Heather Cabos, a soon-to-be Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, is set to embark on a new chapter in her career. Cabos, who will be officially known as “doctor” and “pharmacist” upon graduation, recognizes the importance of her upcoming role. Speaking about the significance of pharmacy, Cabos emphasized the vital role pharmacists play in patient care, stating, “Pharmacists have been the ones to find [patients] and bring them back.”
Her commitment to advocating for patients, especially those in need of a voice, has been evident throughout her academic journey. Despite her modesty, College of Pharmacy Dean Donald Godwin commended Cabos for her outstanding dedication, naming her this year’s “Inspiring Graduate.” Reflecting on this recognition, Cabos expressed surprise, acknowledging the talent of her peers.
One of Cabos’s proudest achievements as a student has been building strong patient relationships during her rotations. She shared, “I do feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the community.” Her passion for patient care extends beyond the classroom, as she has already made a positive impact in her hometown of Alamogordo, NM, helping family members with health conditions and medication management.
Inspired by her grandfather, Cabos pursued a career in pharmacy, eventually finding her way to the University of New Mexico through the Pre-Pharmacy program at New Mexico State University. Despite initial apprehensions about being away from her close-knit family, Cabos found a supportive community at UNM, which aided her in navigating the challenges of pharmacy school, even amidst a global pandemic.
Looking ahead, Cabos is eager to continue her learning journey through a residency in Prescott, Ariz., focusing on ambulatory care and chronic disease states like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. With a vision of providing holistic care to her future patients, Cabos hopes to make a meaningful impact in clinical settings.
As she prepares to embark on her next adventure, Cabos remains grateful for the support of her family and community, particularly her proud grandfather. Reflecting on her late grandmother’s influence, Cabos believes her family would share in her pride of becoming a doctor. With aspirations to return home to Alamogordo one day, Cabos envisions giving back to the community that has supported her journey, marking a significant milestone as the first doctor in her family.