Rajul A. Patel ’01, ’06, PharmD, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice, has been a tireless community advocate through the Medicare Part D Outreach Clinics for the past 13 years. Under his leadership, the Medicare Part D program has assisted nearly 8,700 beneficiaries throughout Northern California with their Medicare Part D drug plans, saving them a collective $8.77 million.
One of his proudest moments this year was when he, along with Pacific students, faculty and staff, donated dozens of boxes of treats to the Stockton senior living community O’Connor Woods during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We thought we could do something small to help brighten up the day for these valued community members amidst this very challenging time in our country,” said Dr. Patel.
Dr. Patel is an inspiring leader and his impact on students lasts far beyond his time as their professor. In 2017, a 10-year celebration for the Medicare Part D program drew nearly 200 current and former students who learned from and served alongside Dr. Patel. A faculty member since 2005, he shared that what he loves about Pacific is the students.
“I enjoy teaching, working with and getting to know students,” he said. “It is the reason I decided to stay at Pacific after I graduated and it is the reason I am still at Pacific. Their aspirational dreams, boundless energy, playful banter and drive is inspiring to be around and helps recharge my batteries.”
“It means a lot to be honored by the school that has given me such a solid foundation and has enabled me to accomplish what I have in my professional career thus far.”
- Rajul A. Patel ’01, ’06, PharmD, PhD
Dr. Patel said he has taken his journey one step at a time, not focusing on a particular destination, but on who he becomes along the way. “I want to be an empathetic practitioner, a community servant, a steward of our students’ personal and professional development, an engaged colleague and, most importantly, a positive reflection of my family.”
He said there are many members of the Pacific family who have contributed to his growth and left indelible imprints on his career, but the most influential has been his wife, Annie Patel ’01, ’04, PharmD, PhD, because of her resilience and inspiring work ethic.
When asked what it means to be recognized as the Pacific Pharmacy Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year, he said: “It means a lot to be honored by the school that has given me such a solid foundation and has enabled me to accomplish what I have in my professional career thus far. Receiving this recognition is incredibly humbling and will continue to push me forward.”
By Becky Perry ’01, ’09
