Alum Leads the Future of Pharmacy with CVS Internship Program
By Jennifer PersonsPhoto courtesy of CVS Health
The School of Pharmacy—Boston at MCPHS is featured in a CVS Health blog about its internship training program for pharmacy students.
Several Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) Community members are featured in a CVS Health blog and video about the company’s internship program, including Associate Provost for Pharmacy Education Dr. Robert DiCenzo, two alumni, and a student.
Alex McDonald, PharmD ’16, is District Leader for Metro Boston at CVS. Her career with the company began as an intern while she was a student at MCPHS. In addition to overseeing pharmacies across the Boston area, she also supports dozens of interns every year. CVS called her an “instrumental” part of the program.
“The things I want to teach my interns are to be patient-centered, to give great customer service, to be professional, and to be kind,” she said.
Dr. McDonald’s work is closely connected to MCPHS. Many of her interns are MCPHS students who are interested in community pharmacy. Janki Patel is a sixth-year pharmacy student who went through the program this year.
“This internship is very demanding,” Patel said in the video. “It’s also very rewarding.”
Zilong Yuan, PharmD ’22, first worked at CVS as a pharmacy technician. He also completed the internship program before being hired as a pharmacist. Now, he’s the Pharmacy Manager at the CVS in Chinatown in Boston.
“Improving patient outcomes interests me a lot,” Dr. Yuan said. “I want to be part of something that can really make a difference.”
MCPHS has a longstanding partnership with CVS to develop future pharmacy leaders. Many alumni have built successful careers in community pharmacy at CVS, including District Leader Muhammad Elsweesy, PharmD, MBA, and entrepreneur Sue Carr, RPh. The University also received a grant from CVS that is funding a training initiative for international students.
Featured Connections
Schools
Programs
People
More University News
Healing Together: NESA Brings Community Acupuncture to the Boston Campus
Dean Dennis Moseman highlights the restorative power of community acupuncture.
MCPHS Professor Guides Team USA to Golden Finish at Chemistry Olympiad
Dr. Songwen Xie leads U.S. students to four gold medals at the 2025 Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai
Public Health Alum Tackles Aging with a Fresh Perspective
Anni Wang is focusing her public health education on the aging population, searching for activities that improve and prevent chronic conditions among older adults.
Pharmacogenomics Leader Wins National Teaching Innovation Award
Dr. Roseann Donnelly created an interprofessional learning experience for pharmacy and genetic counseling students at one of the nation’s first pharmacogenomics clinics.