In response to a growing need for skilled pharmacy professionals and a desire to shape the future of the profession, the University of Texas Medical Branch launched a new internship program this past summer to prepare students for careers in pharmacy.
The Longitudinal Experiential Growth and Clinical Internship program is designed to mentor and train students in a real-world clinical environment as they prepare for postgraduate training—like pharmacy residencies—or direct entry into the workforce.
“As a leading academic medical center, UTMB has a responsibility to cultivate future health care leaders and drive innovation in clinical practice,” Senior Pharmacy Manager Michael Eagon said. “The LEGACI program allows us to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application and to further develop the next generation of pharmacy leadership.”
The program, also intended to strengthen the UTMB workforce pipeline, currently has six pharmacy interns who have committed to staying with UTMB for the next three years, Pharmacy Manager of Inpatient Operations Jared Sheneman said. The plan is to add six new interns each year, bringing the total to 18 at full capacity.
Interns are selected through a competitive application process that includes academic performance evaluation, letters of recommendation, personal statements and interviews with program leadership.
“We look for students who demonstrate strong clinical interest, professionalism and a passion for patient care,” Eagon said. “Interviews are conducted to assess communication skills, critical thinking and alignment with UTMB’s values.”
Interns work alongside experienced pharmacists and health care teams, gaining exposure to clinical decision making, medication safety, research and quality improvement projects and operational workflows.
The current interns in the Inpatient Pharmacy Internship Program are:
- Rigoberto Ayala Zaragoza, incoming second-year pharmacy student at the University of Houston
- Taylor Brown, incoming second-year pharmacy student at Texas Southern University
- Roland Echols, incoming second-year pharmacy student at Texas Southern University
- Hailey Trigg, incoming second-year pharmacy student at the University of Houston
The current interns in the Specialty Pharmacy Internship Program are:
- Tiffany Jarrett, incoming second-year pharmacy student at the University of Houston
- Sally Uzomba, incoming second-year pharmacy student at Texas Southern University
The inaugural cohort has already made a measurable difference, Sheneman said.
“The work they’ve been doing has already had a meaningful impact, and we’re incredibly proud of the initiative and professionalism they bring to our department,” he said.
Eagon agreed, adding, “Beyond their technical contributions, they’ve brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm that have energized our teams. Their impact has been both measurable and inspiring.”
With evolving health care demands and increasing complexity in medication management, Eagon and Sheneman saw an opportunity to create a structured, impactful learning experience that benefits both students and the institution.
“Ultimately, we aim to equip our pharmacy interns for successful careers in health system pharmacy while inspiring them to pursue advanced training and leadership opportunities,” Eagon said. “Upon graduation, we hope they carry forward the mission of UTMB Health, embracing it fully and applying its values wherever their careers may lead.”
For more information on the LEGACI program, go to utmb.edu/rxhome/pharmacy-internship-program-(legaci)/home.