One Path Leads to Another

The central dogma of molecular biology is an explanation of the flow of genetic information within a biological system. Simply put, the central dogma states that DNA leads to RNA, which in turn leads to protein.

Ironically, Jason Serna’s academic life story took a path change as he studied the central dogma. Serna was originally a computer science major who took a biology class in his undergraduate program.

“I remember my professor, Dr. Robert Hatherill, going over the central dogma,” Serna said. “The sequence of events involving codons, anti-codons, and amino acids reminded me of a computer language. I realized that biology and computer science have some of the same characteristics. DNA was essentially the programming code of an entire organism, much like a computer program. My interest grew and I ended up taking another biology class which ultimately led me to pursue a path in biochemistry.”

Serna switched his major to biochemistry and received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in 2009. He knew he had an interest in pharmacy but was not completely certain if this was the field he wanted to pursue. In order to learn more about the field he worked at CHRISTUS Spohn Memorial Hospital as a hospital pharmacy technician.

Serna is now a fourth-year student at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy.

“Funny how life takes you from one thing to the next, when you thought at first you really wanted something else,” Serna said. “I have an interest in infectious diseases and currently looking at post-graduate residency programs. I’m trying to keep my options open, but one thing is for sure, I enjoy the clinical aspect of pharmacy. I enjoy problem solving and the dynamics of evidence-based medicine. Most of all, I enjoy being a part of a health care team and working together as a group providing the best possible care.”

Serna, who grew up in Corpus Christi, has become a student leader at TTUHSC and recently recognized as a 2014-2015 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is the nation's leading Hispanic scholarship organization. Successful candidates are selected on the basis of academic achievement, personal strengths and leadership. Serna received a scholarship of $5,000.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Serna said. “I knew it was a hard scholarship to get, but for me it’s not about succeeding or failing, but more importantly whether or not you took the chance. When I got the email it was unreal. What a great feeling.”

Charles F. Seifert, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, regional dean of the School of Pharmacy, said this recognition demonstrates the quality of students at TTUHSC.

“Jason has been a very hard working president for his class and always has great and creative ideas for improving student life at TTUHSC,” Seifert said.

Serna’s leadership roles include TTUHSC Student Government Association (SGA) senator, Lubbock School of Pharmacy president and campus vice president of Phi Lambda Sigma — the pharmacy leadership society. His list of committees and professional student organization involvement is extensive.

“Being involved with organizations and committees, attending meetings, setting up events, paperwork, preparing to apply to residency programs, along with rotations and assignments, it all takes a lot of time management,” Serna said. “I like to keep busy and having something to do at all times. I think it prepares you to handle stress. Going through school with all the additional activities of volunteering and leadership responsibilities prepares you for the real world and helps you adapt to the stress.”

Serna hopes to secure a residency position close to home to be near his family. He is currently working on his fourth-year rotation in the critical care unit at University Medical Center. He said he chose TTUHSC because of its clinically oriented program.

“TTUHSC School of Pharmacy stands out when it comes to pharmacy schools,” Serna said. “We have one the highest amount of clinical rotation hours in the nation. They start us out early in our third year. It’s a lot of clinical practice experience compared to other pharmacy programs, which helps us when applying to residency programs. They prepare us to become a well-rounded pharmacist no matter what area we go into. It’s great to know we are being trained by professors and preceptors who are not only experts within our field, but also well-known throughout the pharmacy community.”

Professional Affiliations and Activities

Leadership Roles

• TTUHSC Student Government Association senator – School of Pharmacy representative
• SGA Budget and Finance Committee
• SGA Future Health Care Providers Committee
• School of Pharmacy Student Senate - Lubbock Advisory group
• School of Pharmacy Regional Student Council
• Regional Student Council president
• Phi Lambda Sigma — Pharmacy Leadership Society campus vice president
• Former campus executive director for the American Pharmacist Association—Student Society
• Former SGA Scholarship Committee member

Memberships

• Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity
• Texas Tech Student Health Society of Health System Pharmacists
• The American College of Clinical Pharmacy
• American Pharmacy Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists
• Texas Pharmacy Association

Community service

• Lubbock Impact Clinic — counseled patients with new prescriptions, filled new prescription orders and worked with School of Medicine students
• Medication Cleanouts