Zainab Afegbua-Aliyu (Pharm D’26) knew from a young age that her calling was to help others.
“I am drawn to the combination of science and compassion, and I believe that health care is about more than just treating illnesses; it’s about caring for people, educating them, and working together to keep them healthy,” she said.
That desire led her to PCOM Georgia’s School of Pharmacy, where she will graduate in May with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
“I chose PCOM because I wanted a school that would prepare me to be competent and service-oriented. The focus on excellence, teamwork, and community engagement aligned perfectly with my goals.”
Afegbua-Aliyu sees herself as more than just a pharmacist; she hopes to be a trusted leader in health care, continually learning and giving back.
“I knew pharmacy was the right path for me because it combines science with problem-solving and direct patient care, which are all tools I want to use to serve my community,” she said.
Her time at PCOM was filled with volunteering activities and community outreach programs that allowed her to gain hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals, putting what she learned into practice. Her hospital Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) program was a highlight of her time in pharmacy school.
“That experience gave me an understanding of teamwork, patient care, and the pharmacist’s role in improving clinical outcomes, while also strengthening my confidence and commitment to becoming a compassionate pharmacist,” she said.
Throughout her journey at PCOM, she found inspiration in those who use their knowledge and skills to uplift others. “The people who motivate me most are those who serve with integrity and stay committed, even when things get tough,” she said. “They remind me that success isn’t just about achievement but more about the impact you have on others.”
To those pharmacy students following in her footsteps, she offers this advice: “Stay curious, stay disciplined, and never forget why you started. Build relationships, ask questions, and take care of yourself because the care you give others begins with the care you give yourself.”
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.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
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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