Meet Kasmir "Kaz" Conway

What got you into pharmacy?

I have worked for Publix Supermarkets for 13 years this October. My journey began in Customer Service, which helped me realize I had a passion for helping people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pharmacy was short-staffed and I had a mentor, a Mercer Pharmacy Alumna, who saw something in me and offered to train me as a Pharmacy Technician. After becoming nationally certified and immunizing, I realized that Pharmacy was a way to unite my passion for people while helping them to take control of their health and live better lives.

How does Mercer Mean More to you?

I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, but I have lived in Atlanta for almost 14 years. This city has always felt like home, and I have built an extended “chosen family” up here and a valuable professional network that have been my source of support. I couldn’t imagine leaving the city to attend another pharmacy school. When I interviewed, I felt that same sort of caring from the admissions office, particularly from Ms. Jordana Berry, but also from the Student Ambassador team and Dr. Moye, that made me realize this was the school for me.

What do you hope to do after school?

After school, I hope to continue my journey of helping people understand the impact their health decisions have on their ability to live longer, healthier lives. I love the realm of community pharmacy because we have a unique bond of access and trust with our patients. We can build relationships wherein the patients can buy into their own well-being, and I am excited to make an impact on my community in the process. I hope to continue the legacy of service of Mercer Alumni that I have learned from projects like the Farmworkers Family Health Program and Mercer Pharmacy Scholars. Pharmacists are crucial to improving communities and bringing up the next generation.

What is something people may not know about you?

Something fun that people don’t know about me is that before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was considering culinary school! I love cooking Southern food, but using elevated techniques. I grew up helping my great-grandmother cook Sunday dinners after church over the summer, and would often watch Food Network instead of traditional kids’ shows. I used to throw a dinner party with friends about once a month. I am excited to have more time to get back to that after pharmacy school.

What advice would you give someone going into pharmacy school?

Everyone sitting around you in class is going to have a Pharm.D. It is a highly versatile degree, but it is the most basic requirement to be a pharmacist. Be involved during your time in pharmacy school. Build relationships with those around you. Learn from the leaders that teach you every day, that come in to speak at your organization meeting, or even the P3s and P4s ahead of you. You never know when those relationships or your reputation will lead to an opportunity in the future. On that note, say “yes” as often as possible, but know when you have to say “no.” At the end of the day, you still have to pass your classes!