Tiger Heritage Spotlight: Jennifer Vuong BS ’09
Jennifer is a graduate of the College of Science - Biomedical Sciences program in 2009. After graduating from RIT, Jennifer obtained her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor then completed a post-graduate year 1 residency at Erie VA in Pennsylvania. Following her training, she accepted a position as a clinical pharmacist at VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System where she has prescriptive authority to manage patients in the Anticoagulation and Thrombosis Service. Jennifer quickly became the facility’s subject matter expert and has trained many staff members and as well as served as primary preceptor for a number of learners over the years including: pharmacy students, PharmD residents, and geriatric MD fellows. She is a Certified Anticoagulation Care Provider and was the primary author of one of the most sought-after resource published on the Anticoagulation Forum (ACF) Center of Excellence, Guidance for Treatment of Various VTE. She is also a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Cardiology and recently presented a poster on population health management at the ACF National Conference in April 2023.
Why did you choose to attend RIT?
I grew up in Henrietta and wanted to stay close to home, near my family and friends. I toured all the surrounding colleges and felt most at home at RIT.
What about college were you least prepared for?
Academically, I felt well prepared as I took advantage of many AP courses in high school. Socially, I was also lucky. I had my high school sweetheart and quickly made lifelong friends at orientation. I met another Jennifer, who is also of Asian descent. We shared an apartment, almost every class, and work schedule!
Who influenced you most during your time at RIT?
My friends and professors, Drs. Elizabeth Perry and Renee Miller. The friends I met through my program and extracurricular activities helped me through challenging courses and kept college life fun while my professors took genuine interest in me to help me prepare for a successful career.
Why did you choose to become a pharmacist?
Growing up, my mother used Chinese herbal medicine and always cautioned about “drug interactions” with western medicine, which fueled my curiosity about pharmaceuticals. I wanted to learn more about medicines and use this knowledge to one day help my parents and others from socially, culturally, and economically diverse communities. I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare and saw pharmacy as a career with great work life balance.
What were your favorite classes and why?
I loved the variety of classes RIT had to offer. The College of Science had many interesting courses taught by passionate professors. I felt medical botany and neuroscience solidified my decision to go to pharmacy school. I also loved Foods of the World and my ballroom dance class.
What was your proudest accomplishment at RIT?
I worked at the Student Alumni Union (SAU) cafeteria every single quarter, including summers, serving as student manager for three years. I took this position without much thought and over the years, the role taught me leadership, time-management, teamwork, and filled me with the best meals. Also, graduating twice with highest honors. I earned enough credits to walk the stage after my third year, but stayed the full four years to take some pre-pharmacy and fun courses.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at RIT?
I suggest students join clubs, organizations, and find an unrelated work-study. These are great opportunities to learn new skills, meet people, and make friends with others outside of your major. Balancing coursework with extracurricular activities creates a more enjoyable and well-rounded college experience as well as potentially life-long friendships.
What advice would you have for your 18-24-year-old self?
Keep an open mind, explore all your options, say “yes” to the project or opportunity, you never know where it might lead you no matter how small it may initially seem.
What is your proudest accomplishment and the highlight of your career/life?
A highlight of my career was being nominated for “The Spirit of George E. Whalen Award” – the highest award at VA SLC given to clinicians who provide exemplary and selfless service to our Veterans.
What is something about your AAPI heritage that you would like others to know?
My grandparents escaped China during World War II with minimal resources to start a new life in Vietnam. My parents eventually immigrated after the Vietnam War and they were separated from their families. My mother was a boat refugee. Life was uncertain and difficult. They faced discrimination and many barriers but always worked hard and rarely complained. My heritage has taught me to live within my means, value discipline, perseverance, and gratitude.
Fun Fact(s) about yourself?
I am the first college graduate in my family.
I am married to another RIT graduate.
I enjoy trying different cuisines and staying in shape through dance and exercise.