Director of Pharmacy Services - CHI Health
Preceptor: Pharmacy Management
How did you decide to become a pharmacist? Do you have a specialty and/or favorite area of focus?
I was interested in medicine and possibly pursuing medical school. I joined one of my undergraduate friends at a pre-pharmacy club meeting and learned about all the different things you could do in pharmacy with the same degree and that drew my interest to becoming a pharmacist. My current areas of interest are hospital management, hospital operations and medication safety.
Can you share your education journey? We would love to hear about your coursework, practicum, boards, etc.
I completed the 2-4 program at Creighton University. I completed general prerequisites, chemistry, biology before moving to pharmacy school. Pharmacy school built on a lot of those basics and then moved to drug and disease state treatments. For rotations, I really wanted to focus on clinical aspects of pharmacy like infectious disease, cardiology, critical care, etc. My goal was to pursue a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency (which I did at CUMCBergan) and eventually end up in clinical management.
What kind of licensure is required to practice? Can you share an overview of how you prepared?
You have to pass the NAPLEX and a state law exam. I mostly prepared by using the study guides for the exams. I also worked in a hospital pharmacy as an intern during pharmacy school and did a lot of on the job learning that I was able to apply what I was learning to my job.
What led you to working with Creighton University?
Being a Creighton Alumni, I have really just tried to stay connected to the university after graduation. I had a lot of wonderful people at the university help me get where I am today and I wanted to be able to do the same for current and future students.
Are you part of any professional organizations or interest groups?
I belong to ASHP (American Society of Health System Pharmacists) and NADDI (National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators). As part of my day to day job, I belong to many committees that focus on my mentioned interest areas.
What is your least favorite part about being a pharmacist? Conversely, what is your favorite part?
Least favorite: Managing drug shortages. Favorite: Working collaborative with all the health care professionals in our hospital.
What’s something that people might not know about being a pharmacist?
I think just all the areas you might find a pharmacist besides your local corner pharmacy -- we do more than count pills and fill bottles! Pharmacists are in the community, the hospital, drug information, insurance, infusion centers, clinics, radiopharmaceuticals, etc.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in starting their own journey to becoming a pharmacist?
Explore all the areas of pharmacy that you can before deciding what you want to do!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my husband and two daughters at their activities/sports, house projects, and enjoy the outdoors.
Do you have a favorite book, television show, film, or podcast?
I enjoy reality TV, crime shows/podcasts, documentaries/docuseries -- no specific favorites.