Meet South University PharmD Graduate Genell O’Keefe
Since graduating from the South University School of Pharmacy in Savannah with her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 2022, Genell O’Keefe has built a successful pharmacy career. Today, she works as an oncology pharmacist at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL, and is proud of everything she has accomplished. “I've been able to achieve a lot in my life,” she says. “Being able to learn as much as I can and being willing to take risks has allowed me to skyrocket in my career.”
She’s particularly thankful for the choices and sacrifices she’s made for her education. “I would not be the person I am and love without it,” Genell states.
The South University PharmD Experience
After earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Georgia Southern University, Genell was accepted into the South University School of Pharmacy. She had previously interned at a pharmacy and knew it was the field she wanted to enter. South University was close to her home, and Genell liked being in the beautiful city of Savannah.
As a student, Genell enjoyed her classes and took on active roles in student organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists. “I was provided a rigorous and mentally stimulating education that showcased many of the skills necessary to not only be a good pharmacist but to be a great one,” she says. “It taught me transferable skills that I can use and apply anywhere. It also had me perform tasks similar to what I would experience in my career.”
She also found her instructors and the university staff to be very helpful and supportive. “They gave me the best tools for success and taught me many different strategies on how to be a well-rounded pharmacist,” she says. “They were always available to help answer any questions I had.”
Career Journey: What’s Next After a PharmD
Throughout Pharmacy school, Genell was drawn to studying infectious diseases and oncology pharmacy. After earning her PharmD, she sought a pharmacy residency program for post-graduate training. Genell landed at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital for her residency, where she dove deeper into her interest in oncology pharmacy. However, moving away from Georgia to live and work in another state was nerve-wracking. “I gathered the courage to move from all I knew to achieve my goals,” she recalls.
After her residency, Genell became an advanced clinical pharmacist and one of the head pharmacists at her hospital’s infusion and oncology clinic. “I work with patients, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective evidence-based cancer treatments, including through chemotherapy order verification, medication preparation, patient education, and managing chemo treatment side effects,” she shares.
In the near future, Genell plans to take the Oncology Pharmacy Specialty Certification (BCOP) exam. Achieving this certification will validate her advanced knowledge and experience in providing treatment and education to patients with cancer or non-malignant hematologic conditions.
Genell also strives to give back to her community, including participating in a drug take-back program called Crush the Crisis. Held in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the event offers resources to help patients dispose of unneeded medications, seek substance abuse treatment, and learn about the drug overdose epidemic.
An Oncology Pharmacist Shares Life Lessons & Advice
From patients to other healthcare providers, Genell encounters people with a range of different personalities and life experiences. “Working in healthcare allows for appreciation of the human experience and never taking anything for granted,” she says. “Many of the patients have taught me to appreciate the world around me.”
As an oncology pharmacist in a hospital, Genell is regularly challenged to learn new and unique systems quickly. Whenever you encounter something unfamiliar at school or on the job, she advises, “Always ask questions and never be afraid to get something wrong. It is really an opportunity to learn something new and get something right.”
In her job, Genell also precepts many students on their own pharmacy journey. Her best advice? “Never give up on what you believe in. You are the master of your destiny and no one can tell you that you failed,” she says, adding that when something gets you down, “It's okay to cry. Just wipe your tears and keep climbing high.”
Enjoyed this graduate success story?
Find out if the South University School of Pharmacy is right for you. Explore the PharmD program at South University, Savannah, or request information today.
Or, if you’re a grad who wants to share your experiences and career success story, log in to the South University Alumni Site and click Share Your Story in the Alumni Success section.
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Clinical/Medical programs have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
