"He constantly reminds me of how wonderful the world can be through a child’s eyes.”
Alumnus Sean Tran (2009 Pharm.D.) set aside his early dream of joining the Jedi Order to pursue a career in pharmacy. Like his father before him, he's found joy in his profession and his family. Sean is married to fellow Gamecock Pharmacist Megan Robinson Tran (2009 Pharm.D.)
Tell us about what you do:
Currently I am a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Lexington Medical Center’s Surgical/Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. I have been serving as a lead pharmacist for our geographical decentralized pharmacist group. And most recently, I accepted the honor to act as LMC’s PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director.
How did you originally get interested in your field?
My father is a retired pharmacist, and my mother is a practicing pharmacy technician. Both have been able to find joy in their profession and applications of their knowledge outside of the working environment. I inevitably had opportunities as a child to visit their pharmacies and enjoyed “helping” the pharmacist and technicians with their tasks.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, then a Jedi Knight, then a pediatrician – in that order.
Why did you choose the University of South Carolina?
I grew up as a lifelong Gamecock fan and always had UofSC at the top of my rank list for college applications. I was especially interested in the opportunity to pursue my prepharmacy requirements and Pharm.D. training all within the same program. My parents, sister, and multiple extended family members are UofSC alumni – some of the College of Pharmacy!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My seven-year-old son, Connor, brings me the greatest joy and sense of purpose to my life. He has all the best traits of my wife and me, and he constantly reminds me of how wonderful the world can be through a child’s eyes.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Most of my time is spent with my wife and son. We enjoy Disney, Star Wars, Gamecocks, and binge-watching a good TV show.
What are you currently reading, watching or listening to?
- Reading: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- Watching: Westworld (HBO)
- Listening: Awesome Mix Vol 1 & 2 (Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack)
What is your favorite memory from pharmacy school?
Meeting my future wife at a UofSC football game!
What class or professor do you remember the most from UofSC?
This one is tough because our program is truly blessed with knowledgeable and engaged faculty. One of my favorite memories was when Dr. Scott Sutton taught us the most common Gram positive/Gram negative bacteria in less than 5 minutes. He always had a knack for teaching in unique ways.
Looking back to your time in school, is there anything you wish you had done differently?
I think I could have done more service activities and research. I served as APhA-ASP Vice President, Class Vice President, and was inducted into Phi Lambda Sigma. I was fortunate to have friends who encouraged me to try things outside my comfort zone. These opportunities are great ways to network with classmates and practitioners, while learning skills that you can continue to utilize after graduation.
What is your advice for current students / future pharmacy professionals?
Don’t burn bridges, be willing to admit when you are wrong, and advocate for yourself when you are right.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Every experience, good or bad, is unique to you and has shaped you into the person you are in this moment. You can’t change past events, but you can learn from them to create future opportunities.
What is top of your bucket list?
Seeing the Gamecocks win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Topics: Alumni Programs, Meet Our Alumni