Pre-Pharmacy Informational, Learning and Leadership Society
Pre-Health·Community Service/Nonprofit
PILLS is Berkeley's main pre-pharmacy organization, founded in Fall 2000 to fill a gap in resources for students interested in pursuing a PharmD. Members attend general meetings with pharmacy-related guest speakers, workshops on topics like pharmacy school applications and interview prep, and socials. The club also runs two mentorship programs (SIBLING pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen; PhREND connects members in small groups), offers volunteer opportunities with local pharmacies and health fairs, and hosts the annual Northern California Pre-Pharmacy Symposium (NCPPS). Open to all majors, including students who are still undecided about pharmacy.
2000
Year founded (fall semester)
19th
Annual NCPPS symposium edition (2025-2026 academic year)
Events They Host
Northern California Pre-Pharmacy Symposium (NCPPS)
Annual full-day symposium held at UC Berkeley (Pauley Ballroom). Features pharmacy specialty workshops, pharmacy school information sessions and a school fair, pharmacist and pharmacy student panels, PharmCAS workshop, keynote address, and networking luncheon. Open to pre-pharmacy students across Northern California. Business casual attire recommended. 19th Annual edition scheduled April 5, 2026, 9AM-5PM.
American Pharmacists Month Kick Off
Community networking event with pharmacists and pharmacy students from across the Bay Area. Includes food, games, and prizes at Bayside/Joinville Park, San Mateo. Early bird student tickets $10, late bird $30.
YMCA 30th Annual Chinatown Health Faire
Volunteer event where members translate for patients, help fill out medical forms, and shadow pharmacists serving the community.
Berkeley Project
Member Experiences
General Meetings with Guest Speakers
Held roughly biweekly during the semester, 8-9PM in Dwinelle 182. Speakers and topics have included pharmacy career overviews, pharmacy school prerequisites, PharmCAS workshops, interview prep, board panels, and pharmacy specialty presentations. Attendance required for active membership (2 excused absences allowed).
Socials
Member social events each semester. Recent examples include a Spooky Scavenger Hunt, Picnic on the Glade, and Game Night. Attending at least one per semester is required for active membership.
PhREND Group Socials
Small-group social gatherings organized within PhREND cohorts, where members who are matched together meet for fun activities.
SIBLING Mentorship Pairings
Ongoing one-on-one mentorship between an upperclassman and an underclassman, matched by background and interests. Members apply each semester.
Pharmacist Shadowing Opportunity
Active members are eligible to shadow a pharmacist at the end of the academic year.