Pharmathon builds future leaders through high-stakes problem solving

When Harman Thind ’26 signed up for Pharmathon, a 48-hour innovation challenge, he pictured himself contributing quietly from the sidelines. But as his team tackled a real-world pharmaceutical case, his ideas took shape, and his confidence grew. What began as a weekend event became a formative experience that reframed how he saw himself—not just as a student, but as a future pharmaceutical industry leader.

Thind and his team of doctor of pharmacy and computer science students developed the winning idea: Medication Metrics, a fully operational website where users access evidence-based supplement recommendations through real-time demonstrations.

“We saw people relying on flashy labels instead of real data,” explained Thind. “Rather than getting stuck in endless planning, our team focused on execution. We built a tool that empowers users with evidence-based insights.”

This is exactly what Pharmathon is designed to create—confident professionals who, under pressure, can turn complex problems into working solutions that improve lives.

Essential skills for a high-intensity field

Hosted by Pacific’s student chapter of the Industry Pharmacists Organization, Pharmathon is a signature annual event inspired by Silicon Valley hackathons and the high-stakes energy of Shark Tank. Students work in teams, develop innovative solutions and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges made up of faculty, alumni and industry professionals.

For many students, Pharmathon serves as their first real introduction to the pharmaceutical industry. It is also where they build communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills essential to navigate a high-intensity field.

“Pharmathon mirrors real-world health care innovation by simulating the fast-paced, interdisciplinary problem-solving environment that defines the industry,” said Professor Sachin A. Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, faculty advisor for the event. “Students must collaborate across domains, manage limited resources and present their ideas to expert judges just like they would with stakeholders or regulators. It’s an intense, hands-on experience that prepares students for the real challenges of bringing health care innovation to life.”

From competition to career

Aydin Shah ’27, is a Pharmathon veteran, having participated for two years—once as an undergraduate pre-pharmacy student and now as a first-year PharmD student. His team earned second place for its idea, Dietary Usage Monitor, an AI-powered mobile app that combats obesity by tracking chews per bite as a marker for calorie intake.

“Participating in Pharmathon helped cement my decision to pursue a fellowship after graduation,” Shah reflected. “Seeing all the innovative ideas created in just 48 hours made me excited about the possibility of making a large-scale impact.”

The competition’s effect extends well beyond graduation. Sheeh Patel ’26, PharmD participated in a student-led trial on a hangover recover product that resulted in a marketed product and yielded a competitive fellowship at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Now, Patel is the director of clinical science at BeOne Medicines, a company specializing in cancer treatments. In 2023, he helped create the company’s first fellowship program for doctors training in blood cancer treatment.

“When I was a student, I never imagined I’d be leading clinical trials, but strong mentorship and hands-on experience changed that,” Patel said. “This fellowship is designed to do the same for students—to help them discover what’s possible, grow into a leader and make a real impact in pharmacy and drug development.”

Evolving with the industry

Programs like Pharmathon respond to current industry needs and reflect Pacific’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly-evolving field. As new specialties emerge in the pharmaceutical industry, Pacific faculty thoughtfully adapt and expand programs to deliver tailored, intentional experiences that help students find their purpose and walk into their careers with confidence.

“Pharmathon is a fun and unique event,” Shek noted. “Whether you’re pursuing residency, industry or another path in pharmacy, I highly recommend it. You’ll grow as an individual and as a future pharmacist.”

In the pharmaceutical industry, innovation drives patient outcomes. Pacific’s approach ensures that students don’t just learn about pharmaceutical science—they learn to lead it.