Liberian Refugee

Doctor Easyjeh Tarlesson family migrated to the United States in 2005 as Liberian refugees, bringing with them resilience and a deep appreciation for opportunity. Growing up between two realities, she witnessed firsthand the vital role healthcare plays in shaping patient outcomes—both in resource-limited settings and within more advanced systems.

Journey To PharmD

As an immigrant from Liberia, where access to healthcare is often limited, her passion for the medical field began to take shape early on. However, it was during her sophomore year of high school, after attending a career day, that she discovered her interest in pharmacy. This interest became deeply personal following the loss of her brother in 2010 due to a lack of timely and appropriate medical care—an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective on healthcare and ultimately defined her long-term career path. From that moment forward, she committed to pursuing a career that would allow her to make a meaningful impact in patient care.

She graduated from high school in 2013 with a clear sense of direction and purpose, setting her sights on earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. She began her academic journey at Sacramento Community College, where she studied Chemistry from 2014 to 2019. She later transferred to California State University, Sacramento, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from 2019 to 2021. During this time, she gained early exposure to the pharmacy field through volunteer work at Kaiser Permanente, further solidifying her commitment to the profession.

Throughout her academic career, she worked as a supported living care provider, assisting individuals with both mental and physical health conditions. This experience strengthened her patient-centered approach and deepened her understanding of the diverse and complex needs within healthcare.

From 2022 to 2025, she worked as a pharmacy intern at Rite Aid, where she developed hands-on experience in pharmacy operations, patient care, and clinical decision-making. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Touro University California College of Pharmacy in 2025. During her time there, she was actively involved in student-run free clinics, vaccination clinics, and CAPSLEAD (California Pharmacy Student Leadership), where she engaged in research and leadership development initiatives.

She currently practices as an outpatient pharmacist, applying her clinical knowledge to optimize patient care and improve health outcomes.

The Next Gen Pharmacist Platform

In addition to her clinical work, she founded The Next Gen Pharmacist, an educational platform created to bridge gaps she once experienced—providing accessible pharmacy education, mentorship, and career guidance to students and aspiring pharmacists. Through this platform, she aims to empower the next generation to think clinically, build confidence, and navigate their professional journeys with clarity and purpose.