One of the greatest strengths of Yvonne Mai ’13, ’15, PharmD, MS, BCGP, BCACP, associate professor of pharmacy practice and regional coordinator for Stockton, is her ability to create inclusive, collaborative environments. Her outstanding support of colleagues and professional advocacy earned her recognition as the 2024 Kelli Haase Memorial Pharmacist of the Year by the Central Valley chapter of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

The award is particularly meaningful to her as it is named in honor of Kelli Ann Haase ’88, PharmD, who Dr. Mai had the privilege of working with as a student during a clinical rotation. Dr. Mai has served CSHP-Central Valley in many roles, including president, treasurer and secretary, as well as currently serving as continuing education coordinator and delegate. 

She is passionate about using research to highlight the role of pharmacists within the health care system and was recently selected as an Editorial Advisory Board member for the Journal of the American Pharmacist Association.

“My interest in pharmacy practice research was first cultivated during my fellowship training at Pacific, where I developed skills in designing and conducting research,” said Dr. Mai. “I whole-heartedly believe in the power of mentorship to develop further pharmacy researchers. My role on the Editorial Advisory Board will enable me to provide mentorship to a wider array of individuals on a national scale and advise on new directions in journal content. Pharmacists’ roles are constantly expanding and research into our impact as we practice at the top of our license is essential to demonstrating value.”

Current Pacific PharmD student Erinpreet Garcha ’25 and alumnus Vincent Lu ’21, PharmD, BCPS are conducting research alongside Dr. Mai to assess the impact of pharmacist transition of care services for cardiac patients, specifically on the proportion of patients who receive guideline directed medical therapy when discharged and who are readmitted for heart failure.

“I always try to involve students in projects since involvement builds important skills, especially for those interested in pursuing post-grad training,” she said. “Students are heavily involved in the data collection and write-up process. I was given this opportunity when I was a student and I want to continue creating this opportunity for current and future students.”

Dr. Mai encourages students to operate outside their comfort zone as “that is where we tend to grow the most.”

“I enjoy helping learners apply what they learn in didactic courses to real patients,” she said. “It is rewarding to see the students grow professionally and gain confidence in their ability to directly contribute to patient care.”

The ability to directly impact patients is what led her to pursue a career in pharmacy.

“Growing up, my parents did not speak English and were very unfamiliar with the American health care system,” she said. “I felt that through pharmacy, I could help patients like my parents better understand their medications and navigate the health system.”

Dr. Mai loves spending time outdoors. A world traveler, her goal is to visit 50 countries. Last year, she took a two-week trip to Argentina and Chile, which included trekking for five days in Patagonia and hiking the Laguna de Los Tres trail. The next destination on her travel wish list is Greece.