Get to Know AMCP Foundation's 2026 Summer Interns
We are celebrating 33 years of developing leaders and are thrilled to warmly welcome the AMCP Foundation Class of 2026 summer interns. These aspiring pharmacists are embarking on a valuable journey of gaining practical experience through our internships at various host sites, which include health plans, PBMs, and industry. AMCP Foundation is committed to creating transformative leadership opportunities for student pharmacists. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed funding partners: AbbVie and Pfizer. Their generous support makes these internships possible and contributes to the professional development of these future healthcare leaders.
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Abigail Aguilera
School/College: Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Oncology Program at Navitus
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I always enjoyed chemistry and science and knew I wanted to pursue something beyond the traditional path. I was exposed to the pharmacy profession in a hospital setting where I saw the impact pharmacists have on patient care. As I started pharmacy school and explored different areas of the field, I fell even more in love with pharmacy. I realized that pharmacy offers so many opportunities to make a difference through patient care, education, access, and innovation, which is what continues to motivate me.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it combines many of the areas of pharmacy that interest me, including patient access, innovation, and the impact pharmacists can make beyond the traditional setting. As a PharmD/MBA student, I am interested in learning how I can use both degrees together to help patients not only through clinical knowledge, but also through leadership and healthcare decision-making. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, strengthen my professional skills and learn from experienced professionals while continuing to grow as a future pharmacist and leader.
What is your hidden talent?
One of my hidden talents is being able to connect and communicate with many different types of people. Being bilingual has allowed me to build relationships with patients and families from different backgrounds and help them feel more comfortable and understood. I have realized that strong communication and empathy can make a big difference, especially in healthcare.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received was to think strategically instead of simply following what is considered the norm. It has taught me to think outside the box, look at the bigger picture, and stay open-minded when solving problems or creating new opportunities.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Compassionate, ambitious, adaptable.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I would love to work in managed care or the pharmaceutical industry where I can use both my PharmD and MBA to help improve patient care, access and healthcare decision-making. I also hope to continue growing as a leader while making a meaningful impact within the profession.
Adil Hasan
School/College: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Program at Vytlone
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose pharmacy because I was drawn to the intersection of science, patient care, innovation, and the business of healthcare. My experiences in toxicology, medical writing, and industry before pharmacy school showed me how broad the profession really is and how pharmacists can make an impact across clinical care, managed care, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it aligns closely with my interests in managed care and the pharmaceutical industry. I hope to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals in the field, better understand how healthcare decisions are made at a systems level, and continue developing the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in patient care and healthcare innovation.
What is your hidden talent?
I was a spelling bee champion growing up, which surprisingly comes in handy when learning and pronouncing drug names.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Seek discomfort.” Choosing the easy path is not always the right choice, and growth usually happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, adaptable, and collaborative.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I hope to pursue opportunities in managed care or the pharmaceutical industry where I can combine clinical knowledge, innovation, and strategy to improve healthcare outcomes.
Alexa Brill
School/College: Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Oncology Program at PrimeTherapuetics
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Promoter
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I was initially drawn to pharmacy school because I wanted to continue my education and learn more about patient care from a medication lens. What really solidified my decision to peruse this career was understanding the broader impact pharmacists can have on patients and population health. That’s also what led me to pursue an MBA alongside my PharmD. I’m interested in how healthcare decisions are made at a systems level, whether that’s formulary management, access to medications, or programs that improve outcomes across different patient populations.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I was drawn to this internship because it gives me the opportunity to take ownership of a focused project in oncology, an area where treatment approaches are constantly evolving and require ongoing evaluation. What interests me most is understanding how therapies are actually being used and what that means for patient outcomes.
Through this experience, I’m looking to strengthen my ability to work with clinical data and turn it into clear, meaningful insights through my project and presentation. I also want to better understand how those insights connect to broader strategies and ultimately shape how therapies are utilized. Overall, I’m excited to learn from and collaborate with both the Prime and Pfizer teams during the course of the internship!
What is your hidden talent?
(Not really hidden) but baking/cooking!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Say yes to as much as you can!
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Hard working, outgoing, and passionate.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
I plan to peruse a fellowship and continue to grow as a pharmacist in whatever functional area I may end up in.
Cody Madsen
School/College: University of Utah College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Program at Excellus
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Persuader
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose pharmacy because I have always been drawn to how medications influence patient outcomes and how systems support safe and effective use. Through my previous experiences as a pharmacy technician in both retail and institutional settings, along with my current work in research and my internship with a pharmacy benefit manager, I have gained a clearer understanding of how thoughtful medication management improves care and how gaps in communication or system design can create barriers for patients. During my early training, I also met professionals who worked closely with Medicare beneficiaries, and their dedication to helping patients navigate complex coverage and access challenges inspired me to pursue a career where I could contribute at that level. These experiences showed me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the impact pharmacists can have on safety, transitions of care, and overall treatment quality, ultimately motivating me to pursue a profession that blends science, patient care, and system level problem solving.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it aligns directly with my interest in managed care and my commitment to improving medication safety, access, and value at a population level. Through my work in pharmacotherapy outcomes research and my internship with a pharmacy benefit manager, I have developed a strong appreciation for how clinical evidence, data, and operational strategy come together to guide meaningful decisions. These experiences have shaped the way I view the profession and strengthened my desire to contribute to work that supports safe, reliable, and patient centered medication use. During this internship, I hope to deepen my understanding of formulary strategy, utilization management, and real world evidence application. I am excited to learn from professionals across different specialty areas, contribute to projects that support organizational and patient outcomes, and continue building the skills that will help me grow into a future leader in managed care.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is long distance running. I have completed multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, and training has become something that keeps me grounded, disciplined, and focused. Running gives me a consistent space to reset, stay motivated, and challenge myself in a different way than school or work. It has shaped my resilience and my ability to stay committed to long term goals, and it is something I genuinely enjoy.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to stay curious and consistent. It is a reminder that growth does not come from having everything perfectly planned. It comes from showing up, asking questions, and being willing to learn even when the path is not entirely clear. Over time, I have learned that progress rarely comes from perfection. It comes from being open to making mistakes, reflecting on them, and choosing to improve. This mindset has shaped how I approach school, research, leadership, and work, and it continues to guide how I grow both personally and professionally.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, Thoughtful, and Reliable.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a career in managed care, whether within a health plan, a pharmacy benefit manager, or the pharmaceutical industry. I am motivated by work that combines clinical insight with data driven strategy to improve medication access, safety, and value across populations. I hope to continue building on my experiences in outcomes research, institutional pharmacy, and medication safety and eventually grow into roles that support population health initiatives, medication use improvement, and system level innovation. I am excited for a career where I can continue learning, collaborate with strong teams, and contribute to better health outcomes for patients.
Danielle Colon-Carreras
School/College: University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2027
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Program at UPMC
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Analyzer
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to pursue pharmacy because I’ve always had a strong passion for healthcare, science, and helping others in meaningful ways. What stood out to me most about pharmacy was the ability to combine clinical knowledge with direct patient interaction while making a real impact on someone’s health and quality of life.
During my undergraduate studies, I took a Drug Discovery course that was designed for both graduate and undergraduate students. The class challenged me academically and introduced me to the science behind how medications are developed, evaluated, and used to improve patient care. Learning about the research, innovation, and clinical application of medications sparked my interest even more and showed me how impactful the field of pharmacy truly is.
I had the opportunity to shadow a manage care pharmacist, which became a defining experience for me. Watching how they balanced patient care, clinical decision-making, leadership, and communication with both patients and the healthcare team made me realize that pharmacy was exactly what I wanted to pursue. I was inspired by the trust patients placed in them and the meaningful role they played in improving patient outcomes every day.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it was highly recommended to me by one of my preceptors, who spoke very positively about the learning opportunities, mentorship, and exposure it provides within managed care pharmacy. After learning more about the program, I felt it aligned perfectly with my professional interests and long-term career goals. Since I am passionate about pursuing a career in managed care and becoming a formulary pharmacist, I was especially drawn to the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in an area of pharmacy that continues to play a major role in shaping patient care and healthcare outcomes.
What excites me most about this internship is the opportunity to better understand how clinical decisions are made on a larger population level. I’m interested in learning more about formulary management, medication utilization, prior authorizations, and how evidence-based decision-making influences both patient outcomes and healthcare costs. I also want to strengthen my ability to critically evaluate clinical literature and better understand the balance between clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness when making formulary decisions.
I hope to continue developing my communication, professionalism, and problem-solving skills while learning from experienced pharmacists and healthcare professionals. I see this internship as an important step in preparing me for a managed care residency because it will allow me to build a stronger foundation in the field, gain meaningful real-world experience, and further confirm the areas of managed care pharmacy I am most passionate about pursuing in the future.
What is your hidden talent?
One of my hidden talents is memorizing musical lyrics quickly. Once I hear a song a few times, I can usually remember almost every word. What’s even more surprising is that I can memorize songs in other languages just as quickly, even if I do not speak the language fluently. It’s a fun skill that reflects my strong memory, attention to detail, and ability to pick up patterns quickly.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to “never stop learning and never be afraid to ask questions.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my academic and professional journey because growth comes from being curious, open-minded, and willing to continuously improve.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Passionate, Compassionate & Enthusiastic.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a managed care residency to further develop my clinical knowledge and understanding of healthcare systems. My long-term goal is to contribute to improving patient outcomes and access to quality care through managed care pharmacy. I am especially passionate about becoming a formulary pharmacist because I’m interested in the process behind evaluating medications for safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness to help ensure patients receive the best possible care. I enjoy the balance between clinical decision-making, evidence-based medicine, and healthcare strategy that formulary management involves.
Karen Mouawad
School/College: University Of Georgia College Of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Dual Degree: Master’s in clinical Trials Management
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/AbbVie, Inc. Specialized Internship Program in Health Outcomes at AbbVie
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Guardian
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose pharmacy because I have always been passionate about healthcare, science, and helping patients improve their quality of life. I was especially drawn to the impact pharmacists can make through patient care, medication management, and working closely with other healthcare professionals. Pharmacy combines clinical knowledge, communication, and problem-solving in a meaningful way that really fits my strengths and interests.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because I wanted to gain exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and explore areas of pharmacy beyond the traditional clinical setting, especially managed care and cross-functional collaboration. My involvement with AMCP really sparked my interest in how the industry helps support patient care indirectly and contributes to healthcare decision-making. Through this experience, I hope to grow professionally, strengthen my communication skills, learn from people working in the industry, and develop a deeper understanding of how different functions work together within a pharmaceutical company.
What is your hidden talent?
One of my hidden talents is pottery. I really enjoy being creative and working with my hands, and it’s a fun way for me to relax outside of school.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.” That advice has encouraged me to take on new opportunities, challenge myself professionally, and stay open to learning from every experience.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Driven, adaptable, enthusiastic.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I plan to pursue a fellowship or residency to continue developing my clinical and industry knowledge. I’m especially interested in exploring opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry and finding a career path where I can combine patient care, collaboration, and innovation.
Zi Yin Zhou
School/College: UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Program at MedImpact
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Analyzer
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
Growing up, my perspective on life, illness, and medicine shaped my desire to make a meaningful difference. As I explored different paths, I was drawn to pharmacy’s ability to translate science with real-world impact and help people. Pharmacy school has further strengthened my sense of purpose by allowing me to pursue my passion for science while making a positive impact on others.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose the AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care internship because it offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of
managed care. I’m especially excited to gain exposure to both payer and industry perspectives, learn from experienced professionals, and apply these
insights in real-world settings. Through this experience, I hope to deepen my understanding of managed care and build the skills needed to contribute to
improving access and outcomes on a broader scale.
What is your hidden talent?
I’m good at taking photos and have an eye for finding people’s best angles and capturing the moments.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Curious, Driven, Strategic.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
I plan to pursue either a managed care residency or a pharmaceutical fellowship to continue developing my skills and exploring my interests in managed care. I’m especially interested in improving access to therapies and contributing to better outcomes, while giving back through mentorship, service, and meaningful work.
Jamie Paik
School/College: University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Program at Humana
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Collaborator
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I chose to go to pharmacy school after interning at a rare disease pharmaceutical company called Dyne Therapeutics. I loved the team and the project-based work that had the potential to transform care for patients. That experience made me realize I wanted a stronger clinical foundation and a better understanding of the healthcare and economic factors that influence treatment, which led me to pursue a PharmD.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because it offers a fast-paced learning environment, and I’m excited by the opportunity to grow through this experience. I hope to gain firsthand experience across health plans and manufacturers to learn how formulary and utilization decisions are made in practice. My goal is to contribute to patient centered access through a role in managed care. Additionally, I hope to refine my career vision and develop as a future managed care leader through mentorship, networking, and continued involvement with AMCP.
What is your hidden talent?
One of my hidden talents is remembering small details from conversations. I also make a very good gluten free tiramisu!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
You will never know unless you try.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Curious, adventurous, and ambitious.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school I plan to work for a pharmaceutical company where I can contribute to where I can contribute to improving patient access to innovative therapies or helping develop treatments for unmet medical needs. I am especially interested in roles that sit at the intersection of patient experience, business strategy, and innovative science.
I also hope to spend some time with friends and family to celebrate finishing 21 years of school!
Joi Wanza
School/College: Nova Southeastern University Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Oncology Program at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Collaborator
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I have always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Pharmacy provides a unique opportunity to combine my long-standing passion for science with my commitment to improving patient outcomes and contributing to healthcare.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I was drawn to this internship due to my interest in oncology and the rapid advancements continuously shaping the field. I am highly interested in managed care and value the opportunity to expand my knowledge at the intersection of these areas. Through this experience, I hope to further develop my understanding of clinical and population health strategies while contributing to impactful, patient-centered initiatives.
What is your hidden talent?
I enjoy cooking and take pride in my ability to recreate a wide variety of dishes.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Treat others how you want to be treated.” This principle has guided my personal and professional interactions and has helped me build meaningful, lasting relationships.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Adaptable, optimistic, and driven.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
One of the aspects I value most about pharmacy school is the opportunity to explore diverse career paths. At this time, I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in managed care or the pharmaceutical industry, where I can contribute to improving healthcare access, outcomes, and value at a broader population level.
Jackson Yu
School/College: University of Washington School of Pharmacy
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2028
Internship Site: AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Program at Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina
Predictive Index Behavioral Profile: Altruist
Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
I went to pharmacy school because I wanted to become someone who could translate complex medical information into something people can actually understand and use. Growing up, I saw how confusing disease states, medications, and healthcare decisions can be for people who are not trained in medical terminology. To me, pharmacy is one of the best ways to do that because medications are often where patients interact with the healthcare system most directly. At the same time, I was also drawn to pharmacy because of how pharmacy can drive broader change through managed care, policy, access, affordability, and reform.
Why did you choose this internship, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I chose this internship because I wanted to gain firsthand experience in the managed care space working with a health plan, given that I’ve not had any “real experience” prior aside from my involvement with my local AMCP chapter. I’m interested in learning more about payer-decision making, formulary strategy, and optimization of utilization management. I also think this experience would help me better understand how managed care pharmacists collaborate across clinical, financial, and operational teams to improve outcomes for members.
What is your hidden talent?
I can name/recognize most country flags in the world.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
If you had to choose only 3 adjectives to describe yourself, which would you choose?
Ambitious, Inquisitive, Spontaneous.
What are your plans after pharmacy school?
After graduating pharmacy school, I plan to pursue either a fellowship or a managed care residency program to further my experience and make meaningful contributions in the managed care space.