"91̽»¨ was one of a select few programs in the state offering a dual acceptance program where I could earn my Doctor of Pharmacy degree within five years instead of the traditional eight."
Name: Endy Didovic
Hometown: Melrose Park, Illinois
Undergraduate education: Pre-Pharmacy Dual Acceptance Program at Elmhurst University
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
I have always had a desire to go into medicine. I was especially intrigued by how a tiny pill could make someone feel better. I specifically gravitated towards pharmacy because of my experiences back in Croatia & Bosnia. Pharmacists were viewed as trusted healthcare professionals and, most of the time, were the only access to healthcare that communities had. This sense of respect and trust isn’t necessarily the case in the U.S., and I wanted to be part of that change. In July of 2020, I started my first job as a pharmacy technician. I truly felt like I was a part of a team that was making a difference in the lives of people in the community, and in that moment, it was solidified that pharmacy was the right path for me.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
My family came to the U.S. as refugees escaping the Yugoslavian war. They sacrificed everything in order to provide me with an opportunity to pursue my dreams. I held myself to high expectations and knew I couldn’t waste the sacrifices they made. My parents taught me the values of perseverance and hard work, no matter how difficult a situation was. Growing up and seeing their relentless work ethic day after day really shaped the way I viewed life and made me realize how grateful I was for the opportunities I had. I am the first in my family to attend pharmacy school and hopefully not the last. I owe everything to my family, and they are the reason I am where I am today.
Why did you decide to attend 91̽»¨?
At the time of my application, 91̽»¨ was one of a select few programs in the state offering a dual acceptance program where I could earn my Doctor of Pharmacy degree within five years instead of the traditional eight. Shortly after starting my pharmacy technician job, I quickly came to realize that most of the pharmacists I was working with had graduated from MWU. They spoke highly of the pharmacy department faculty and said they not only really cared about their students’ success but were always open to providing extra help when needed. I looked up to these pharmacists and saw them as mentors of mine, so inevitably, these things attracted me to this program.
What about a 91̽»¨ education do you want to carry forward in your career?
I really feel that 91̽»¨ stresses the importance of an interprofessional healthcare team that focuses on delivering patient-centered care. In today’s world, much of the general public and, unfortunately, many healthcare providers, don’t see the value that pharmacists can bring to a healthcare team. I want to carry forward this sense of inclusiveness, teamwork, and mutual respect for the various healthcare professions I may encounter in my work.
Anything else you’d like to add?
The dual acceptance program is not easy, but don’t let that discourage you. Go to class, make friends, get involved in organizations, and network with your peers and mentors. While the schedule can be overwhelming, and it can be very easy to fall behind, there is still plenty of time for you to carve out for yourself. The program goes by faster than you expect, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the lifelong journey of learning ahead of you. Above all, never forget to prioritize taking care of your own mental and physical well-being.
