Career paths don't always go according to plan and that's often a good thing! Sundas started her healthcare journey with plans to become a Physician Assistant before discovering her passion for pharmacy. Along the way, she found Grapefruit Health, where she gained valuable patient care experience as a Patient Champion while in pharmacy school. We caught up with Sundas to talk about her journey, what she's learned from supporting patients, and the advice she'd give to future healthcare professionals. Fun fact: she's been skydiving twice—once in Virginia and once in Dubai!

Tell us about yourself and your healthcare journey, and how you found Grapefruit Health. 

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, I planned to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. However, during that time, I was working at CVS and my local hospital as a Safety Partner, discovering that I was especially drawn to the pharmacy field. When I was accepted into pharmacy school, I took it as a sign to follow that passion and change my career path. Looking back, I’m so glad I made the switch!

While in pharmacy school, I got an email about the opportunity to become a Patient Champion with Grapefruit Health. The role immediately stood out to me because it offered healthcare-related experience in a flexible, work-from-home setting. As a student, balancing classes, rotations, studying, and work can be challenging, and finding a job that accommodates an unpredictable academic schedule is not always easy. Grapefruit Health provided the flexibility to create my own schedule while still gaining valuable healthcare experience and making a meaningful impact. 

What is your role at Grapefruit Health and what does your day-to-day look like? 

In my current role as Patient Champion, I make follow-up calls within 48 hours of patient discharge to help ensure a smooth transition home. During these calls, I discuss topics such as home health services, medication adherence, and overall satisfaction with services patients receive. 

What’s the most rewarding part about supporting patients? 

The most rewarding part about supporting patients is learning how my work as a Patient Champion makes them feel genuinely cared for. Recovering after a hospital stay can be overwhelming, and sometimes patients simply appreciate knowing that someone is checking in on them. It's rewarding to know that a brief conversation can provide reassurance, make a patient feel supported, and brighten their day. Those moments serve as a reminder that even small acts of connection can have a meaningful impact on a patient's healthcare experience.

How has working with Grapefruit Health helped you grow professionally? 

Working with Grapefruit Health has helped me grow professionally by strengthening my communication and patient care skills. Through speaking with patients from a variety of backgrounds, I've learned how to listen actively, communicate clearly, and provide support during important transitions in their care. The experience has also helped build my confidence in patient interactions and reinforced the importance of empathy and patient-centered care—skills that I now use every day as a pharmacist. 

What advice would you give to students or early-career healthcare professionals? 

My advice to students and early-career healthcare professionals would be to stay open to new opportunities and not be afraid to explore different paths. I originally planned to pursue a career as a PA, but through my experiences working in healthcare, I discovered a passion for pharmacy and ultimately changed directions. You never know where an opportunity might lead! I would also encourage people to ask questions and seek help when they need it. Healthcare is a team effort, and some of the best learning comes from colleagues, mentors, and other professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. 

Interested in gaining patient care experience before graduation? Grapefruit Health connects healthcare students with flexible, paid opportunities to support patients, strengthen communication skills, and build real-world experience. If you're looking to stand out to future employers while making an impact, consider applying to become a Patient Champion.