"You will be surprised sometimes what opportunities you end up loving the most..."
Gamecock alumna Amanda Capino (2014 Pharm.D.) found a ‘home away from home’ at South Carolina, combining her passions as a pharmacy student and member of the famed Carolina Band. Following graduation and residency, Amanda began her career in pediatric pharmacy and academia at Ole Miss.
Tell us about what you do:
After graduation, I completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and a PGY2 Pediatric Pharmacy Residency at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy. After completion of residency, I became a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Jackson, Mississippi. My practice site is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU.) I help coordinate courses including the pediatrics/geriatrics module and the P3 Skills Lab. I enjoy precepting students on NICU and academia rotations and serving as an advisor for student chapters of CPFI and PediaRebs (PPA Student Chapter.) I also enjoy being involved in professional associations including AACP and PPA.
How did you originally get interested in your field?
I always loved math, science, helping others, and working with children — so pediatric pharmacy helped me combine a lot of my interests.
Why did you choose the University of South Carolina?
When looking at colleges, I looked for places with pre-pharmacy/pharmacy school and a great marching band to participate in! When I first visited the University of South Carolina, I remember falling in love with the campus and feeling that the school could truly become a home away from home for me!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An elementary school teacher or band director.
What activities were you involved with in school?
I was a member of the Mighty Sound of the Southeast Marching Band and Basketball Pep Band for a few of the years when at the University of South Carolina. In pharmacy school, I loved being a member of several organizations including CPFI, PLS, PPA, and SNPhA.
What is your favorite memory from pharmacy school?
Attending conferences to be able to represent the school and network with pharmacists across the country. Also, I loved the pharmacy school spring picnic each year!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being able to mentor and teach students and witness their success!
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Staying positive through challenges while not being afraid to lean on others is so important.
Who has been a mentor to you?
I have had so many mentors along the way and would not be where I am today without each of them. Dr. Christina Cox served as one of my very first mentors and inspired me to pursue a career in pediatric pharmacy!
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love watching sports and doing arts and crafts.
What is your advice for current students / future pharmacy professionals?
Always stay positive and keep an open mind. You will be surprised sometimes what opportunities you end up loving the most and learning the most in!
What song always puts you in a good mood?
'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten.
Topics: Alumni Programs, Meet Our Alumni