�鶹��ý

, a fourth-year pharmacy student at �鶹��ý, embodies the values of education, service and innovation cultivated by the institution. Born and raised in Chicago, Garcia completed both his undergraduate and pharmacy studies at �鶹��ý, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology before embarking on the university’s accelerated PharmD program. As he nears the end of his studies at �鶹��ý, Garcia is utilizing his education and experiences to fulfill a goal of providing healthcare education to underserved communities with his innovative program as a Schweitzer Fellow. His journey showcases how �鶹��ý’s supportive environment and hands-on opportunities prepare students for impactful careers.

Garcia’s academic path was shaped by a desire to bridge health disparities. While working as an intern at Walgreens, he noticed significant challenges faced by non-English-speaking patients, including difficulties understanding prescriptions and navigating insurance. “I found myself stepping aside to help patients with translations or by educating them about their medications,” Garcia explains. “This opened my eyes to a larger systemic problem, and I wanted to make a difference.”

�鶹��ý’s tight-knit community and accessible resources empowered Garcia to take action. Inspired by the encouragement of faculty members like biology professor Dr. Cordeiro, who often challenged him to realize his potential, Garcia applied for the prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship. His project focused on providing translation services, medication education and outreach to underserved Latino populations through Rush Generations, a program supporting older adults. “The fellowship allowed me to combine my passion for pharmacy with my commitment to addressing health disparities,” Garcia says. “Now I’m conducting weekend workshops, helping patients understand their medications and finding sustainable solutions for their healthcare needs.”

Garcia credits �鶹��ý’s unique academic structure for his growth. The accelerated three-year PharmD program, which eliminates summer breaks, allowed him to immerse himself fully in his studies and clinical rotations. Unlike traditional rotations that require students to adapt to multiple sites, Garcia participated in the Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (LAPPE) at the University of Chicago. “Staying at one institution meant I could dive deeper into the system, build lasting connections and gain a more comprehensive understanding of different specialties,” Garcia shares. “It felt more like a residency experience than a rotation.”

Garcia also emphasized the collaborative culture fostered at �鶹��ý. “Our cohort of 40 students is incredibly close,” he noted. “The professors know us individually, understand our strengths and weaknesses and genuinely invest in our success. The deans, particularly Dean Hogan and her assistant deans, have been instrumental in shaping this culture. They regularly meet with students to gather feedback, ensure the program evolves to meet our needs, and provide continuous support. This personalized attention has contributed to �鶹��ý’s impressive pharmacy residency match rate, which ranks among the highest in Illinois.”

Looking ahead, Garcia has already secured a postdoctoral fellowship with AbbVie, a global pharmaceutical company based in Chicago. In this role, he will leverage his experiences to address medical information challenges on an international scale. “I hope to use my background working with underserved communities to inform global strategies,” Garcia said. “It’s about making healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone.”

Garcia’s story underscores the transformative power of a �鶹��ý education. His advice to prospective students? “Use every resource available to you. Pursue opportunities, network and don’t underestimate the value of connections. �鶹��ý has so much to offer if you’re willing to look.” Garcia would also like any �鶹��ý students to know that if they ever have any questions, to message him on .

From his undergraduate studies to his groundbreaking fellowship and beyond, Axel Garcia exemplifies how �鶹��ý equips students to turn their passions into meaningful impact.