Charlene Tan: A Future Leader in Pharmacy

At the ASCP Annual Meeting on October 26-29, 2023, the prestigious Next GenRx Award will be presented to an exceptional pharmacy student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership, and dedication to the field. Among the pool of deserving candidates, one individual truly stands out: Charlene Tan.

A 2022 pre-pharmacy graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa, Charlene studied molecular biosciences and biotechnology. For more than 12 years, she volunteered with ABLE Special Needs Outreach, which paired her with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to initiate group-building activities. Charlene is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Roseman University, and is a 2022 Hero Scholar recipient, supported by the Valley Health System.

“As her teacher, co-faculty advisor, and mentor, I have had the privilege of witnessing Charlene’s remarkable qualities and accomplishments,” said Dr. Michelle Hon, Charlene’s Nominee and Assistant Professor for Roseman University’s College of Pharmacy. “It is with great pleasure that I endorse her nomination for the Next GenRx Award.”

Charlene’s journey in pharmacy started even before her coursework commenced. In June 2022, she proactively became a Medicare Assistance Program Counselor, undertaking extensive training and achieving a perfect score. Since then, she has selflessly devoted over 60 hours to the Nevada Beneficiaries call center, providing crucial assistance to individuals seeking access to healthcare. Charlene’s dedication to service has touched countless lives and exemplifies her passion for making a difference in the community.

As one of the inaugural regional student ambassadors, Charlene has tirelessly advocated for the pharmacy profession, passionately educating others about the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare. Within Roseman’s American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Student Chapter, she serves as the ASCP Student Chapter President (after serving as P1 Liaison for a year), acting as a vital link between the chapter, her classmates, and the community. Her role showcases her exceptional leadership and communication skills, fostering a collaborative environment and inspiring her peers to actively engage in professional development.

Throughout her academic journey, Charlene has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond her involvement with ASCP, she has held numerous leadership positions within Roseman’s College of Pharmacy program, including serving as the P1 President and Vice President of Communications for her American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Student Chapter, and the Vice President of Membership for the Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP).

Dr. Hon included, “Charlene’s enthusiastic approach to these roles, coupled with her willingness to go above and beyond, has contributed significantly to the success of our program and motivated other students to embrace their own potential.”

Charlene’s infectious passion for pharmacy has left an indelible mark on Roseman University. Through her exceptional leadership, she has inspired her peers to become more involved and has paved the way for future generations of pharmacists. Charlene’s commitment to promoting pharmacy as a profession is a testament to her belief in its potential to positively impact patient care and the healthcare system as a whole.

Charlene Tan is an exceptional pharmacy student who embodies the values and qualities that the ASCP Next GenRx Award represents. Roseman University of Health Sciences takes great pride in educating exemplary future pharmacists like Charlene Tan, who will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare for the better.