"It is so wonderful to see students develop as pharmacists, graduate, and then go into the pharmacy profession as colleagues and healthcare professionals taking care of patients. To be part of that journey and watch their growth is really rewarding."
Years at Midwestern University: I have worked at Midwestern University for over 15 years.
Research Interests:
My research interests include women’s health (contraception, hormones, mood), as well as faculty/preceptor development, leadership development, and burnout prevention and wellness.
What is the most rewarding part of being a member of the Midwestern University faculty?
There are so many things that I enjoy about being a faculty member at Midwestern University. One of the most rewarding parts of being a Midwestern faculty member is meeting and working with so many different students. I love teaching and helping students succeed. It is so wonderful to see students develop as pharmacists, graduate, and then go into the pharmacy profession as colleagues and healthcare professionals taking care of patients. To be part of that journey and watch their professional growth is really rewarding.
How do you engage students in the learning process?
I engage students by interacting with them, posing questions, and guiding them through the content step by step. I reinforce key concepts utilizing repetition, and encourage participation by offering opportunities to apply the information learned. In addition, I share real-world stories from my experiences to illustrate the significance of the concepts and knowledge being taught. Providing space for independent thought followed by practical application not only enhances student involvement, but also allows me to gauge the progress in their learning.
What do you hope students learn from your classes?
My aspiration is for students to gain knowledge, develop their clinical and critical thinking abilities, and cultivate the confidence to assess and navigate diverse scenarios. Subsequently, this enables them to contribute to different fields of pharmacy with the ultimate goal of delivering tailored patient care/education and improving overall health outcomes, no matter their practice setting.
What lessons would you like students to take with them in their professional careers?
The lessons I would like students to take with them include understanding the importance of attentively listening to every patient, and approaching each encounter with care, empathy, and compassion. Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient is vital. Actively listen to the patients, discern their needs, and advocate for them to ensure tailored care is provided. Furthermore, it is crucial for them as pharmacists to recognize their role as an integral member of the healthcare team working collaboratively with other healthcare disciplines to optimize outcomes. I would also like students to remember the significance of self-care throughout their careers. Prioritizing our own well-being enables us to fulfill our roles as healthcare professionals to the fullest extent.
What about your profession should people know more about?
Pharmacy is a very versatile and rewarding career. Within the field of pharmacy, there are numerous career paths available spanning several settings such as community, inpatient, clinic, compounding, industry, research, veterinary, management, academic, and beyond. Pharmacists hold a unique position as widely accessible healthcare professionals, carrying significant responsibility, engaging extensively with patients, and improving health outcomes.
Anything to add?
I truly enjoy my career as a pharmacist, clinician educator, and faculty member at Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy. I look forward to continuing to work with students, patients, pharmacy colleagues, and other healthcare professionals as we collaborate and make meaningful contributions to patient care, education, and the advancement of the pharmacy profession.
