Meet South University PharmD Grad, Dr. Jomarie Ortiz Rivera
A 2018 South University, Savannah, Doctor of Pharmacy graduate, Dr. Jomarie Ortiz Rivera is the pharmacist in charge and owner at Highway Pharmacy in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. She recently reconnected with South University to share her journey in the field, future goals, and what parts of pharmacy she is most passionate about.“My education has had a profound impact on both my professional and personal life,” Jomarie explains. “Earning my Doctor of Pharmacy degree allowed me not only to serve patients in my community but also to take on the responsibility of pharmacy ownership, creating opportunities to expand healthcare access and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Choosing a Career in Pharmacy
Growing up, Jomarie spent a lot of time inside a community pharmacy. Her mother was a pharmacy technician. Her godmother was a pharmacy owner and pharmacist. “Observing their work sparked my interest in the profession,” she recalls.As an adult, Jomarie became a pharmacy technician. The job helped her understand how much pharmacists contribute to patient care. “This experience confirmed that pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy was the right path for me,” she says.
Soon, Jomarie earned her bachelor’s degree, along with the prerequisite courses required for a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). After that, she set out researching PharmD schools. Faculty and student support were top considerations for Jomarie.
“I was looking for an institution that truly valued and believed in its students. Through that process, I found South University,” she explains. “The Doctor of Pharmacy program offered a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and a student-centered learning environment that aligned with the values and support system I was seeking.”
Earning a PharmD at South University
At South University, Jomarie found a PharmD program that emphasized patient-centered care, professional growth, and practical experience. “I felt that South University would provide the foundation and training necessary to succeed in the pharmacy profession, and it ultimately became an important part of my professional journey,” she says.Her clinical rotations were highly valuable, exposing her to many real-world patient care settings. Despite her years as a pharmacy tech, several of those settings were new to her. “These rotations helped strengthen my clinical judgment, professional confidence, and understanding of the pharmacist’s role within the healthcare team,” she shares. “The knowledge and experience gained during these rotations continue to influence the way I practice pharmacy today.”
Jomarie also participated in research at South University. Together with a professor, she co-authored a paper published in the SDRP Journal of Earth Sciences & Environmental Studies. She received the Walgreens Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Scholarship while a student as well.
“The faculty and staff at South University played an important role,” she says. “Their mentorship, guidance, and dedication helped shape my clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and professional values. Their support throughout the program encouraged me to pursue excellence and prepared me to take on leadership responsibilities within the pharmacy profession.”
Becoming a Pharmacist And Then Pharmacy Owner!
After earning her PharmD from South University, Savannah in 2018, Jomarie successfully passed the NAPLEX on her first attempt. She began work as a staff pharmacist. In late 2019, the opportunity arose to buy a community pharmacy. It was early in her career, but Jomarie decided to say yes. She accepted the offer. Soon, Jomarie became the owner and head pharmacist at Highway Pharmacy.“Managing a pharmacy requires balancing patient care, business operations, and regulatory responsibilities,” she says. “This challenge strengthened my leadership skills, resilience, and ability to adapt to complex situations.”
At her pharmacy, Jomarie is committed to improving community health. Immunizations, patient education, medication counseling, and public health initiatives are priorities. In the future, she hopes to make community pharmacy an even more accessible and trusted healthcare resource.
“I am committed to expanding patient-centered services, improving access to care, and advancing the clinical impact of pharmacists within the healthcare system,” she says. “I hope to expand my impact by acquiring another community pharmacy in an area where access to medications and healthcare services is limited, with the goal of serving patients who are most in need across Puerto Rico.”
Words of Advice for the Next Generation
Many pharmacists and educators supported Jomarie’s growth. Now, Jomarie does her part. She mentors pharmacy students and pharmacy technicians, helping guide the next generation.“My advice to current students is to remain focused, work hard, and embrace every opportunity to learn. Pharmacy is a profession that requires dedication, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning,” she says. “Trust the process, seek mentorship, and remember that the challenges you face during your education will ultimately prepare you to make a meaningful impact on patients and communities.”
Researching Pharmacy schools?
Find out if the South University School of Pharmacy in Savannah is right for you. (Based on our 81% first-time pass rate on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX) for 2025 graduates, we are currently the #1 three-year PharmD program in the South Atlantic Region and #2 overall PharmD program in Georgia!) Request information today to learn more.Tell us your alumni success story!
Or, if you’re a grad who wants to share your experiences and career highlights, visit the South University Alumni Site to share your alumni success story.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.
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