February 2019 - Tim Dang

Tim Dang, a P3 member of the Rho Chi Society Theta Chapter, is an excellent example of how our members exemplify our vision of advancing pharmacy through intellectual leadership. Born and raised in Vietnam, Tim immigrated with his family in 2007 to Orange County, California. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, greatly enjoying organic chemistry experiments and his time as a Bruin. Tim has held numerous esteemed leadership positions throughout his time in at the USC School of Pharmacy. During his P1 year (2016-2017), Tim was the Skull and Mortar Geriatric Care Level 1 Representative. During Tim’s P2 year (2017-2018), he held the positions of Phi Delta Chi Vice President and Associated Students of the School of Pharmacy (ASSP) Vice President of Admissions and Recruitment. This year as a P3, Tim continues his dedication to the school, as he is currently the President of ASSP, which is a position that requires a substantial time commitment as well as excellent leadership and organizational skills due to the large scope of this organization. In addition, since summer of P1 year, Tim has developed his pharmacy skills as an intern at Kaiser Permanente – Los Angeles Medical Center. Tim has also received numerous scholarships during pharmacy school: The Ralph Converse Pharmacy Scholarship, The Walgreens Diversity Scholarship, and The Jack Converse Endowed Scholarship.

During his free time, Tim enjoys swimming recreationally to relax and de-stress. He says that he loves swimming because you only need a pool and a sunny sky to have a good time, while still getting a great workout! “While I’m in the pool, my mind tends to let go of life’s other responsibilities and allows me to enjoy my time in the moment, worry-free.”

Tim’s numerous accomplishments and his continued dedication to growth, service, and leadership are an excellent embodiment the Rho Chi mission of contributing to the development of intellectual leaders, and we are honored to have him as a member of Rho Chi Theta Chapter.

Q&A Interview

Q: What do you feel is one of your greatest accomplishments as a pharmacy student?

A: One of my greatest accomplishments as a pharmacy student thus far is making impactful, enjoyable, and lasting memories during my experience at USC. A wise upper classman once told me once that I would be a pharmacy student for only 4 years compared to being a pharmacist for the rest of my life. I took this to heart and got involved as much as I could to not only to have an extraordinary experience during these short years, but also to learn from as many people as I could. By continually learning something new every day, I aspire to advance myself and the profession as the future comes.

Q: What is the most challenging part of being ASSP President? What is the most rewarding part?

A: The most challenging part of being ASSP President is the time commitment required due to the responsibilities that are expected of a President. As I oversee the duties of all board members, it is often difficult to keep the ASSP Board united, especially when each board member has their own timeline to follow. It is challenging for me to focus on my own duties when there are always issues that need my attention, opinion, or approval. I am still looking for a more efficient method of time management, but for now, I am learning to dedicate a specific amount of time to focus on school work, IPPE work, ASSP-related items, and self-care. This way, I can reflect and adjust appropriately when I may be spending too much time on one responsibility and not others.

The most rewarding part of being ASSP President is that I get to be a role model for the next generations of pharmacy students and pharmacists. It is humbling to know that other students look up to me and seek guidance to achieve their goals. I am honored to be a part of their journey of self-development and success and I look forward to seeing the amazing achievements of current and future Trojans.

Q: Please describe how being a member of the Rho Chi Society has impacted your time at school or your life in general.

A: Rho Chi’s vision is to advance the pharmacy profession through intellectual leadership, and I have learned to live up to the high expectations for members of this honorary society. Rho Chi has given me the opportunity to see the impact of a dedicated group of individuals, from hosting tutor sessions and assisting others academically, to hosting patient speaker series to assess the importance of pharmacy in patients’ journey to wellness. As a member, I am proud and honored to be able to represent the USC Rho Chi Theta Chapter as a delegate at American Pharmacist Association’s Annual Meeting & Exposition 2019 in Seattle. This will be my first time serving as a delegate at a national meeting and I hope to learn more about Rho Chi’s role in pharmacy nationally.

Q: What words of advice/encouragement do you have for the future pharmacists at the USC School of Pharmacy?

A: Don’t be afraid to take advantage of every opportunity to work toward your goals, in school and in life. Dream big, dream impossible, but have realistic expectations. Promise less, deliver more.