Issue #112

Subscriber count: 11,458+

My most popular articles historically have been of other pharmacists doing wildly different things with their careers.

So, here is another one for you.

This week you’re going to learn from Thearry Chhim: Pharmacy to UX Designer.

My Unexpected Jump Into Pharmacy

I never expected to become a pharmacist—I thought I’d design shoes for Nike or become an athletic trainer. Growing up, I was always an artist with a love for sneakers and sports. I played basketball in junior college, but I realized I was more passionate about sports than pursuing it professionally. A friend at Walgreens and my dad’s suggestion led me to pharmacy. I started as a pharmacy technician assistant and quickly fell in love with patient interaction and healthcare space.

By my sophomore year in college, I committed to becoming a pharmacist, working my way up to manager. I gained experience in community pharmacy and helped turn a satellite pharmacy into a full-service one at HealthPoint Clinical Health Center in SeaTac, WA.

When Pharmacy Stopped Working For Me

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many user-experience issues, pushing me to explore health tech further. During the pandemic, I managed one of the busiest Walgreens, ensuring staff safety, managing vaccines, and maintaining pharmacy operations, including COVID-19 testing, all under high pressure. The physical and mental toll was immense, and I was losing sight of what I really wanted to do. Concerned about medication errors, safety, and my well-being, I left the pharmacy, though it was difficult to part ways with my incredible team and something I was so comfortable/familiar with. I was excited to give myself a break, recalibrate, and pursue design—something that I knew I had to create my own path in.

How I Got into Visual Design

Since working as a visual designer in Munich, Germany, in 2018, I knew I wanted to transition into health tech. However, it wasn’t until 2022, two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, that I made the switch to UX/UI Design. After five years as a pharmacist, I moved to Munich with my now-husband, who had an opportunity to work abroad. I’d always wanted to live overseas, so I jumped at the chance.

You might wonder, "Did I work as a pharmacist in Germany?"

No—I don’t speak German, and passing regulatory exams would have been necessary.

So, I got creative, leveraging my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts and a sports apparel company my friends and I founded to land a visual designer role at a web browser, privacy focused tech startup, Cliqz. The role was a perfect fit, connecting my understanding of user privacy with my healthcare background. The pandemic revealed many user-experience challenges, from vaccination registration to COVID testing workflows. I wanted to address these issues on a larger scale, so I made the shift to UX/UI Design.

What Was the Transition Like?

The transition wasn’t easy, but as pharmacists, we’re resourceful and adaptable. I had to network, create a portfolio, and translate my pharmacy experience into UX design. Messaging strangers on LinkedIn for a coffee chat was super uncomfortable at first, but then you realize how kind the community is. I also had to level up on design tool skills.  The career pivot It was challenging, especially with the potential for a lower salary, but I persevered and eventually found my stride.

What Work Is Like Now

Now, as a UX/UI designer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and contract at Pyrls (drug info resource), I combine my passion for healthcare with digital innovation, impacting patient care on a larger scale. I enjoy a flexible work environment, balancing remote work with travel. I wake up feeling thankful, excited about the work I’m doing, and learning every day. I’m part of a team and leadership that actually encourages me to share my ideas, ask questions, and help solve problems.

I’ve also co-founded Publishing in Doses with Dr. Janan Sarwar, PharmD where we help healthcare professionals self-publish their books and recently opened up an online shop where I sell artwork inspired by pharmacy, sports and my travels. Follow me @thearyameri on Instagram to join me on my journey of exploring Seoul, Korea and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Advice for switching out of pharmacy:

1. Solidify your finances  before leaving your role.

2. Set clear goals and timelines for your career pivot.

3. Lean on your support system for encouragement.

4. Give yourself grace during the transition.

5. Embrace discomfort and adapt as you go.

Links to Check Out Theary’s Work:

Instagram/Threads https://www.instagram.com/thearyameri/

Portfolio https://thearyameri.webflow.io/

Shop: www.thearyameri.com

Self-Publishing for Healthcare Professionals: www.PublishingInDoses.com

Well, that’s it. I hope your heart gets courage to follow your interests, instead of feeling stuck in traditional pharmacy roles so you too can be exploring new countries and doing work you enjoy.

👋🏻 Jamie

Newsletter sponsor message: 👇🏻
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