UTEP School of Pharmacy

SOP faculty advancing research with real-world impact!

New study by UTEP researchers suggests weight loss drugs like Ozempic may help reduce alcohol, opioid, ni****ne, and co***ne use disorders. However, they caution against prescribing these for addiction treatment without further research.

More: https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/utep-study-finds-glp-1-drugs-may-curb-substance-abuse/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KTSM_9_News

It was a memorable weekend for the UTEP School of Pharmacy Class of 2026! 🎓

Before crossing the commencement stage, our graduates were recognized during Friday’s Hooding Ceremony, a milestone that reflects years of dedication, resilience, and hard work.

We are proud to celebrate this incredible class and all they have accomplished throughout their journey at the UTEP School of Pharmacy. Your future patients and communities are fortunate to have you. ✨

Congratulations, graduates! Miner Nation is proud of you. ⛏️

Stay tuned: Additional Hooding Ceremony photos will be shared on Facebook once the full album becomes available.

As we prepare to celebrate our graduates at Commencement this weekend, we are proud to recognize Jesus Darian Gallardo as the The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy Banner Bearer for the Class of 2026.

Jesus Gallardo, a candidate for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, recalls a strong desire to take his devotion to math and science to the next level and marry it with his passion for education. His love for education began through his work as a percussion music educator and “drum instructor,” where he developed a passion for teaching others, meeting students where they were in their journey, and finding fulfillment in enriching their lives. The field of pharmacy brought together the best of both these worlds and provided the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through patient care.

“I was able to truly understand the need for quality healthcare educators here in our border city of El Paso. It was not until I asked necessary medication questions, and it was the manner in which patients still seemed puzzled regarding their own care, that it dawned on me how necessary patient-tailored education is. It really motivates me that I have the privilege of serving as a healthcare provider to fill in any educational gaps regarding medications, as it provides me with a great sense of fulfillment and joy to see patients have their ‘lightbulb’ and big ‘aha!’ moments.”

Throughout his pharmacy studies, Jesus balanced the demands of doctoral coursework while actively participating in student organizations, promoting campus involvement, and conducting research. His academic excellence enabled him to serve as President of the Rho Chi – Epsilon Phi Chapter pharmacy academic honor society, where he helped create new opportunities to promote academic success across all pharmacy school cohorts.

Additionally, research conducted during the third and fourth years of the curriculum opened his eyes to the value of improving patient outcomes through medication improvement initiatives at a local academic medical center on the United States–Mexico border.

Following graduation, Jesus will begin the next phase of his pharmacy career as a PGY1 Resident at the El Paso VA Healthcare System specializing in Ambulatory Care. He aspires to provide quality, compassionate care in Oncology and Cardiology while continuing to give back to the El Paso community.

Congratulations, Jesus, on this well-deserved recognition and on all that lies ahead!

Congratulations, UTEP School of Pharmacy , Class of 2026!

Residency Match Spotlight 🌟:

We are proud to share that Juan Vasquez matched with The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for a community-based PGY1 residency with Walmart Pharmacy.

Through this residency, Juan will work with Walmart’s Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas, contributing to innovation initiatives across all 50 states through policy and procedure development. He will also have the opportunity to provide patient care services through Test-to-Treat protocols and contraceptive prescribing.

Juan shared that he is incredibly grateful for the support of his mother, father, family, and friends throughout his journey. He would also like to thank his mentor and PIC at Walmart, Denise Ramos, along with his professors at The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy, for continually encouraging him to unlock his full potential.

He shared that each new challenge helped him grow, and their support and positivity pushed him to become better every day. Juan is excited to bring new ideas to Walmart leadership and contribute to making patient care more accessible, efficient, safe, and innovative.

Congratulations, Juan! 🧡💙

Congratulations, UTEP School of Pharmacy Class of 2026!

Residency Match Spotlight 🌟:

We are proud to share that Daniel Hernandez matched with MountainView Regional Medical Center for a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency.

Daniel shared that he is excited to begin this next chapter as an opportunity to continue growing, learning, and working toward becoming the best pharmacist he can be.

He would like to thank his preceptors and the faculty at The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy for their support throughout his journey. Daniel also extends special thanks to Dr. Kayla Maki-Ortiz and Dr. Bryanna Candelaria for believing in him and pushing him beyond what he thought he was capable of achieving.

He is appreciative of everyone who saw potential in him, even during moments when he struggled to see it in himself.

Congratulations, Daniel! 🧡💙

Stay tuned for daily spotlights featuring all of our students who matched this year. ⛏️