiences. Now they have a passion for changing their careers." Ogden said older and younger students can learn a lot from each other.

Michael Bish of Erie, Pa. (right) managed a quick oil change company before enrolling at LECOM as a first-year pharmacy student.

Michael Bish of Erie is one of the non-traditional students. He spent several years working for and managing a quick oil change business. When his company went out of business, he finished his undergraduate coursework at Mercyhurst College and applied to LECOM. “It fit everything I was looking for,” Bish said of his decision to attend LECOM Pharmacy School. “It’s local, it’s not real expensive, it’s accelerated, and I’ve only heard good things.”

Didar Randhawa of Cleveland, Ohio, said he had been accepted to the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Pharmacy, but decided to enroll in LECOM after visiting the campus. “I looked at the school and felt more at home at LECOM,” Randhawa explained. “I talked to the faculty. I just loved the campus. Plus, they have a three year program. That’s an added bonus.”

First-year student Didar Randhawa of Cleveland, Oh. gets his seating assignment during LECOM's Pharmacy School Orientation.

First-year pharmacy students and their families will attend an open house on Saturday, August 14th from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Classes for Erie’s pharmacy students start on Monday, August 16th. Pharmacy students at LECOM’s Bradenton, Florida campus begin one week later – on Monday, August 23rd.

###

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and LECOM School of Pharmacy offer innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Prepare yourself for medicine as your life’s profession.