Ciara Marro-Wilson ’23 makes history as Salve’s first pharmacy 3+3 dual degree graduate
After recently completing her doctorate at the University of Saint Joseph, Marro-Wilson has started her residency ahead of the curve.
When Ciara Marro-Wilson '23 first stepped foot on Salve Regina University’s campus, she knew she wanted to pursue pharmacy – but she also knew she wanted the kind of undergraduate experience Salve could offer. With its close-knit community, strong science programs and personal faculty support, Salve felt like the right place to begin her journey.
What she didn’t expect was that a new partnership with the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) would open the door for her to become Salve’s very first pharmacy 3+3 dual degree student – and begin her career ahead of schedule. The partnership allows students to spend the first three years studying biology or biochemistry at Salve, followed by three years in USJ's Pharm.D. program.
“I loved the environment, the culture and the small size of the chemistry department,” Marro-Wilson recalled. “I thought I would do four years at Salve and then figure out the pharmacy piece later. But when I learned about the 3+3 partnership with the University of Saint Joseph, I immediately knew it was meant for me.”
Building a strong foundation at Salve
During her three years on campus, Marro-Wilson immersed herself in Salve’s rigorous curriculum, from general chemistry and biology to challenging organic chemistry and biochemistry courses. Labs and research projects strengthened her critical thinking, scientific writing and problem-solving skills – tools she continues to use daily. A pharmaceutical elective with chemistry chair and professor Dr. Susan Meschwitz offered a preview of the world she was entering, with Marro-Wilson giving a presentation on Paxlovid just as it began gaining widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond the classroom, Marro-Wilson found balance through extracurriculars like Pitches with Attitude, Salve’s all-female a cappella group. “Being part of that group reminded me that you can balance academics with doing things you love,” she said. “It was just as important to my Salve experience as my science courses.”
Prepared for the next step
In the winter of 2022, Marro-Wilson transitioned seamlessly into the doctoral program at USJ, crediting her preparation at Salve for the smooth adjustment. Salve’s emphasis on writing – both scientific and liberal arts – proved invaluable as she tackled drug information papers, SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan) notes and patient case analyses at the graduate level.
“I think my writing skills really set me apart,” she explained. “Between philosophy, lab reports and clinical writing, Salve prepared me to approach pharmacy school with strong communication and critical thinking abilities. Even courses like biochemistry, which weren’t required for all of my peers at USJ, gave me an edge.”
Just as important were the relationships she built at Salve. With advisors like Meschwitz and associate professor of chemistry Dr. Khadine Higgins guiding her, Marro-Wilson learned to navigate course schedules and advocate for herself academically and personally. “They both were always available when I needed anything and made the transition into the 3+3 program so smooth. I know when I'm in residency and after I graduate, I’ll be sending them so many pictures and thanking them for everything,” she said.
Carrying Salve’s mission forward
Marro-Wilson also credits Salve’s mercy mission with shaping her as a leader. At USJ, she stepped into roles that mirrored Salve’s emphasis on compassion and community, organizing service projects like Thanksgiving food drives and Christmas adopt-a-family programs. “Salve taught me the importance of being inclusive and accessible to others,” she said. “That carried over into how I lead and how I connect with my peers.”
Now 23, Marro-Wilson has already completed a diverse set of clinical rotations, from community pharmacy at Stop & Shop to oncology, telehealth and acute care at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. She recently interviewed for six residency programs and matched with Staten Island University Hospital - Northwell Health.
She successfully passed both her NAPLEX and the New York and New Jersey pharmacy law exams on her first attempt, officially receiving her pharmacist license in New York while awaiting her New Jersey credentials. “I spent over two months studying – basically my entire summer – and even had to balance preparing for the New Jersey law exam while beginning residency,” said Marro-Wilson. “For NAPLEX purposes, USJ prepared us well, incorporating two weeks of intensive prep class prior to graduation.” With her license in hand, Marro-Wilson is now able to take on greater responsibility during her residency, currently completing a rotation in infectious disease before moving into ambulatory care and oncology.
“Pharmacy is so much more than what people see at a retail counter,” she explained. “We are the drug experts on medical teams, making critical recommendations for patient safety and treatment. The field is versatile and constantly evolving, and I’m excited to find my place in it.”
For Marro-Wilson, the accelerated 3+3 path wasn’t just about saving time, it was about seizing opportunity. “At 25, I’ll be finishing residency and starting my career as a pharmacist,” she said.
“Looking back, I know I made the right choice. Salve gave me the foundation, USJ gave me the training, and now I get to take the next step.”
