Dr. Lena Nguyen, PharmD, FACES Class of 2005, is a graduate of UC Davis and the University of Hawaii Hilo – Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. Dr. Nguyen explored many things before realizing that she wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy. Prior to starting pharmacy school, she worked at La Clinica de La Raza’s and Highland Hospital’s Pharmacies in Oakland as a pharmacy technician.
Following her recent graduation from pharmacy school, Dr. Nguyen has been offered employment as a Pharmacist at the Outpatient Pharmacy at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland – the same hospital where she interned as a FACES high school student many years ago! Dr. Nguyen shares, “It’s funny how life goes. I started off there and now I will be coming back after over 10 years!”
And to other FACES students/alumni, Dr. Nguyen’s advice is, “Never give up. There are many obstacles in life, and sometimes they delay us from reaching our goals. However, with perseverance and mentors who motivate you to be your best, nothing is out of reach. I owe part of my success to FACES for the Future for exposing me to different health career options and possibilities.”