Caring Beyond the Prescription

A Conversation with Prissilla Liu, PharmD

When Prissilla Liu, PharmD, Pharmacy Director and Program Director for the Pharmacy Residency at Adventist Health White Memorial, first walked through the hospital doors two decades ago, she thought it would be a temporary stop while finishing her pharmacy residency. Instead, she found her calling. 

“This has been my first and only job since graduating from USC School of Pharmacy,” Dr. Liu reflects with a warm smile. “White Memorial became my second home because its mission — caring for the most vulnerable — aligned with my passion to serve.” 

Dr. Liu’s journey began as a young immigrant, navigating a new culture and language. From a brief stay at Rosemead High School to UCLA biochemistry, and eventually her doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Southern California (USC), she built a career rooted in determination and compassion. “I knew I wanted to care for the acutely sick patients who were vulnerable, frightened, and in desperate need of hope,” she shares. 

Bringing Hope in Every Dose 

In the early 2000s, clinical pharmacy in hospitals was still a pioneering concept. “When I started, pharmacists were often behind the scenes, typing orders,” she recalls. “But I wanted to be at the bedside — rounding with doctors, advising on treatment, making sure every medication decision will improve a patient’s chance to heal.” 

Her vision helped shape the decentralized pharmacy model at White Memorial, creating satellite pharmacies in intensive care and neonatal units. “It was transformational,” she says. “We became integral members of the care team, directly saving lives every day.” 

Preparing the Next Generation of Pharmacists 

Today, as Pharmacy Director and Pharmacy Residency Program Director, Dr. Liu is paying it forward. The program trains four residents each year in advanced inpatient care, equipping them with the skills to become leaders in clinical pharmacy. 

“Our residents aren’t just learning — they’re stepping into real responsibility,” Liu explains. “By the end of their year, they function as full-fledged pharmacists, caring for patients from all levels of care, managing complex therapies, and collaborating with physicians. We want them to leave ready to serve — and ideally, to stay right here in our community.” 

That pipeline is working. In the past two years, Adventist Health White Memorial has proudly retained all pharmacy residents as staff pharmacists. “That’s what inspires me — seeing them grow, then stay to serve the same community that trained them,” she says. 

A Personal Mission of Compassion 

Dr. Liu’s most powerful moments come from human connections. She recalls a Chinese patient who suffered a devastating stroke. With a serious language barrier and few resources, the family was lost in fear. Dr. Liu stepped in, speaking their language, explaining their options, and guiding them through heartbreak. 

“They told me I brought them peace in the worst moment of their lives,” she says quietly. “That’s when I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.” 

It is that blend of expertise and compassion that she now instills in her residents. “Pharmacy is not just about medications. It’s about humanity — listening, understanding, and being there when patients are most vulnerable.” 

Shaping the Future of Healthcare  

But sustaining this kind of program requires resources. “Residency is intense, resource-heavy training,” she explains. “We need support — mentors, technology, and above all, funding. Philanthropy helps us keep this program alive and growing. Every dollar is an investment in future pharmacists who will serve our community with skill and heart.” 

Dr. Liu dreams of a day when the Pharmacy Residency Program at White Memorial is nationally recognized as a model of excellence. “We’re already transforming lives,” she says. “Imagine what we could do with greater investment.” 

Your support makes our work possible. By investing in the Pharmacy Medical Residency Program at Adventist Health White Memorial, you are not just funding education — you are shaping compassionate healers, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and ensuring that underserved communities receive the highest quality care. 

Our community depends on the next generation of healers. With your gift, we can ensure that underserved patients continue receiving lifesaving care from highly trained pharmacists dedicated to serving right here at home. 

Support our Pharmacy Medical Residency Program today!