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 with a deep-rooted passion for patient care. Cabos, who will soon officially be known as "doctor" and "pharmacist," emphasized the importance of pharmacists in advocating for patients who may have been overlooked, stating, “Pharmacy is extremely important in my eyes. I’ve seen numerous times throughout my rotations where patients have been forgotten or slipped through the cracks. Pharmacists have been the ones to find them and bring them back.”
Despite her humility, Cabos has been recognized for her outstanding dedication to patient relationships and community service. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back, mentioning, “I do not think anything I have done is super significant, in terms of school or college, but I do feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the community.”
Cabos's journey into pharmacy was inspired by her grandfather, who recognized her potential early on and encouraged her to pursue a career in the field. Transitioning from her hometown to UNM was initially daunting for Cabos, but with the support of her mentors and peers, she found her place in the College of Pharmacy. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared, “It inspired me to keep going and say, ‘you know what, there is way more to pharmacy than I thought.’”
Looking ahead, Cabos plans to further her education through a residency in Prescott, AZ, focusing on ambulatory care and chronic disease states. She envisions a future where she can provide holistic care to her patients, emphasizing lifestyle changes alongside medication recommendations. Cabos also expressed her desire to give back to her hometown community in Alamogordo, NM, where she hopes to continue making a positive impact.
As she prepares for the next chapter in her career, Cabos remains grateful for the support of her family, especially her proud grandfather, who has been a source of encouragement throughout her journey. Reflecting on her late grandmother's influence, Cabos believes her family would be ecstatic to have a doctor in their midst, marking a significant milestone for her family.