Midwestern has not only exceeded my expectations but also provided a foundation for long-term success.
Name: Gabriela Rajic
Program/Year: College of Pharmacy, Glendale Campus, Class of 2026
College of Graduate Studies, Glendale Campus, Precision Medicine Program, Class of 2026
Hometown: Urbana, IL
Undergraduate degree:
Indiana University, B.S. in Psychology; Minor in Gender and Slavic Studies; Certificate in Neuroscience
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
What inspired me to pursue a healthcare career wasn’t one single moment, but a series of experiences that made it clear how much health and life can depend on access to the right medications and the right information. I watched loved ones struggle with chronic conditions where the difference between stability and crisis came down to medication access, education, and support. I’ve also seen close friends who were given a second chance at a longer life thanks to participation in clinical trials. Their outcomes weren’t just lucky; they were the result of scientific innovation and healthcare providers who fought to connect patients with emerging treatments.
Those moments showed me the power of research and personalized care and how essential it is to have healthcare professionals who can bridge science with empathy. As a first-generation Croatian American woman, I carry a deep awareness of how culture, language, and trust affect care. Pharmacy gives me the opportunity to bring all of that together — advocating for patients, helping advance research, and ensuring that no one is left behind due to lack of access or understanding.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
As the daughter of parents who immigrated to the United States during the Yugoslavian War in the 1990s, I was raised with a deep appreciation for resilience, opportunity, and the responsibility to give back. Although the pharmacy profession can be traced back to my great-great-grandparents, it was not a career path pursued by anyone in my family for generations. Still, I knew from an early age that I wanted a career centered on helping people or animals.
My path to pharmacy was not linear; I initially pursued veterinary medicine, but I am deeply grateful to have found my true calling in pharmacy through an unexpected yet profoundly rewarding opportunity. During my time in neuroscience research labs before pharmacy school, I realized how much I enjoyed investigating treatments that could directly impact people’s lives. From drug development to conducting behavioral and cellular testing, I discovered a passion for research with real-world clinical applications.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
I chose to attend Midwestern University because of its unparalleled commitment to student growth, interprofessional collaboration, and community impact. From the beginning, I was drawn to Midwestern’s small class sizes and close-knit learning environment, which fosters meaningful relationships with faculty who have become mentors and role models. Their support has empowered me to pursue leadership opportunities, engage in research, and build the clinical skills essential to my goal of becoming a pharmacy educator and researcher. The fully integrated medical campus has also offered invaluable interprofessional learning experiences that have shaped my understanding of collaborative, team-based patient care. Midwestern has not only exceeded my expectations but also provided a foundation for long-term success. The genuine support from faculty, the vibrant and diverse student community, and the University’s dedication to preparing students for life beyond graduation reaffirm that I made the right decision in choosing Midwestern University.
What about your Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
One of the most valuable aspects of my Midwestern University education that I want to carry forward in my career is the emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and service. The faculty at the University have demonstrated what it means to be not only a skilled clinician but also a compassionate educator and leader. Their commitment to student success through personalized guidance, accessibility, and genuine investment in our growth has inspired me to adopt the same approach in my future role as a pharmacist and educator. I hope to mentor students and colleagues with the same dedication, helping to foster a new generation of compassionate, knowledgeable healthcare providers.
Additionally, Midwestern’s interprofessional and service-oriented training has shaped my understanding of holistic, patient-centered care. Learning alongside students from other health disciplines and volunteering in diverse community settings has taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and empathy in improving patient outcomes. As I move forward in my career, I am committed to applying these values not only in clinical practice but also in the way I serve and lead within my community.
