Abby Fischer
She may have followed her sister to Ole Miss, but first-year professional student Abby Fischer is making her own journey at the School of Pharmacy. After earning college credit in high school, Fischer was able to apply them to her pre-pharmacy coursework and join the Progressive Entry track at the pharmacy school. Learn more about Progressive Entry and stellar student Abby Fischer!
Hometown
Alton, IL
Educational history
Alton High School
Early Entry Program/Progressive Entry
Why pharmacy?
In high school, I always enjoyed taking science classes, but I especially enjoyed chemistry. My mom mentioned I should look into pharmacy. I researched it, and I could not find anything I did not like about the field. I love the fact that within the field of pharmacy I am able to have very personal and meaningful conversations with patients to help lead them towards living a better life. I also think it is so awesome how you can help patients learn and understand why they are taking the medications that they are.
Why Ole Miss?
My older sister went to school at Ole Miss, and the first time I visited her I fell in love with the campus. I thought it was so pretty, and the icing on the cake was the awesome pharmacy program Ole Miss had to offer.
What is Progressive Entry?
Progressive Entry is an option for Early Entry students to fast track their undergrad years by only doing two years, instead of three, of EE before becoming a P1 and starting professional school. PE is a great option for incoming freshmen who have a lot of college credits from high school and are willing to work a little hard in order to complete their degree faster. With PE, you have to take organic chemistry over the summer, and depending on how many credits you have from high school, possibly a few other courses/electives.
How did you learn about the Progressive Entry track?
I learned about Progressive Entry when I was about to start my senior year of high school. I attended a summer pharmacy program through the Ole Miss Summer College for High School Students, and they talked about Progressive Entry. I never thought I would do it. Then, my freshman year at advising, Dr. Chelsea Bennett brought it up to me. Dr. Bennett told me since I had so many credits from high school that by the end of my EE3 year I would almost only be taking electives. I thought about it for a long time and all the advantages were impossible to deny.
What advice would you give to other students who are interested in a PE track?
For anyone interested in doing PE, I would tell them that is not an easy path, but that it only prepares you more for pharmacy school. It is a hard adjustment at first, but if you put yourself out there it will give you an opportunity to work to your fullest potential.
What are your career goals?
I am not exactly sure what my career goals are quite yet. I am starting to lean towards ambulatory care, but there are so many options that I am just starting to learn about it is hard to decide. I know through all the opportunities and rotation experience the school has to offer, that by the end of my degree I will know exactly what I want to do, and it will be the perfect fit for me.
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is Pathophysiology with Dr. Jamie Stewart. He always makes lecture so fun and interesting. It is almost impossible to not pay attention because you never know what he is going to say next.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, participating in my pharmacy organizations and binge-watching Netflix.
Favorite restaurants?
My favorite restaurants in Oxford are Boure and Casa Mexicana.
If you were on the Amazing Race, which classmate or professor would you want to partner with and why?
Bailey Bridges would be my partner. I always go to Bailey for help with classes and she is always there to support me. Also, I would say we are both very competitive and determined to succeed so we would make a great team!
