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Christian Watts is grateful for the opportunities, experience and success he has achieved during his academic career at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP). The third-year student encourages other Blacks, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to consider a pharmacy career, and for those already interested in the field – to affectionately pursue it.  

“Choosing a career in pharmacy has come with experiences, such as being the only Black face in a lot of spaces,” said Watts, also a healthcare informatics graduate student. “There may not be a lot of students who look like me in this field, but other Blacks should embrace it, and become part of the change they want to see. Never let the lack of diversity stop you from pursuing your dreams. Be the first, if you have to be.” 

Watts is president of the SIUE chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), where he is also on the Ambassador’s Cabinet of the National Change Create Transformation Foundation. He, too, is involved with SOP’s Ambassadors of Student Services Exemplifying Togetherness (ASSET) program, where he is a mentor and student advisor. 

“The beginning of my exposure to pharmacy occurred when I attended SIUE’s Healthcare Diversity Camp,” said Watts. “The camp informed me of several careers offered within the pharmacy field. Specifically, Dr. Lakesha Butler, former president of the National Pharmaceutical Association, is the reason the Healthcare Diversity Camp is available.” 

Butler became and has remained one of Watt’s most influential mentors. “Dr. Butler is the reason I found my passion in pharmacy,” emphasized Watts. “My parents, Pastor Chris and Lady Joyce Watts, have been my mentors since birth. They are the reason I have values and morals that are dear to my heart. Without them, I would not be the person I am today.” 

Upon entering the SOP, Watts recalls part of the road of learning he embarked upon. “To gain experience with filling prescriptions and learning the names of medications, I served as an employee at Shop ‘n Save Pharmacy for three years. I was also afforded the opportunity to serve as an intern with SIUE Robert J. Noyce Scholarship Science and Math Grants funded by the National Science Foundation, which granted my first teaching experience in the classroom.” 

After obtaining these experiences, Watts discovered he had a passion for working as a graduate-level professor, with a specialty in pharmacy informatics.  

But for now, Watts tells of a few pharmacy-related efforts and projects that fill him with great enthusiasm.

“SNPhA has been hosting the Chinese clinic, a community partnership with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine that has existed monthly since 2017. SOP participants provide uninsured Chinese patients with blood pressure screenings, medication related counseling, and for the first time this year, free flu vaccines,” informed Watts. “Also, SNPhA led another community partnership with the St. Vincent DePaul Community Center in East St. Louis. We provided free flu vaccines and blood pressure screenings to uninsured, Black residents of St. Clair County.” 

While the world continues to grapple with a pandemic, Watts said he is encouraged and motivated to serve communities in need. “This is an excellent time to be in the pharmacy field,” he continued. “Patients need us now more than ever before. Pharmacists are not just knowledgeable about medications. We have expertise in disease states as well. Physician access can be limited, and pharmacists can serve as a valuable resource for patients who have healthcare questions but can’t reach their doctors immediately.” 

“Success as a pharmacist is leading your patients to optimal health, and continuously educating yourself as a lifelong learner,” said Watts. “When I become a pharmacist, I will also find success in creating ways to get more people of color interested in the field of pharmacy.” 

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Christian Watts is a third-year SIUE School of Pharmacy student and president of the SIUE chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA).