Charles Ung, PharmD, is a new faculty member at UNMC
- Name: Charles Ung, PharmD
- Title and department at UNMC: Clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and science
- Research/professional interests: Medication access, innovative learning strategies and examination preparation
How I fell in love with pharmacy:
Growing up, I always wanted to be some type of doctor. Most of my life, I thought I was going to become a physician, but it changed when I went on a college tour at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. During the tour, I saw pharmacy students taking blood pressure and checking sugar levels for community members. I had no idea that pharmacists interacted with the community so directly with patients. And that’s what really interested me, the patient communication and learning how to manage their medications. It’s a major role that they play to improve patient’s health.
What eventually pushed me toward academia pharmacy was the “aha!” moment. In college, when I was tutoring Chemistry 101, I had peers and younger students struggle in the class. It was so frustrating for them, but when I tutored them, showing them a different perspective or seeing it in a different light, then they would get it. Watching students go from frustrated to confident was rewarding. The path I’m on right now helps me combine both my passions by helping both patients and students.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, PharmD
Memberships: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
Three things people may not know about me:
- I don’t wear jeans.
- I’m a fast eater.
- I have a small social media account where I post food or fun activities.