ABQ Times

Jennifer Haddock, PharmD, recalled her experience working at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Albuquerque during the early days of the pandemic. She and other pharmacists from The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy played a critical role in community health efforts when there were no vaccines or cures available for the virus.

Haddock praised her colleagues' willingness to help during uncertain times. "What impressed me the most with the team is that at the time COVID-19 was something very unknown," she said. "It was scary. But so many of our pharmacists raised their hands, and our technicians raised their hands to say, ‘I will come help.’"

New Mexico has been proactive in expanding pharmacists' roles. In 2024, it became one of the first states allowing pharmacists to perform diagnostic tests and prescribe treatments based on results. This includes flu, strep throat, COVID-19 tests, birth control prescriptions, emergency contraception, tobacco cessation medicine, and naloxone.

Denise Gabaldon, PharmD, manager at Walmart pharmacy in Albuquerque and fellow UNM graduate emphasized accessibility for patients without transportation: “We’re often the first to be called for help... It’s really imperative that these services get covered by insurance and become affordable for patients.”

John Ma, PharmD, owner of John’s Pharmacy in Albuquerque since 2019 also highlighted challenges faced by older patients unfamiliar with technology during vaccine rollouts. He credits his family’s work ethic and education from UNM's College of Pharmacy as inspirations.

Carly Floyd, PharmD provides specialized care for HIV patients through interdisciplinary clinics while emphasizing patient-centered communication: “I want to spend more time just listening to the person in front of me."

Samir Gul Mohammad chose retail pharmacy after caring for his mother diagnosed with cancer: “Some of my best memories from the College are labs where we would practice talking to patients."

Jude Otero serves as Healthcare Supervisor at Walgreens after being inspired by shadowing his sister who worked as a pharmacist: “I got to use my passion for chemistry along with serving communities."

Alexandra Garcia draws inspiration from her grandfather’s mission towards improving healthcare access within underserved communities stating how regular interactions between pharmacists can foster trust among patients.

Donald Godwin noted that 81% practicing pharmacists within New Mexico are UNM alumni highlighting significant contributions made towards addressing healthcare worker shortages especially across rural areas: “If I had my dream... I would have a pharmacist clinician – or several depending on clinic size – everywhere."

Pharmacy graduates continue fulfilling UNM's mission towards enhancing community healthcare accessibility across Albuquerque alongside fostering collaborative professional relationships beyond campus boundaries.

“Albuquerque is a big little city,” remarked Haddock reflecting upon ongoing connections among colleagues post-graduation facilitated through shared educational experiences at UNM College Of Pharmacy.