Satrap
Brother Name: Dr. Liem Dang
SEP Executive Board Position: Satrap
Home Chapter(s): Epsilon Mu and Orlando Graduate
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Currently working in retail and research
Why did you join Kappa Psi? Initially I didn’t even realize I was rushing. I attended events with a friend and got to know the Brothers. As they all seemed to be genuine, caring people I thought it would be great to join the fraternity. They all spoke of undergoing amazing personal and professional development through the fraternity and that drew me in even further.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Pharmacy school can oftentimes be overwhelming. When you find yourself in times of stress take a step back, inhale a deep breath, and march on. Another tidbit of advice is to understand it’s okay to ask for help, you have a whole cohort behind you! Especially your Brothers.
Vice Satrap
Brother Name: Dr. Devi Surajbali
SEP Executive Board Position: Vice Satrap
Home Chapter(s): Epsilon Mu
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? I'll be starting my PGY-1 residency this June at Jackson Memorial Hospital, although I'm still deciding on a specialty.
Why did you join Kappa Psi? As a first-year pharmacy student, I remember being amazed at how many of the Epsilon Mu Brothers were leaders of student organizations on our campus. They were confident, professional, well-spoken, and extremely personable. Most importantly, however, was the sense of closeness and respect they had for one another. I knew I wanted to be just like them, and the only way to do that was to pledge Kappa Psi.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Pledge Kappa Psi - it'll be the best decision you ever make in pharmacy school.
Secretary
Brother Name: Sabrina Desmond
SEP Executive Board Position: Secretary
Home Chapter(s): Epsilon Mu
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? I plan on pursuing a community position and dabbling in other areas as well. Ambulatory care, LTC, and Informatics have all drawn my attention, so we'll see what insight my rotations have to offer. :)
Why did you join Kappa Psi? Connection! I had instant connections with the Brothers on my campus and I knew I wanted to be part of the pack. I have met some of my best friends through this Brotherhood and I am so grateful for all of the experiences that have been provided to me so far.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Self care is important, but don't let your comfort zone stop you from trying new things. Make time to do the things you love in life and leave space for some out-of-the-box opportunities that you may not have considered before. Give things a try! If you like them -- hooray! If not, then you can move on and keep exploring. There's so much to the field of pharmacy and you'll find the sector that speaks to you the most as the years go on.
Treasurer
Brother Name: Chris Donaldson
SEP Executive Board Position: Treasurer
Home Chapter(s): Iota
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Unsure of interest but hopefully Residency bound.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Network, Network, Network. This is a lesson I didn't try to live until I started in pharmacy school, and it's truly amazing what knowing the right people can do for you. Professionally and personally.
Historian
Brother Name: Drew Austin Johnson
SEP Executive Board Position: Historian
Home Chapter(s): Epsilon Eta
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Currently addiction rehabilitation and behavioral health. I am considering staying in these areas especially if my side career in graphic art continues to expand.
Why did you join Kappa Psi? To try to work on my shyness. I am a very shy person and often scared of social situations. The Brothers at recruitment during my first year of pharmacy school were very open and welcoming. I felt a lot more comfortable at the ΚΨ events compared to other organizations. I knew with my learning and mental disabilities being involved in multiple pharmacy organizations would not be a feasible option so I wanted to just focus on pursuing joining a meaningful organization in which I could give top effort and involvement even past pharmacy school and I found that in ΚΨ.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Please do not shut yourself off from others and reach out and ask for help when you need it. There is no shame in asking for help from others.
Chaplain
Brother Name: Stefan Cevallos
SEP Executive Board Position: Chaplain
Home Chapter(s): Zeta Delta
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Industry, specifically business development
Why did you join Kappa Psi? When I attended orientation for pharmacy school I met a lot of upperclassman at the student organization fair on the final day. So many of the leaders and students I aspired to be were Brothers of Kappa Psi. Since joining, they have pushed, supported, and mentored me to help make me the professional I am today.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Put yourself out there! Do not be afraid to meet new people and get involved in organizations. Involvement such as Kappa Psi has helped me hone skills and meet incredible people along the way.
Parliamentarian
Brother Name: Morgan Alvah
SEP Executive Board Position: Parliamentarian
Home Chapter(s): Delta Upsilon
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Currently working at Publix and St. Mary’s Hospital. I am looking into admin and am care
Why did you join Kappa Psi? Before officially starting pharmacy school, I attended a mission trip that was run by the pharmacy students on their APPE rotations. I met a few brothers from the different fraternities on campus. The ones for Kappa Psi really stuck out to me and showed me the kind of person I wanted to become. One of them even became my best friend.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? It’s a long journey that will feel impossible at times but make sure you find something good each day and always take care of your well-being over everything else.
Newsletter Editor
Brother Name: Maddie Kelley
SEP Executive Board Position: Newsletter Editor
Home Chapter(s): Gamma Sigma
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? looking forward to figuring that out during rotations this upcoming year!
Why did you join Kappa Psi? the Brothers felt like family
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Never think you aren't a strong enough candidate to try
Assistant Newsletter Editor
Brother Name: Sydney Magrath
SEP Executive Board Position: Assistant Newsletter Editor
Home Chapter(s): Iota
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? I am still unsure, but I am interested in psychiatric pharmacy!
Why did you join Kappa Psi? I joined Kappa Psi to challenge myself and grow into the future pharmacist I aspire to be with the support of the brotherhood.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Well, I am still am a first-year student, but so far to put yourself out there and study hard while remaining conscious of protecting your mental health.
Webmaster
Brother Name: Tara-Talisa McIntosh
SEP Executive Board Position: Webmaster
Home Chapter(s): Delta Upsilon
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Long term care or Emergency medicine
Why did you join Kappa Psi? I joined Kappa Psi because I wanted to be a part of a fraternity that felt like family. My Brothers accepted me for who I am and never tried to change me. My Brothers held me accountable whenever I made mistakes but guided me along the way. My Brothers always supported me without me realizing. My ΚΨ Family molded me into the Brother I am today.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Undergrad and pharmacy school are two different things. Do not beat yourself up if you do not get the grade you want on an exam. Adjust your study methods and do better on the next one. Remember grades don't mean much. What matters is learning and understanding the information so that you can provide optimal treatment for your patients.
Assistant Webmaster
Brother Name: Esther Cho
SEP Executive Board Position: Assistant Webmaster
Home Chapter(s): Zeta Gamma
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Currently interested in Compounding but I am still exploring different areas of Pharmacy
Why did you join Kappa Psi? I joined Kappa Psi for the brotherhood and the unconditional support you get from your fellow brothers. The passion and dedication the Jacksonville collegiate and grad brothers show to current and future brothers is contagious. I had to be a part of the fellowship to pay it forward when I become a grad.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? My advice to first-year pharmacy students would be to always say "YES!" if you are given an opportunity to challenge yourself. Take that challenge and drive forward with a positive attitude because opportunities are a fleeting moment. Do not limit yourself to what you are comfortable with because growth comes with being uncomfortable and being challenged. Any experience is always a positive experience to become a better Brother, leader, and pharmacist.
GCC Delegate
Brother Name: Dr. Dave Cook
SEP Executive Board Position: GCC Delegate
Home Chapter(s): Iota and Charleston Graduate
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? I'm a surgical pharmacist and the pharmacist-in-charge of the University Hospital Operating Room Pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Why did you join Kappa Psi? I joined Kappa Psi for the same reason I joined the Marine Corps, because it was a true brotherhood and membership was earned, not given. Time and effort are never wasted on earned endeavors.
What is something unique about yourself? I spent 13 years in the Marine Corps and went on 2 combat deployments before starting pharmacy school when I was 31 years old.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? You can either complain and make excuses about how hard school is and how busy/overwhelmed you are, or you can take pride in your adversity and redirect that negative energy into blazing a path to success. Remember that you're not alone, pharmacy school is/was tough for all of us. Learn to lean on your fellow Brothers when you need help and be there to support them in their time of need whenever you can.
Alternate GCC Delegate
Brother Name: Dr. Jeana Kett
SEP Executive Board Position: Alternate GCC Delegate
Home Chapter(s): Jacksonville Graduate
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Internal medicine and informatics
Why did you join Kappa Psi? I don’t have a large extended family and wanted to be a part of something that lasted beyond pharmacy school that would both help me excel professionally by surrounding me with like minded individuals and help make forever bonds with my brothers.
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Don’t let your fear of “sounding dumb” stop you from asking questions. Ask for help reviewing your CV. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something in class. Ask your preceptors early in the rotation if you don’t understand something from a topic discussion. It’s okay to not know everything and if you are confused, more than likely others are too.
Immediate Past Satrap
Brother Name: Dr. Aaron Young
SEP Executive Board Position: Immediate Past Satrap
Home Chapter(s): Iota
What area of pharmacy do you work in or are interested in working? Managed Care
Why did you join Kappa Psi? Fellowship - My pledge brothers and I joined up as a group. All for One from the start
What advice do you have for the first-year pharmacy students? Don’t be afraid to get involved! What you learn in the classroom is important but what you learn from leadership positions is far more valuable in the long run.
