OU Alumna Receives Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from LLU

On May 26, 2008 history was made.  Ms. Synanda Jobson (OU, 2003) of Miami, FL became the first OU alumna to receive the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.  Synanda was surrounded by her family, friends, and a score of well-wishers for the grand occasion.  Synanda was one of six African-American Pharmacists who graduated, and the first alumna from Oakwood.

On hand to participate in Jobson’s graduation, Dr. Leslie Pollard, Vice-Chancellor of Loma Linda University, reported: "From the first day that Synanda enrolled at the School of Pharmacy, she distinguished herself as a very bright, very focused, and very spiritual young woman.  Not only has she carried her academic load with grace, she has represented the best of the service and faith traditions of Oakwood University.  Like all of us who are products of Oakwood, I believe that Dr. Baker and his administrative team are justifiably proud of Dr. Jobson."

Dr. Jobson began her schooling at Miami Union Academy in Miami, FL.  She then enrolled at OC in the fall of 1998 where she majored in Biochemistry.  Upon graduating from OC, she was accepted into LLU School of Pharmacy in September of 2004.  Dr. Jobson is now studying for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists (CPJE) and will begin a one year general practice pharmacy residency in July of 2008 at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center in Glendale, California.  She also is a professional vocalist who plans to release her own CD in 2010.  Dr. Jobson's present plans call for her to practice in Glendale, California.

Dr Jobson says that her experience at the LLU School of Pharmacy "is one that I will never forget. LLU is a melting pot of many cultures and progressive ideas. I am just glad to be apart of this unique experience. . ."  Synanda observes "Pharmacy is one of the most under-advertised healthcare professions, and yet, it is one of the most rewarding and satisfying careers for individuals who want to make a strong and positive impact on the health of their community. The career of pharmacy is often overshadowed by the prestige of medical school or dental school, but pharmacy is itself a prestigious field where the positive impact of pharmaceutical care is increasingly seen through cooperative teamwork with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.  I also believe the profession of pharmacy is most conducive to the balancing of both work and family time. More than ever, we need caring, motivated, and intelligent African-American young people as well as other minorities to answer the call to service in our communities as pharmacists."

Congratulations and best wishes may be sent to Synanda at Sjobson@llu.edu.

~~ Submitted by Dr. Leslie Pollard, Loma Linda University