Jaelyn Benyard (PharmD ‘27) began her journey in pharmacy in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and is now flourishing as a third-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student at PCOM Georgia.
Throughout her academic career, Benyard has embraced leadership roles that support her growth and desire to serve others. Earlier this month, she celebrated forming a new chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma, a national pharmacy leadership society, for pharmacy students and faculty on campus.
“I believe in bridging gaps, whether it’s building confidence in speaking, strengthening resumes, or expanding networks. If you’re in the room, know that you belong there and fill that room with your presence and purpose,” she said. “Success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about developing a comfort in meeting new people and stepping outside your comfort zone.”
Stepping outside her comfort zone is a hallmark of Benyard’s humble approach.
“As the founder of this chapter, I didn’t initially know what to do, but I made it happen with the support of my mentors and supportive faculty at PCOM Georgia. Sometimes, it’s easier to let go of an idea, but believing in something before it exists is a powerful thing.”
In her role as President of the Phi Lambda Sigma Epsilon Tau chapter, Benyard plans to organize mock residency interviews, leadership bootcamps, and networking events aimed at providing more fellowship opportunities for her peers. The chapter has quickly become the largest pharmacy society on campus, bringing together over forty second- and third-year students, along with nine faculty members.
Benyard’s decision to pursue pharmacy was shaped by her early experiences working as a technician in her stepmother’s pharmacy and participating in a mentorship program.
“Right then and there, I knew this was it, I wanted to pursue pharmacy and help others. That mentoring experience gave me exposure beyond my family and community.”
Her former undergraduate professor at Florida A&M University, Dean Spencer—who also served as the former Dean of Pharmacy at PCOM Georgia—became another mentor for Benyard and encouraged her to take the next step in her pharmacy studies at PCOM Georgia.
“I chose PCOM Georgia because it truly feels like a home away from home. I felt like it was the best support that could be offered,” she said.
Benyard’s leadership has earned her recognition among her peers and within the professional organizations she’s involved with, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) student chapter, where she received their prestigious national award this year. Her dedication has earned her a seat on the ASHP Executive Committee, where she will collaborate with peers across the country to help advance pharmacy practice.
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
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Joy Williford
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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