Student Wins Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award

UCSF PharmD student Emil Tran is a recipient of the prestigious Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award from the United States Public Health Service.

The award recognizes pharmacy students who make significant contributions to public health — beyond what is required by their school’s curriculum — by promoting wellness and healthy communities.

Tran was nominated by Associate Dean of Student Affairs Tram Cat in recognition of his efforts to increase vaccination rates, improve health care access for people experiencing homelessness, and raise awareness of pharmacists’ essential role in public health.

“This award is an incredible milestone in my journey as a student pharmacist. It’s a reminder of the responsibility we have as pharmacists to promote public health, address gaps in care, and be active, trusted members of the communities we serve,” Tran said. “To me, it also reflects the incredible mentorship, collaboration, and creative spirit at UCSF that has inspired me to think beyond the traditional boundaries of pharmacy.”

PharmD student Emil Tran (left) vaccinates Dean Kathy Giacomini, PhD, BSPharm (right) in 2023.

In 2023, Tran worked to promote vaccines during flu season by administering a flu shot for Dean Kathy Giacomini, PhD, BSPharm, at the annual Vaccinate the Dean event. To increase vaccination rates in the broader UCSF community, he organized five vaccine clinics at UCSF Medical Center and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

He also reached out to local and state leaders. As a result, San Francisco Supervisors Joel Engardio and Rafael Mandelman, former Mayor London Breed, and State Senator Wiener issued proclamations and resolutions recognizing the important role of pharmacists in public health.

Tran’s efforts have extended beyond UCSF. He led an initiative, in partnership with Project Homeless Connect and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Harm Reduction Program, that distributed harm reduction supplies, such as hand sanitizer, condoms, fentanyl test strips, and more, to over 400 people at risk for or experiencing homelessness. He and his peers also educated individuals about harm reduction strategies.

Tran, who graduates this year, will continue his training with a residency at Komoto Healthcare in the Central Valley.

“Not only will I be enhancing my clinical skills, but I’ll also have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community and contribute to improving health care access and outcomes,” Tran said.

In a congratulatory letter about Tran’s award, Rear Admiral Kelly Battese, PharmD, MBA, stated: “Your achievements that clearly support public health illustrate the importance of incorporating core public health principles into today’s pharmacy practice. Furthermore, your demonstrated passion and dedication to advance public health and the profession of pharmacy is truly impressive.”