Catching up with the first UNTHSC PharmD/MPH graduate: Dr. Alyssa Ching
When Alyssa Ching crossed the graduation stage as the first-ever PharmD and Master in Public Health dual degree graduate from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, she wasn’t just earning two diplomas — she was setting a new standard for what it means to be a healthcare professional in today’s world.
We recently caught up with Ching to reflect on her journey through the rigorous dual-degree program, her impactful research on lupus and her hopes for reshaping healthcare for underserved communities.
“I feel honored and proud,” Ching said. “Balancing both degrees was challenging, but it gave me a broader understanding of public health and the pharmacist’s role in improving community health.”
Ching’s story is one of resilience, leadership and a deep-rooted commitment to health equity — something her mentor, Professor Annesha White, PharmD, MS, PhD, can attest to.
“I had the pleasure of working with Alyssa during her time in the pharmacy program. What initially stood out to me about her was her exceptional academic performance and her proactive approach to her studies and research,” White said. “Alyssa’s dedication and passion raising awareness about lupus were evident from the beginning, and her enthusiasm for learning and contributing to the community was truly inspiring.”
From the start, Ching knew she wanted more than a traditional pharmacy education. Her decision to pursue the PharmD/MPH track stemmed from a desire to understand the broader systems affecting patient care.
“I chose to pursue the PharmD/MPH dual degree because I want to help the underserved communities and better understand the challenges that patients face every day” she said. “The MPH degree taught me how I can look beyond individual care and improve health on a larger scale. Many patients face barriers to managing conditions, such as gaining access to necessary medical care or being able to afford treatment. By focusing on prevention strategies or early treatment through education, early screening and lifestyle support — we can stop these diseases from worsening.”
White emphasized the unique strength Ching brings to health care through her dual training.
“Her understanding of both pharmacy and public health allows her to approach healthcare issues from a holistic perspective, considering both individual patient care and broader public health implications,” White said. “This dual training positions her to address complex healthcare challenges effectively.”
Ching said she could not have accomplished this without a mentor who believed in her and supported her through the toughest parts of both degree programs.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced during my research and the dual-degree program was balancing the demanding workload of both PharmD and MPH courses,” she said. In my final year, I completed my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations and my public health internship simultaneously. It required strong time management and dedication.”
During her time in the program, Ching conducted research on lupus, aiming to raise awareness and improve education about the disease. Her work produced accessible, evidence-based counseling tools for both patients and providers.
“What influenced my research was the realization that lupus is often misunderstood and under recognized,” she said. “That lack of awareness delays treatment and makes patients feel unsupported. My goal was to close that gap and help people feel seen and informed.”
White agrees that she is on the right track to enhancing lupus awareness and advancing patient care.
“This empathy, combined with her rigorous academic training, allows her to conduct research that is both scientifically sound and highly relevant to the needs of the lupus community,” White said. The findings of her research underscore the importance of evidence-based pharmacist counseling points and lifestyle suggestions for lupus patients, highlighting the need for comprehensive educational materials.”
Though not yet involved in formal advocacy efforts, Ching expressed a strong interest in future community-based initiatives focused on lupus education and support.
In five years, Ching envisions herself in a clinical management role, providing patient care while shaping public health strategies, especially for underserved populations.
Her long-term goals include expanding access to preventive care, strengthening health education and pushing for policies that support health equity.
“If I could change one thing about chronic illness management,” Ching said. “It would be shifting the focus from just treating physical symptoms to supporting the whole person — emotionally, socially and mentally.”
She hopes that her story resonates with others who want to help people through a whole health approach by combining their passions into a bigger purpose.
“I hope my story will inspire others to explore different areas of health care and research,” Ching said. “A great way to do that is to find ways to incorporate your interests into your work, experiment with new ideas and then use those experiences to shape your career. For me, combining pharmacy and public health allowed me to explore the areas I’m passionate about and create meaningful projects that can make a difference.”
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