Saipan’s next new pharmacists

This fall, two more of Brabu Pharmacy’s staff will be pursuing careers in Pharmacy.

Patsy Jetley will be leaving island on July 4 to attend the University of Colorado’s Pharmacy Program, which is ranked 24th in the nation.

“I feel like this is going to be my own independence day, but at the same time I think I am going to cry when I actually get on the plane to leave,” Jetley said.

Jetley is a graduate of Kagman High School. She began work as a part-time cashier at Brabu Pharmacy last October while taking classes at NMC.

Ted Parker, Brabu Pharmacy and Wellness Center’s co-owner and general manager, is flanked by Patsylynn Jetley, left, and Alina Ishikawa, right. (Contributed Photo)

“She was only with us a short time before she began demonstrating an aptitude for pharmacy. She mastered several skills very quickly with maturity and an understated sense of humor,” said Ted Parker, Brabu Pharmacy and Wellness Center’s co-owner and general manager. “Patsy has an acute intelligence that she sometimes tries to hide. It will serve her well in college. We’re really going to miss her.”

Jetley plans to return to the CNMI to work after earning her doctorate in Pharmacy.

Brabu Pharmacy will also be saying goodbye to Alina Ishikawa, who began as a volunteer nearly three years ago at the young age of 14. Ishikawa, an avid tennis player and recurrent science fair and Mock Trial winner, will be graduating from Marianas Baptist Academy this year.

“Alina has been preparing for college for some time. It was no surprise to see her be accepted nearly everywhere she applied,” said Parker, “I was only half joking when I told her to choose U-Dub,” (sic) the University of Washington; Parker’s alma mater.

However, to “U-Dub’s” loss, Ishikawa opted to enroll in Northeastern University’s Pharmacy Program. She will begin her studies in Boston this August.

“It was a hard decision, but I was glad that my AP classes allowed me to get an early start in their Pharmacy school,” said Ishikawa. This will allow her to graduate with both a master and doctorate degree within just six years.

“It is still quite a commitment,” said Parker, noting that most pharmacy programs now require a doctorate degree. “PharmD” programs can take up to eight years to complete. However, both the University of Colorado and Northeastern University, which rank in the top 40 Pharmacy Schools, have accelerated six-year programs.

“We firmly believe in encouraging staff to keep learning and striving for better opportunities,” said Parker. “Both my wife and I get very attached to these young people. It’s hard to let them go, but we couldn’t be prouder of both Patsy and Alina…even if they aren’t ‘Huskies.’”

“I hate to see them go, and yet I love to let them go,” said Parker, “…as long as they study hard, grow, and of course, hopefully come back to us. Our islands need more homegrown medical professionals.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Brabu Pharmacy’s commitment to our community, internship training programs, or just curious about retail or pharmacy work, are invited to stop by Brabu Pharmacy and Wellness Center any time Monday through Friday, from 9am to 6pm, or Saturdays, from 9am to 1pm, or call 233-(AMOT) 2668. (Brabu)