Pharmacy Student’s Global Journey Rooted in Family and Purpose

Pharmacy Student's Global Journey Rooted in Family and Purpose

For Michelle "Mimi" Bordignon, pharmacy isn't just a career path - it's a legacy.

Raised in La Paz, Bolivia, she grew up watching her mother, grandmother and grandfather work as pharmacists, giving her a deep appreciation for science and patient care.

After she graduated high school, a period of political unrest in Bolivia disrupted daily life and delayed her academic plans. Bordignon used the time to complete an internship at a Bolivian pharmaceutical company, allowing her to see firsthand how the profession translates into real-world impact.

Encouraged by a great-uncle who worked as a physician in the Toledo area, she enrolled in The University of Toledo's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The college's six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program stood out as an affordable and accelerated path. She will graduate with her Pharm.D. on Friday, May 1.

Just as she prepared to move, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans again. Bordignon began her studies remotely from Bolivia, supported by faculty who worked to accommodate the time differences.

"It was a very welcoming place from the start," she said. "And I hadn't even stepped foot on campus yet."

When she finally arrived in Toledo, Bordignon immersed herself in clinical work. Volunteering at the Community Care Clinics, the fluent English, Spanish and Portuguese speaker connected with a Spanish-speaking patient who was hesitant to administer her own insulin.

By speaking in her native language, Bordignon helped the patient gain confidence in managing her diabetes.

"Being able to communicate with her in Spanish and help her feel more confident in managing her care was incredibly meaningful," Bordignon said. "That experience showed me how even small actions, like translating, can significantly improve a patient's quality of care."

From there, Bordignon's involvement quickly grew.

She was selected to serve as board director of pharmacy relations, coordinating student volunteers. Alongside her academic commitments, she worked at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, strengthening her understanding of real-world patient care.

Through clinical rotations, Bordignon continued to expand her skills. She completed rotations in oncology, community-based psychiatry and a compounding pharmacy, where she developed hands-on skills preparing customized medications and medicated lip balms.

This progression led to a highly impactful rotation in the operating room at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Observing a kidney transplant surgery, she witnessed the complexity of life-saving care and the critical role pharmacists play as part of the healthcare team.

Beyond her clinical interests, Bordignon discovered a passion for cosmetic science and nail art, blending her creativity with her strong foundation in chemistry. She plans to pursue a master's degree in cosmetic science after earning her Pharm.D.

As she prepares to cross the commencement stage surrounded by family traveling from Bolivia, Bordignon's story comes full circle - a journey driven by purpose and a commitment to helping others.