With a PharmD from U-M, the Possibilities Are Limitless

By: Markie Heideman, Content Marketing Manager

A common myth is that a PharmD degree affords you a singular career path, but that misconception can easily be disproved by people like Thomas Senneff, PharmD ‘24, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. 

“Initially, when I was looking into pharmacy school, I thought pharmacists mainly worked in community pharmacies or hospitals, which I was interested in. In fact, I thought I would end up working in a hospital pharmacy,” Senneff reflected. “When I began to talk to older students in the PharmD program here and joined some student organizations, my eyes were opened to the different career paths I could take with a PharmD.” It was those conversations that led Senneff to learn more about going into industry after graduation. 

Senneff is now working as a Medical Affairs Fellow at CSL Seqirus, a fellowship in coordination with Northeastern University in Boston, MA. CSL Seqirus produces influenza vaccines globally, and develops solutions to prepare clinicians for epidemics and pandemics across the globe. There, he drafts standard response documents for frequently asked questions about influenza vaccines for doctors, communicates clinical trial information through presentations, and ensures that communications from the company are medically accurate. 

He didn’t always think medical communications was his preferred career route, though. During his time at the College of Pharmacy, Senneff interned with Michigan Medicine, the university’s preeminent healthcare ecosystem, as a Patient Financial Coordinator – working with patients receiving oral chemotherapy treatments. 

“It was my job to submit prior authorization to insurance companies to show that there is sufficient information that the patient should be receiving these treatments so insurance would help cover them,” explained Senneff. “This internship helped me understand every place a medication goes. I would work with doctors to receive their chart notes, talk to patients to understand their insurance, and speak with the insurance companies and manufacturers to help get financial assistance for patients.” 

Senneff also worked with Henry Ford Health System in Detroit as an Inpatient Pharmacy Intern. 

These experiences shaped his passion for helping patients reach successful health outcomes, and he soon realized that working in medical affairs and healthcare communications can also have a great impact on patients. 

“My thought is that if I go this route, it allows me to reach more patients than I would as a clinician. I’ll be working on products that people may eventually use. This still impacts patients and is very important to me.” 

His internship experience is just one piece of his journey. A Kansas City, Missouri native, Senneff chose a pharmacy school more than 10 hours from home because he knew right away that the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy delivers a sense of community.

“Something I really noticed about the University of Michigan is that it’s a tighter cohort than any other college,” said Senneff. “When I was accepted, current pharmacy students reached out and explained why they chose UofM, and they supported me from the beginning.”

That sense of community is evident in Pharmacy Phamilies – a mentorship program that connects first-year students with current students and a faculty member to be a sounding board and guide through their educational journey. 

And that community does not end when PharmD students walk across the stage at commencement. The College of Pharmacy’s robust alumni network, 4,000 strong, opens doors for graduates, supporting them in their quest for securing employment for years to come.

“The connections are incredible. There are people who went to the University of Michigan working in every different realm of pharmacy. U-M grads love helping people who also went here, so they help give advice, retouch your cover letters and assist with your resume. It’s valuable not only when searching for your first job, but once you’re in the field, when people see you went to the U-M, it means something more.”

It’s no secret why 95% of alumni would choose the University of Michigan’s PharmD program again. 

“I would recommend the University of Michigan to anyone,” Senneff reflected. “It can prepare you for any type of career you want in pharmacy.”