Arrington D. Mason-Callaway (PharmD ’20) 
Match Day 2020

March 30, 2020

In the midst of a global pandemic, students from the class of 2020 at PCOM Georgia celebrated one of the most exciting days in their professional journey—match day. Here they share their personal match story, what has inspired them along the way and what advice they would give to students starting the journey today.

What inspired you to go into pharmacy?

Pharmacy presents the optimal combination and utilization of my skills and passion. I want to be able to empower and educate patients with chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, heart failure) that disproportionately affect minorities. In these patients, I see my parents, my uncles, my aunts, my great-aunts, etc., and I treat each person with the same thoroughness and compassion that I would for my own family.

Where did you match?

WellStar Cobb Hospital, PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice, Austell, Georgia.

Why did you pursue a residency?

I knew that a residency would be the vessel I need to impact the most lives. I want to be challenged with multiple disciplines and experiences, and become a master of all trades within pharmacy and healthcare overall. There is no better opportunity to get that intense, continuous education and support than what my program would provide.

How did you feel when you found out you matched?

I definitely cried! A long journey that finally came to fruition.

What advice would you give to year one pharmacy students just starting their journey?

Keep your grades high, and seek meaningful involvement early– on campus and in the community (APhA, ASHP, Kappa Psi, etc.). You don't have to know exactly where you want to go in pharmacy (I did not decide to seek a residency until my fourth year), but make sure to set yourself up from an early point so that you can pursue any professional route you want.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I just want to thank my mother (my first "preceptor") and the rest of my family, as well as all of the friends and relatives who have continuously checked on me, supported my journey and motivated me to keep going!