Celebrating Excellence in Pharmacy
OCPhA's Annual Pharmacy Awards
Join OCPhA as we recognize the outstanding contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and students who have excelled in their profession this year.
2026 OCPhA Award Winners
Pharmacist of the Year
Dr. Laressa Bethishou
New Practitioner of the Year
Dr. Loan Le
Student Pharmacist of the Year
Sangyoon Kim, PharmD ’26
OCPhA Awards Through the Years
Explore the legacy of excellence and innovation in pharmacy as we look back at past award winners who have shaped the profession.
Pharmacist of the Year: Recognizes an OCPhA member for outstanding activities in the profession of pharmacy, demonstrating multiple levels of leadership, advocacy, and community affairs.
New Practitioner of the Year: Recognizes an outstanding new practitioner who demonstrated leadership in multiple levels of pharmacy and is an energetic leader that has stimulated others to participate in the profession and advocacy. Must graduate less than 10 years prior.
Student Pharmacist of the Year: Recognizes current pharmacy student demonstrating willingness to be involved in the future of the profession as recognized by current involvement in OCPhA and APhA professional activities.
Technician of the Year: Recognizes an OCPhA pharmacy technician member with outstanding activities in the profession, raising the standard of excellence within the community of pharmacy.
'25
Pharmacist of the Year:
Dr. Coco Yang, BsPharm, M. Sci, PhD, BCPPS, APh
New Practitioner of the Year:
Dr. Mary Ngo, PharmD, BCMTMS
Student Pharmacists of the Year:
Quyen Nguyen
Caitlyn Luong
'22
Pharmacy Technician of the Year:
Christine Martinez
Student Pharmacist of the Year:
Crystal Lao
'21
Pharmacist of the Year:
Dr. Micah Hata, PharmD, APh
Student Pharmacist of the Year:
Cathy Van Pham
'20
Pharmacist of the Year:
Dr. Tony Dao, PharmD, EMBA, CPHIMS, CSSBB, LSSBB, PMC HI, FCPhA
Nominations
OCPhA accepts nominations for awards annually during the call for nominations window. As members, be on the lookout for these announcements in your email.
Awards:
- Pharmacist of the Year
- New Practitioner of the Year
- Pharmacy Technician of the Year
- Pharmacy Student of the Year