Your PharmD Bestie Podcast
Your PharmD Bestie is a podcast under the Pharm So Hard Network, produced by Jimmy Pruitt. Hosted by pharmacist Alina Luk, the show provides an authentic and unfiltered look into the pharmacy profession, bridging the gap between students, residents, and practicing professionals. Alina Luk’s journey through pharmacy school and residency is filled with valuable lessons and experiences that she eagerly shares with her listeners. Through personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice, Alina explores topics ranging from navigating pharmacy school and residency to overcoming challenges and celebrating achievements as a practicing pharmacist. With guest contributions from preceptors, fellow professionals, and students, this podcast is a go-to resource for anyone passionate about pharmacy.
Episodes

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
In Episode 5 of Your PharmD Bestie, host Alina Luk, PharmD, walks you through the residency application process step-by-step. From creating your PhORCAS account to requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, Alina shares practical advice to make this daunting process more manageable. Learn how to organize your CV, craft a strong personal statement, and balance the demands of rotations and applications. Whether you’re just starting your pharmacy school journey or gearing up to apply, this episode is packed with valuable insights to set you up for success.

Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
In Episode 4 of Your PharmD Bestie, host Alina Luk, PharmD, sits down with her former UCSF pharmacy school classmates, Alison Newens, PharmD, and Selena Li, PharmD, to reminisce about their journey through pharmacy school. They share insights on the academic rigor, the transition to residency, and navigating personal growth. From favorite courses and challenging rotations to the power of camaraderie and learning from precepting, this episode is packed with relatable stories, valuable lessons, and advice for pharmacy students and residents alike.
00:00 Introduction
02:24 Academic Reflections
10:08 Transition to Rotations
24:46 Precepting Perspectives
36:47 Favorite Pharmacy School Memories
42:10 Navigating Challenges and Growth
48:47 Advice for Pharmacy Students
55:25 Conclusion

Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
In Episode 3 of Your PharmD Bestie, host Alina Luk, PharmD is joined by Valerie Htun, PharmD from UCSF to discuss their pharmacy school experience, with a special focus on OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Exams) and exam preparation. They share valuable insights on handling academic challenges, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating the pharmacy school application process. Drawing from their experiences at UCSF, they offer practical advice for current and prospective pharmacy students.
00:00 Introduction
03:15 Understanding OSCEs
09:04 Overcoming Exam Nerves
16:09 Pharmacy School Exams
21:17 Handling Academic Challenges
27:24 Pharmacy School Applications
33:00 Advice for second-year undergraduates
38:36 Gap Year Discussion
45:36 Final thoughts

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
In this episode of Your PharmD Bestie, Alina dives into the essentials of preparing for pharmacy school applications and interviews. Drawing from personal experiences, she shares practical tips on managing stress, setting realistic goals, and crafting a standout application. From understanding application requirements to mastering the STAR method for interviews, this episode is packed with actionable advice for aspiring pharmacy students. Whether you’re applying to pharmacy school or tackling any professional application process, this episode offers insights to help you shine.

Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Welcome to Your PharmD Bestie, a brand-new addition to the Pharm So Hard Network! Hosted by Alina Luk, PharmD, this inaugural episode dives into the vision behind the podcast. Alina shares her journey from pharmacy school to residency applications, offering a raw and relatable perspective. This podcast aims to guide pharmacy students, aspiring residents, and healthcare professionals through pharmacy school challenges, residency prep, and beyond. Discover tips on OSCEs, exam prep, and navigating gap years while building a supportive community. Tune in, subscribe, and join Alina as she empowers you on your pharmacy journey!