Christine Kwon pivots from advertising to advocacy
The first graduate of the pharmacy school’s Master of Professional Science program took an unconventional path.
Unlike many of her peers at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Christine Kwon didn’t spend her undergraduate years around beakers, flasks and pipettes. The pharmacy school’s first graduate of the Master of Professional Science in Regulatory Science program is a former advertising major and automotive sales analyst. Her unconventional journey to regulatory science was shaped by personal challenges and a determination to bridge gaps in health care communication.
Kwon’s life shifted after the birth of her child. Experiencing postpartum depression, she faced a health crisis that culminated in a hospital stay. “It was a pivotal moment,” she reflects. “I realized how crucial clear, compassionate communication is in health care, especially for mental health.” This realization sparked her interest in tackling inefficiencies in the health care system — specifically for Asian women.
With a newfound interest in patient care, Kwon embarked on her mission to improve patient-provider relationships. She became a certified pharmacy technician, gaining insight into medication management, and later applied to the MPS program at the pharmacy school.
Kwon’s adviser, Patricia Termini, is the director of the MPS program. She says Kwon’s work ethic and enthusiasm are what impress her most. “She’s done incredibly well in the program. Her performance has set a precedent for other students who don’t come from a science background.”
During the program, Kwon interned with the Atlanta Veteran Affairs Medical Center, where she worked on clinical research processes, including Investigational new drug applications, Institutional Review Board protocols, and investigational drug management. Kwon’s role also involved ensuring compliance with good clinical practice guidelines and understanding the balance between regulatory demands and patient safety.
Kwon wants others to be inspired to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sciences even if their background doesn’t reflect a conventional science track. “You can graduate from pharmacy school and learn all these things. It is possible,” said Kwon.
After graduation, she plans to work in regulatory affairs or clinical research, focusing on medication safety, compliance and mental health advocacy. Long-term, she hopes to drive innovations in mental health treatments, develop culturally sensitive educational tools and improve health care outcomes for underserved communities.
