MinerAlert
MinerAlert
January 2025
By Christian Diaz, '20
Since welcoming its first cohort in 2017, the UTEP School of Pharmacy has become a cornerstone of the Borderplex region, addressing the pharmacist shortage while increasing Hispanic representation in the profession. William Campillo Terrazas, PharmD, MPH, a clinical assistant professor and proud alumnus, exemplifies the program’s success in attracting top talent and fostering local growth. His journey highlights how UTEP graduates can pursue non-traditional career paths, making meaningful contributions to academia and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Campillo Terrazas was born in Mexico and spent time in Arizona and New Mexico before moving to El Paso while working for the Department of Public Health. He graduated from the UTEP School of Pharmacy in May 2022 and was a part of the second graduating cohort. Reflecting on his time in the program, Dr. Campillo Terrazas describes his experience as challenging yet highly rewarding. “I was fortunate to have mentors and professors who were invested in my learning and supportive of my career aspirations,” he recalls. One aspect of the program he particularly valued was its integration of public health concepts into the curriculum. “This approach broadened my understanding of pharmacists' roles and responsibilities”
Since his graduation, Dr. Campillo Terrazas has witnessed significant enhancements in the program, including expanded research and community outreach initiatives. He believes these improvements reflect the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded pharmacists equipped to serve the El Paso community effectively.
Dr. Campillo Terrazas’ interest in pharmacy was sparked during his undergraduate studies when he shadowed a hospital pharmacist. “I was impressed by the pharmacist’s knowledge, skills, and positive impact on patient care through interdisciplinary rounds,” he says. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in pharmacy, where he has continued to explore and expand his professional interests.
Following his graduation from UTEP, Dr. Campillo Terrazas matched with the Henry Ford Hospital Pharmacotherapy residency program in Detroit, Michigan. Throughout two years of post-graduate training, he gained invaluable experience as a licensed practitioner, working under the supervision of seasoned preceptors.
While his initial aspiration was to become a clinical pharmacist, Dr. Campillo Terrazas discovered a passion for academia during his first year of pharmacy school, thanks to the guidance of his UTEP advisor, Amanda Loya, PharmD, BCPS. “Her encouragement inspired me to pursue academia, aligning with my interests in research, teaching, and clinical practice.” he shares. Recognizing the need for additional training to achieve his professional goals, he pursued further education and training to maximize his potential as a pharmacist.
As a clinical assistant professor at UTEP, Dr. Campillo Terrazas wears many hats. His responsibilities encompass three main areas: teaching, scholarship, and service.
In the classroom, he imparts his knowledge to future pharmacists while also supervising fourth-year pharmacy students during their clinical rotations at the University Medical Center. His clinical work allows students to gain hands-on experience in a hospital setting, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Dr. Campillo Terrazas encourages pharmacy students and recent graduates to explore the diverse opportunities within the profession: “Our education is unique, enabling its application in various fields such as veterinary medicine, nuclear science, and the pharmaceutical industry.” He also emphasizes the importance of seeking additional training outside of one’s local area to gain fresh perspectives and improve patient care delivery.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Campillo Terrazas highlights the importance of representation in pharmacy. “As a Mexican immigrant who has navigated the healthcare system, I’ve become cognizant of the barriers that exist within the field,” he says. He advocates for increasing the representation of minority groups within the profession to address cultural and language barriers and provide culturally sensitive care.
Through his journey, Dr. Campillo Terrazas has demonstrated the vast potential of a pharmacy degree. His work in academia, clinical practice, and research highlights the diverse career opportunities available to pharmacists. As a faculty member, he strives to inspire his students by sharing his experiences and exposing them to the many paths they can take within the field.
Dr. Campillo Terrazas’ story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. His contributions to the UTEP School of Pharmacy and the El Paso community exemplify the impact pharmacists can have when they step beyond traditional boundaries. He is proud to call El Paso his home and will continue working to ensure that the quality of pharmacy care in the region continues to grow.