#Fisher2020: Pharmacy Grad Ready to Put Skills to Work

Dr. Sarah Nicole Belz ’20 (Pharm.D.) has wasted no time putting her newly minted doctor of pharmacy degree to work. The Auburn, New York native graduated from the Wegmans School of Pharmacy in May, and began a Post-Graduate Year 1 residency at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse just two months later.

Belz says her Fisher education benefited from small classes sizes and an emphasis on community. She engaged in two medical mission trips, traveling to El Salvador in 2017 and Honduras in 2019.

“It helped me become a well-rounded individual and prepared me for my future endeavors,” she says. “I feel the School of Pharmacy has prepared me to become not only a pharmacist but to become an active member of the health care team.”

Ready to put her skills to work during her residency program, she is eager to further her training and learn more about pediatric pharmacy, a specialization she was introduced to during her pediatric acute care rotation.

“That rotation had a major impact on my pharmacy career,” she explains. “Although I had hospital experience prior, this rotation helped me to develop independence and confidence in my abilities to provide patient care all while participating on a multidisciplinary health care team.”

For Belz, the future looks bright, and busy. She hopes to engage in a Post-Graduate Year 2 residency following her year at Upstate, which will only broaden her experiences in pharmacy specializations.

“Currently I have an interest in pediatrics but know that the residency program at Upstate University Hospital will allow me to have new learning experiences,” she says. “I am unsure of which pharmacy specialty I will pursue but I am excited for all the opportunities available.”