Dr. Opeoluwa Fagbemi

 

*A Spotlight on our WMSHP membership and legislative committee member. Dr. Opeoluwa Fagbemi graduated from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) at the Baltimore Campus and is now a clinical pharmacist licensed in DC, MD, and VA.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria prior to moving to the United States. At 9 years old, I was sent to an all-boys military school in Ogun State, Nigeria and I remember vividly the day my parents were driving me to my orientation. While in the car, I trembled as I stared out of the window in tears. The car ride seemed like it was taking eternity and all I could do was hope that my parents would change their minds about sending me to military school, but they never did. Looking back, I am so grateful for the days I woke up at 6 a.m. for military drills or the many days I would roll up my sleeves and "mow the lawn" using a machete with my bare hands. The spirit of leadership and self-discipline instilled in me during grade school has payed dividends for the rest of my life. I became a multi-sport athlete in high school, maintained a 3.9/4.0 GPA as an undergraduate and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy as a member of the Rho Chi Honors Society while completing the President’s Student Leadership Institute, Career Development Track. Currently, on my journey to fulfill my life's purpose, I pay my blessings forward by making differences in the lives of patients as a clinical pharmacist licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia!

How did you hear about WMSHP?

I first heard about WMSHP from Mary Li! I invited her to speak about Networking to a group of college students and young professionals. During our conversation, she invited me to a meeting where I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful officers, board members and committee members of WMSHP.

What do you value most about your membership?

I strongly value the relationships I build, networking opportunity, and Continuing Education (CE) events.I have met active and retired pharmacists from the Food and Drug Administration, Pharmaceutical Industry, Hospital and Community Pharmacy. I am also aware of the current trends in health care through our informative CE and non-CE events.

What do you find most rewarding about your position?

The most rewarding aspect for me is volunteering my service to impact patient’s lives. Particularly, during CE events because it enables pharmacists to utilize medically and scientifically accurate information when providing service to patients in community, hospital or industry settings.

What would be your ultimate dream job?

My ultimate dream job is to fulfill my purpose in life, which is to live a life of impact.

How would you recommend members to connect within WMSHP?

I would recommend members to volunteer for WMSHP via one of our many committees. Just send an email to webwmshp@gmail.com and we would be happy to get you started. Also, do not be afraid to meet new people during our events. Everyone is full of experience and really nice to get to know!

 

 

*Dr. Mary Li.

 

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, so I can truly say I am native to the DMV area! I graduated from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) at the Shady Grove Campus. I have since worked at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals as a pharmacovigilance scientist, which means I review adverse events of our oncology products in the clinical development and post-marketing setting.

How did you hear about WMSHP?

I first heard about WMSHP as a pharmacy student, when an UMSOP alumna reached out to our class via Facebook. I wanted to network with more pharmacists and participate in the student mentorship program, so I asked for more information. Since then, I have planned various events such as the picnic, non-CE, and CE events for pharmacists and students.

What do you value most about your membership?

I like being able to meet other pharmacists in the area, since this is the only organization devoted to pharmacists in the DMV. I have been able to network with active and retired pharmacists from the FDA, industry, and clinical pharmacy, as well as attend informative CE and non-CE events.

What do you find most rewarding about your position?

As secretary, I am responsible for maintaining organization emails, running the registration tables, and reconciling our membership list. I am also a core member of planning events for our members, such as our biannual CE events. The most rewarding thing is being able to give back to the community, provide CE opportunities for pharmacists, and helping pharmacists to network with one another.

What would be your ultimate dream job?

My ultimate dream job is to be a food connoisseur and travel all over the world, learning about different cultures and connecting people through food, kind of like Anthony Bourdain.

How would you recommend members to connect within WMSHP?

I would recommend members to volunteer for WMSHP via one of our many committees. Just send an email to webwmshp@gmail.com and we would be happy to get you started. Also don’t be afraid to meet new people during our events. Everyone is full of experience and really nice to get to know!

 

*Dr. Khatri is serving in her personal capacity.

 

What are you doing now and how did you get there? What is your vision for the future?

I started my pharmacy career at Kaiser Permanente, where I served as the Mid-Atlantic Area Clinical Coordinator for the Kaiser Permanente’s Mid Atlantic Anticoagulation Clinic (serving Maryland, Virginia and DC residents). During my tenure (2000-2007) at Kaiser, I managed Kaiser’s Anticoagulation Clinic, achieving Kaiser’s recognition and best pharmacist award for best clinical practices by dramatically reducing hospitalizations and patient care costs. I supervised, developed guidelines, monitored, and mentored staff and clinical pharmacists. During my clinical practice, I came across inter-clinic variability among provider’s treatment and how they targeted the excessively narrow INR target ranges and patient variability. This led me to establish a viable and efficient workflow and process across Clinical Pharmacy Services and physicians. I collaborated with the Kaiser Physician group and developed and successfully launched a new Health System application (EPIC). This resulted in better clinical decisions and a transparent new workflow for the clinical services which Kaiser is currently using.

 

My increasing passion for patient safety cultivated a desire for me to join the National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention, of which I am currently a member. Being part of this group has not only provided me with an opportunity to connect and learn from health care leaders in other agencies at both national and local levels, but this unique educational experience has strengthened my understanding of tracking and monitoring surveillance as well as creating policies intended to serve the public at large. Through this program-specific framework, I believe that I can provide a bridge between the fundamental scientific explorations that are conducted to improve public health and the communities they are intended to serve.

 

Later in my career in 2007, I moved from private sector to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where I served as the Director of the FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program (2007-2015). Under my leadership, I conceptualized, initiated and implemented measures which significantly improved the visibility and involvement of FDA Pharmacy Student Program across the Agency and nation’s academia. I expanded the effectiveness and outreach of the Program throughout the nation’s academia, expanded FDA’s preceptor cadre, introduced office collaborations and exponentially increased student participation contributing to their understanding of FDA’s role in protecting the public health. The Program grew exponentially under my leadership from 70 student applications to approximately 700—a 900% increase. I collaborated with other FDA Centers and offered FDA employees throughout the Agency the opportunity to mentor student pharmacists. I created and launched an electronic resource library for preceptors to assist them with necessary steps in on-boarding students. This dramatically increased preceptor participation and created more opportunities for students at the FDA. I also, assisted in developing an online pharmacy student application system, which eliminated the need for paper application, making the entire application process efficient. I received a PHS Commendation Medal for recognition of my leadership and sustained performance.

 

I currently serve (2015-present) as a Regulatory Officer at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)’s Office of Center Director at the Professional Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement (PASE) group. I apply my extensive knowledge of public health and communications to improve our stakeholder’s drug regulatory insight and understanding. This enriches the experience of patients, advocacy groups, health care professionals and public health agencies in further engaging with the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This not only promotes a broader understanding of FDA’s critical-mission initiatives among stakeholders, but also promotes stronger professional networks within federal health care sectors. In my current position, I implement teambuilding exercises and organize teambuilding training sessions to improve morale and to eliminate management and staff conflict, Equal Employment Opportunity complaints and minimize resistance to change.

 

As part of PASE, I contribute to FDA’s mission by providing systematic and coordinated engagement with stakeholders to develop complementary, collaborative actions that will improve medication use and increase awareness of regulatory activities. This includes meeting with and responding to advocacy groups and professional organizations about drug development, drug review, and drug safety. I also respond to public inquiries by phone and email, provide mentorship to onboarding students and employees and perform quality control on the responses we issue. Finally, I trust that in being an effective leader, I will foster leadership in others and, in turn, leave a legacy that will positively impact the agency.

 

I also established collaboration between the American Medical Association (AMA) and the FDA and successfully created and launched a FDA-AMA medical student/resident Experiential program. This is the only experiential program at the FDA which allows the young medical doctors to experience the FDA at its best and gives them a unique opportunity to learn firsthand how CDER serves the public. In 2015, there were 27 applicants from top notch medical schools such as Harvard, Brown and Dartmouth University. CDER leadership has shown strong support for this medical internship and recognizes the benefits for both the FDA and academia. I introduced and presented the program agency wide in the CDER town hall meeting. As a leader of our FDA Medical Student and Resident Experiential Program, I have a vision to grow the program by increasing the awareness of the non-traditional roles of medical doctors in FDA. There is room for improvement to cultivate and enhance this program, target appropriate audiences and provide the leadership and guidance that they need.

 

As a collateral duty, I also serve as a pharmacist representative for the FDA on the prestigious Human Health Services (HHS) Medical Claims Review Panel (MCRP) and assist the Department in meeting responsibility to provide quality health care in its facilities and by its providers. Collectively the panel is responsible to review and evaluate analysis performed by HHS or consultant physicians and other health care professionals on paid claims for damage, injury, or death filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) against a DHHS facility or healthcare practitioner covered under the FTCA. As a pharmacist, I apply my clinical knowledge and expertise and am responsible for identifying clinician(s) who provide the necessary treatment and give rise to the claim to determine whether the standard of care was breached. The activity occurs after a claim has been paid pursuant to a settlement or adverse judgment. I provide professional recommendations to HHS clinical programs and personal systems on matters of quality assurance and risk management activities within the context of the cases reviewed. The MCRP determines if the standard of care was breached which determines if the practitioner will be named in the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). Being on this prestigious panel has enabled me to better understand the policies surrounding various federal health facilities and how they secure and efficiently exchange information between the health care facilities and MCRP. This experience has enhanced my current understanding of the quality improvements at the DHHS healthcare facilities that will help promote excellence in patient care.

 

WMSHP Engagement
I have performed at an executive level in WMSHP during my career at Kaiser Permanente and at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, I am serving as a board member of WMSHP. The USPHS officers who have served on leadership roles at WMSHP speak very positively of their experiences. The transferable skills acquired are now reflected in their leadership approach. WMSHP provides an opportunity to meet other influential leaders in various pharmacy practice settings. Each practice setting and different organizations possess their individual visions and dynamics, and thus it is critical to learn from the experiences of different pharmacy leaders with varying perspectives. I am particularly interested in applying such leadership in the day to day managerial and leadership opportunities within my office. Through an array of diverse, inclusive, and supportive group of pharmacists, I will be better equipped and motivated to explore innovative health education initiatives that target various pharmacy settings and public health policies that will continue in promoting patient safety and care. This has been a great experience with the interaction of members helping me understand what is going on in pharmacy outside my work environment. It has also been a delightful experience.

 

Advice for new practitioners
Pharmacy has evolved dramatically in the last generation and will continue to do so. Continue to train yourself to meet the changing demands. Be ready for the change and be creative and think strategically to achieve your goal. Now pharmacists have much more varied positions. They combine their pharmacy education with advanced clinical training, and go back to school to study something outside of medicine that can be applied to the pharmacy profession. In the end, I would like to say for the next generation of pharmacists, “Never follow your passion, but always bring it with you,” -- Mike Rowe.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire WMSHP leadership and especially to Dr. Vaiyapuri Subramaniam, CAPT John Quinn and Dr. Justin Sebakijje for nominating me. It has been a great experience working alongside these versatile leaders.

Sadhna Khatri, MS, MEd, PharmD, MPH

 

James Low started his pharmacy career in 1954 at the Veteran's Administration Hospital. During his reign at the VAH he became the Chief Pharmacist at the VAH in Washington, D.C. Please read on for an inspirational trip entitled "What's My Secret to a Nice Life".

What’s My Secret to a Nice Life
08-01-2016

 

For the past 2 or 3 years I have been asked this question. As recently as 2 days ago I was again asked the question. So now I should explain my secret of having such a good life without any major worries that most people have about money, good health, good outlook on life and to be able to discuss or even brag about it. Dorothy F Low, my wife of 47.5 years died almost 18 years ago in 1998. We raised 5 children who have all graduated from the U of MD, all have been married for 31 years. Tim 63 a physician (CCU & ICU) is retired, Robin 61 is a retired Pharmacist, Curtis soon to be 60 has been a CPA for 35 years, Shannon 58 is a Senior Tax Manager, Bridget 55 has been a computer consultant for 31 years. There is a strong possibility that 14 of 15 grandchildren may become college graduates in the coming years. There will be a lawyer, poet, atmospheric scientist, teacher as well as a TSA agent, Physician, UPS Deliveryman, Dr of Physical Therapy and author, USPHS Pharmacist, and Aerospace Engineer.

 

 

I, Jimmy Low was born in Portland OR on October 15, 1930. After graduating from OSC School of Pharmacy in June 1954, my career began at the VA Hospital Sept 1954 as a GS-2 Pharmacy helper,then Registered Pharmacist in 1955. My Chief, Ernie Wilson sent me to Toastmasters Intl to learn formal and extemporaneous speaking and to conduct group meetings. Ernie also gave me Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. I learned many principles of the book & I use them every day of my life. He turned me from a shy boy to an outgoing mature adult, a turning point in my life. My career took me to Seattle VAH in 1960 and to the Wash DC VAH as Chief Pharmacy Service August 1961. Dorothy & Grandma took 5 young children across The country from Seattle to Wash DC where we have lived in Maryland for 55 years. My Pharmacy Degree allowed me to resign my GS-13 position & give up 1604 hours of sick leave in Dec 1970 to pursue my passion of Treasurer Mgr of the DCVAMC Federal Credit Union. The CU had assets of $13,800.00 in 1962 to over 9 Million Dollars in 1994. It was a momentous and risky decision made 46 years ago because my 5 children were still in elementary and high school, none in .college

 

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Now, how is a trained Hospital Pharmacist able to manage a Credit Union with no formal accounting training? In 1960 I had a vision of Hospital Administration and took one year Accounting 101 at Portland State night school. When I transferred to Wash VAH there was a Credit Union which paid no dividends for some time. I was roped into becoming President in Jan 1963, then Treasurer later in the year. I taught my wife Dorothy accounting principles and she volunteered as an accounting tech to take care of CU books. She only had a High School education and no training in accounting.

 

When I resigned from the VA in 1970, I worked at Peoples Drug full time in 1971, reduced to 32hrs/week to keep my health benefits. I was Treasurer Mgr at the Credit Union full time also. I worked at least 65 hours a week for the next 12 years, left Peoples in 1978 and returned to Hospital Pharmacy. My retirement from Pharmacy was Oct 1982. I had 4 children in College in 1977-78 school year, Tim in Medical School, Robin in Pharmacy School in Baltimore, Curtis & Shannon in accounting at College Park. Three children were married from Sept 6, 1981 to Sept 4, 1982.

 

After leaving the VA, I unknowingly did a smart thing by keeping my savings in the Civil Service Retirement System. At age 62, Personnel informed me that I was eligible to draw a monthly pension. I am still receiving my pension 24 years later. Upon retirement from the Credit Union in June 1994, Dorothy & I began our Social Security monthly pensions.

 

We started our Low Family cruises in June 1969 with our 5 young children. The 70s and 80s were very busy and stressful sending 5 children to U of MD, 5 weddings from May 1979 to Dec 1984. Dorothy & I resumed our travels in the early 1980s. The family cruises accelerated in 1992 on the Royal Caribbean megaships until 1994. Dorothy & I took a 28 day cruise on Nov 1994 to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand and returned home in Dec. Dorothy was diagnosed with a Stroke resulting from a “Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in the Brain”. It was a devastating time for the family. After 6 chemotherapy treatments her fast growing tumor had shrunk. The stroke affected the right side of her brain which controls the muscles. She was unable to to walk and she was totally dependent on me. It was 24 hour a day care from April 1995 until her death on October 22, 1998 while flying home from Maui HI.

 

 

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In December 1998 Mike Collins Estate Attorney offered a free seminar for Estate planning on WMAL radio. I attended the Seminar and completed a Revocable Living Trust on January 6, 1999. This was one of the best decisions of my life. In April 2014 I prepaid my funeral at Hines-Renaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring MD.

 

 

On October 4, 2010 I received my annual flu shot at Kaiser. I thought that the flu shot might have caused side effects feeling lousy and sick. In addition, a recurrence of a urinary infection caused great anxiety. On my 80th birthday, I felt vulnerable to my mortality crossing from 79 to 80 years old. This caused more anxiety and depression. My blood pressure fluctuated higher and higher. My Kaiser Physician Dr K changed medications Nov 10 to May 2011, but my blood pressure continued to be high as 195. Dr K ordered an MRI for a brain scan on May 24th. He prescribed a new anti-anxiety drug. The favorable results of the brain scan and the new medicine began my recovery. He informed me on June 20th all blood work was normal and Brain MRI showed no evidence of brain tumors and my BP would be fine if I can rid myself of my anxieties. Dr K referred me to Dr Rosenbaum Psychiatrist at the Kaiser Mental Health Dept for my anxiety disorder. She continued the anti-anxiety medicine and added another drug for anxiety. During my visit on June 28th, Dr Rosenbaum prescribed a medicine at bedtime when I told her that I unable to sleep thru the night. The medicine worked immediately.

 

On July 4, 2011, I had chest pains and landed at the Holy Cross ER. The ER treated my heart problem immediately. My EKG showed no signs of a heart attack. The next day’s BP was 129-69 in the overnight ER and my anxieties disappeared. My follow-up visit at Kaiser on July 7th had my BP at 121-54.

 

The Low Family cruises continued after Dorothy’s death. We have been on cruises in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2015. The purpose of cruises and dinners was to foster closeness in the family. I have funded all 16 family cruises. The 2010 cruise had 26 family members, the 2013 cruise had 24 and the 2015 cruise had 19.

 

 

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I finally understand the meaning of life. If you can control your anxieties everything will fall into place. I have learned to compromise in all situations to avoid confrontations and it keeps me out of trouble. I avoid arguments since it takes 2 to argue. When you meet new people, remember their names and ask questions about their lives.

 

At 85 years old, my life is wonderful. God blessed my life with a good brain and outstanding memory. I walk 20 days a month to keep in good health and prolong my life. To prevent Alzheimers, I continually run numbers thru my brain. I am finished with my daily work by 9:00 AM. Kaiser Permanente keeps me healthy with yearly physical exams, flu shots, Optometry exams, Laboratory blood work and other preventable procedures. In March my Kaiser Ophthalmologist performed cataract surgery in both eyes to bring my vision to 20-40 and prescribed new glasses to correct my astigmatism to 20-20 vision.

 

I returned to Hospital Pharmacy meetings upon my return from Hawaii in 2002. Since I retired from pharmacy practice in October 1982 it was important to continue my pharmacy education. Of course I am proud of my retired 61 year old Pharmacist, Robin J Franklin and 28 year old Sara H Low, Pharm D both graduates of U of MD School of Pharmacy. Sara is currently in primary care at the USPHS Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. My Son-in-law Jeffrey P Franklin RPH is retired from the Baltimore VA Medical Center.

My financial health is in great shape. I have budgeted well during the last 65 years. The key is “No Debts” All family trips are prepaid. I’m still solvent and am able to spend my discretionary money on Family dinners and cruises.

During one of my trips to Maui HI, I visited Charles Lindbergh’s grave and found Robert Scott G. Deming 1956-1997 marker describing Success:
“SUCCESS IS IN THE JOURNEY NOT THE DESTINATION”

 

James B Low,

retired Pharmacist Oct 1982,

retired Treasurer Manager DCVAMC Federal Credit Union June 1994,

revised August 1, 2016

 

 

Dr. Ashok Ramalingam PhD, MS, BPharm, DPharm, RPh has been a pharmacist since 1992. He has a broad spectrum of experience in research and development, clinical investigational research pharmacy, community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy. He is currently working in the Department of Defense.

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

The power of medicine to cure the disease or pharmacotherapy fascinated me more than the disease itself. I took the initiative to look into different types of treatment systems using medicine such as Allopathy, Homeopathy, Herbal, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha medicines. I came to the realization that the Allopathic system is more rooted in evidence-based or scientific methods, and decided to enroll in traditional Allopathic Pharmacy degree program. I completed 6 years of pharmacy education with D.Pharm and B.Pharm degrees.

 

 

2. What are you doing now and how did you get there?

After being a career student pursuing my quest for knowledge through multiple degrees such as D.Pharm., B.Pharm., M.S., Ph.D., and couple of postdoctoral internships/fellowships, I steered back to clinical pharmacy as an investigational drug research pharmacist, community pharmacist, clinical hospital pharmacist and administrative pharmacist. My present position at Department of Defense focuses on collection, analysis and interpretation of diverse clinical data sources for safety improvement science. My current position utilizes my analytical, clinical and administrative leadership skills gained from my education and professional experience.

 

  

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

My grandfather influenced the most in the early part of my life. He was simple, self-taught, lifelong learner and a great philosopher. He taught me the most basic tenets to follow in life such as simplicity, humbleness, gratitude, valuing time, respecting elders, keeping good company, avoiding bad habits, being hardworking, never stop learning in life and he instilled fear of God. In my adult life I am influenced by my beloved wife, Sarada. She is the most balanced person I have known, she reminds me that the root of happiness is to live a life of quality, cherishing every moment of time with children, family and friends.

 

 

 

 

4. What is the most important thing that pharmacists now dispense?

Unlike in the past, Generation Y (or Millennials) pharmacists are equipped to dispense medications without having to read hand scribbled paper prescriptions, mixing, measuring or counting because of electronic processing through brilliant automation technology. So the important thing most pharmacists dispense now is a specialized clinical medicine knowledge, medication safety and cost effective pharmacotherapy.

 

 

 

 

5. How did you get involved with WMSHP?

I got involved with WMSHP when I was eagerly looking to network with passionate pharmacy professionals in the Washington Metropolitan area. Veteran WMSHP leaders and members warmly welcomed and inspired me to join the ranks of WMSHP Board of Directors by voting me in to serve as the Treasurer and eventually the President. Being an active member of WMSHP has been quite an enriching experience both professionally and personally. We get the opportunity to socialize with smart and energetic pharmacists from private, public and non-profit sectors.

 

 

 

 

6. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

Pharmacists are now one of the most visible, accessible and trusted health care professionals. New generation pharmacists are transforming the profession by assuming greater responsibilities in patient care such as personalized medicine/pharmacogenomics (especially in cancer treatments), disease management (such as diabetes and heart health management), medication therapy management (MTM), immunizations and pharmacists provider status (in some States). My advice for new practitioners starting out is to be excited with the plethora of opportunities presented to you and be committed to advance your knowledge and move beyond the traditional pharmacy practice settings. Actively take advantage of opportunities offered in pharmacy schools and professional societies. Always remember that your attitude, not aptitude that will determine your altitude.

 

 

 

 

 

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John Quinn R.Ph. M.S. graduated from pharmacy school in 1984 and went on to practice in nuclear, retail and hospital pharmacy. Since 1995 he has worked for the FDA. He is an active member and passionate supporter of the Washington Metropolitan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (WMSHP) and serves as WMSHP-ASHP Delegate to the ASHP House of Delegates. In addition, he is a member of the WMSHP Legislative Committee, Membership Committee, Nominations Committee and Programming Committee.

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

I did pretty well in chemistry so I thought pharmacy might be a good fit. I was going to school at the University of Illinois in Champaign and Dr. Henri Manasse came to down from Chicago to answer any questions that potential pharmacy students might have. Dr. Manasse name is known to most people as the former executive vice president of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. In 1980 he was the Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy in Chicago. At that time pharmacy was not a popular major and Dr. Manasse visit to Champaign was to create interest in applying to the school at Chicago. He had done graduate research on who becomes a pharmacist. His research showed that in other medical professions sons and daughters follow their parents into the profession. In contrast, Dr Manasse found that in pharmacy, members are often children of immigrants and for some reason they also tend to be the oldest sibling in the family. It was odd to hear him speak as my parents were immigrants and I was the oldest. I was accepted at Chicago but decided to move west and I went to pharmacy school at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where I graduated in 1984 I am still not sure why I choose pharmacy.

 

 

2. What are you doing now and how did you get there?

I was trained and practiced as a nuclear pharmacist. I also practiced retail and hospital pharmacy. After a few years of hospital pharmacy I went back to school to get a Masters in Computer Science. After a few additional years of hospital pharmacy I became a United States Public Health Officer and joined the FDA in 1995. My present position at FDA focuses on MedWatch data capture.

 

 

 

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

My parents, as they always set an example of hard work and sacrifice for long term goals.

 

 

 

 

4. What is the most important thing that pharmacists now dispense?

Knowledge. Leading causes of death in this country include heart disease and cancer with a rising rate of diabetes. AIDS is no longer the death sentence it was twenty years ago but it is still a major public health issue. These diseases often have lifestyle choice components. As we move towards a more clinical profession pharmacists need to consul patients on the best use of increasingly complex drug therapy for an aging population and also how lifestyle choices influence the health of each patient. In the United States in 1965 the smoking rate for men was over 50 percent and the rate for women was 33 percent. In 2010 the rate for men was 21 percent and women 16 percent. As people were given information about how smoking would cut ten years off their life it became less popular. People will make different lifestyle choices if given information about how lifestyle and health interrelate. As pharmacy becomes more clinical pharmacists are in a great position to put drug therapy into perspective with other choices patients make. Drug therapy is one part of a larger puzzle that makes up a person’s health. Patients need and want knowledge about how these different parts of the puzzle relate to each other. The personalization of medicine will drive this trend even farther. People don't really want to know the mechanism of action of a drug. They want to know how the drug they are taking relates specifically to them and the choices they are making in their everyday life. Training to answer these types of questions goes far beyond dispensing medications.

 

 

 

 

5. How did you get involved with WMSHP?

I joined in 1996 and have tried to be an active member. I put together the first web page for the society and the first email list. I edited the newsletter for a few years back when that meant licking stamps. I have served as a board member and delegate. This has been a great experience with the interaction of members helping me understand what is going on in pharmacy outside my work environment. It has also been a great deal of fun.

 

 

 

 

6. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

Try to think where you want to be in twenty years and what you need to do to get there. Pharmacy has changed dramatically in the last generation and will continue to do so. In the past new graduates tended to go into retail or hospital work. Very few did anything else. Not too many went back to school and those that did often went for some type of pharmacy clinical or management degree. Now pharmacists have much more varied positions. They are more likely to go back to school and study something outside of medicine that can be applied to the pharmacy profession. Remember that you are responsible for your career and you were trained in school to think broadly and strategically about how to achieve goals. Change can be seen as either a friend or an enemy; it is really for you to decide.

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Frank J. Nice has practiced as a pharmacist, consultant, lecturer, and author on public health, international missions, and medications and breastfeeding for 50 years. He practiced at the NIH and served as a Project Manager at the FDA, recently retired after 43 years of government service, and currently is self-employed as a consultant.

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

My mother suffered from life threatening epilepsy most of her life. I would take her prescriptions (only phenobarbital and phenytoin-called diphenylhydantoin- back then) to the local pharmacy. The pharmacy had a back door off of the alley behind the store, which offered a shortcut to the store. The pharmacist would let me come through the back door that led to the dispensing area. I would pass though to the front of the store awed by all the medications I had just seen. When I became a junior in high school, I was riding with my father in his coal truck (my dad would often take me with him on the job), and he asked me if I had thought of pharmacy as a career. My father came from a Polish coal mining family and had a 6th grade education. I would be the first in all of our extended family to go to college, and he wanted the best for me. I was astounded to hear him suggest pharmacy. I was never sure where that came from. So, I applied to Temple University School of Pharmacy, but also to Princeton University for a chemistry degree to cover my bases. Even though I graduated first in my high school class, Princeton rejected me. Temple did not. I also graduated first in my class at Temple. The crown of my career was when I became Assistant Program Director of the Clinical Neurosciences at the National Institutes of Health. My main focus was epilepsy research leading to the development of the many new drugs now available to treat epilepsy that my mother had no hope of ever using.

 

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

Seriously, everything. My career has spanned almost 50 years, and I have done everything that pharmacy offers. I had a 30 year career with the Public Health Service. I have worked community, retail, hospital, government, military, public health, missions, consultant, nongovernmental organizations, educational, research, authorship, and disaster relief among others. I have travelled to all 50 states. The combination of pharmacy and public health made all that possible. The best aspect of my job was the ability to accomplish all these things.

 

 

 

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

There were so many influential people in my life, but my dad stands out. He was the son of a Polish immigrant who worked the coal mines his whole life, mainly driving a coal truck. He worked six days a week, 52 weeks a year. I rode with him in his coal trucks and on the heavy machinery he drove. On his day off on Sunday, he devoted the whole day to his family. Despite only his 6th grade education, he was one of the most successful men I have ever known. He taught me the value of hard work and to treat people fairly and with compassion. He taught me the Polish way of perseverance. He taught me how to run a house and how to cook Polish food because my mother could not. I will never forget how hard he worked for other people. Frank J. Nice Sr. even gave me his name.

 

 

 

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

Diphenhydramine! If I were stuck on a desert island with only one drug, it would be diphenhydramine. It is used for allergies, is great for insect and bee stings, relieves itching, treats nausea and vomiting, is used for motion sickness, is a sleep aid, can treat a cough, acts as an analgesic and pain killer, and clears up rashes.

 

 

 

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

Develop an unique area of expertise and find a great mentor. Plus: In pharmacy practice, we can choose to define who will benefit from our ethical choice of action. There are two obvious answers for me to the question of who will benefit from our choice. Let us look at two models that answer the question of who benefits from our pharmacy practice: 1. The “I/You/Me First Model” Under this model, you, as a pharmacist will certainly benefit materially. You will make a lot of money, a whole lot of money. You will make more money as a pharmacist than most workers in this country. You will also benefit personally and professionally. You will have a great sense of pride as you see people in need respect you and look up to you. At the same time, you will find pharmacy to be one of the most stressful and frustrating professions you could have ever chosen to practice. You will be beaten down mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Your pharmacy practice will eventually burn out. 2. The “Patient First Model” Under this model, you, as a pharmacist will also benefit materially. You will make a lot of money, but you will end up with a lot less money. I know; I have left a lot of my money in Haiti. In humility, you will benefit personally and professionally because you will respect and look up to people in need. The stress and frustration you will experience in your practice will be put into perspective by the needs of your patients. You will be lifted up mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Your pharmacy practice will be on fire.

 

 

 

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

Haiti medical missions; breastfeeding consultations, presentations, and book signings; travelling; “retirement” with wife; six children; eight grandchildren (aka, babysitting and wrestling); softball, golf, basketball (I can still guard the 35 year olds), and walking; gardening; teaching; writing (I am now working on my third book and have written over 50 journal articles and book chapters); reading (I do not watch television); mentoring; charity works; and working part time at The Kielbasa Factory.

 

 

 

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

Guess?: diphenhydramine (see above). I cannot ride in a car, on the metro, on a plane, in a bus, on a merry-go-round, and especially anywhere in Haiti on or in any vehicle without getting motion sickness. Diphenhydramine has saved my life and made possible travel that I could not even imagine. It did fail me once, though, when I rode in a Black Hawk helicopter seated next to an open door as we flew side-ways and up and down and back and forth at unimaginable speeds.

 

 

 

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

Bible. My life and career was changed when I realized my purpose in life was to use my God-given pharmacy talents to help others in need and not to just earn a whole lot of money so I could lead a comfortable life. The whole world opened up to me after that. See the Patient First Model above.

 

 

 

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

God. He supplies all my needs, even my every breath. His laws of nature uphold the planes that I fly to and in Haiti. He has given me all my specific pharmacy talents and skills. When I look back at the tough times in my life and my now 18 medical mission trips to Haiti and what has been accomplished in Haiti in those past 18 years, it was only possible with God being a part of it. When I look back on my 50 years in pharmacy and my 70 years of life, who would have ever

 

 

 

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

Sixty-nine cents for a senior coffee at McDonalds. Many of my “friends” would accuse me of that. Seriously, I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the Haiti medical missions, but yet I am far from being a “poor” man. OK; one more—I am restoring my original one-owner 1968 Ford Galaxie-500 car that is the first car I purchased. It has been a true labor of love and money. Almost every part has to be prefabricated since parts for that year model are almost impossible to find. I cannot reveal the cost as my wife would kill me if she knew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bruce Kume is a 4th year pharmacy student completing his last clinical rotations at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. His peoples skills and clinical skills will make him an outstanding pharmacist. Bruce is a recent member of WMSHP.

 

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

     I wanted a career that gives me the opportunity to serve and give back to my

     community.

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

     My coworkers! They are welcoming, and encouraging. 

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

    The late president Nelson Mandela of South Africa; He never gave up his dreams.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

    Heparin: The magical drug present in all ICUs and CCU units.

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

    Be patient, stay focus, ask questions and continue to read.

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

    Family time, I hang out with my family, play soccer, attend yoga classes and I travel to

    different places. I attend cooking classes to learn how to make foreign dishes. 

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

    Non at this point! But if I was to pick one it will be Tylenol.

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

    I liked“Think and Grow Rich,” the 1937 classic by Napoleon Hill, which details strategies

    that can be used to overcome psychological barriers to wealth. This book gave me a vision

    and a mental system  that I could use to achieve pretty much anything I wanted.

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

    Micromedex, but I am slowly falling in love with DynaMed  

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

      Paying for Pharmacy school, Education is a privilege, but should not cost that

      much.

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Carla Cabanilla Darling is a Clinical Pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center where she works with internal medicine patients. She is a recent member of WMSHP.

 

 

 

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

 

I worked for a drug-development company conducting pre-clinical trials for several years. Then I realized I wanted to do something more with my life, so I picked the field of pharmacy because of it's diverse career options.

 

 

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

 

I enjoy being challenged on a daily basis and learning new things. Whether its a rare disease state or a new drug, being a pharmacist means life long learning.

 

 

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

 

My mother has always pushed herself to be the best and encouraged me to do the same and never give up.

 

 

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

 

Ether. Being an anesthetic means helping people not feel pain and it was the first real anesthetic that helped people make it through life saving surgeries

 

 

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

 

Don't be afraid to ask. It's always better to ask if you don't know because not knowing is never an excuse when it comes to patient care.

 

 

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

 

I love to travel, I've visited every continent except Africa, Australia, and Anartica.

 

 

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

 

ibuprofen

 

 

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

 

Love in the times of cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

 

 

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

 

Google

 

 

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

 

Our wedding, it was the best party I've ever been to!

 

******************************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Minhee Kang is a Clinical Pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.  She is also a member of WMSHP Membership Committee.

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

 I was a healthy kid when I was young and didn’t have to go to doctor’s office that often. The first person in white gown I saw was a pharmacist in our neighborhood. He seemed to know everything and was able to answer all the questions we had. I wanted to be someone just like him who knew a lot of things and was kind to everybody.

I chose my profession because I can connect the dot between people and medicine.

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

 

 Being able to work as a team to help others is the best part of my job. I am fortunate enough to have the best coworkers to help me and advise me not only for my work, but also for my life as a whole.

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

 

 My husband was the one who encouraged me to go back to school to accomplish my dream. He is always by my side to help me and give me advice whenever I need it.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

 

If I was a drug I would be an acetaminophen because it is available to everyone and it is simple and safe enough for common use yet is still powerful.

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

 

I still consider myself as one of new practitioners. I may tell the same thing I tell to myself. Always try your best to keep update your knowledge but also find a way to relax and have fun. Also, don’t forget your own family.

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

 

  Walking, watching TV, traveling and also chatting with good friends and family

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

 

 None actually

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

 

It is hard to choose one specific book because most of the books I have read have changed my life in some way.

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

 

 Google

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

 

Pharmacy school. I spent most of our savings on my school tuition but it made me who I am and brought me to where I am now.

 

******************************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Vicki Ly is a Clinical Specialist Pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.  She is WMSHP 2014 President.  She is a long standing member of  WMSHP since 2001 and is also Preceptor to PGY I residents and pharmacy students.

 

 

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

I chose the pharmacy profession because I have always enjoyed health science and biology.  After volunteering at Washington Adventist Hospital during my college days and seeing the pharmacists at work I knew this is what I would like to do for a lifetime career.

 

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

The best aspect of my job is working with the CCU team and cardiology team in making significant, pharmaceutical care changes to the patient's medication therapy.

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

The most influential person in my life is my Father.  His advices, experiences and teaching have shaped my current philosophy.

There are also many other influential mentors in my life as well as God.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

I would like to be a drug that cures all types of cancers.  

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

My advice for new practitioners starting out is to never stop learning.  Being flexible, kind, open minded as well as having good, ethical work behaviors are all positive traits for a successful career.

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

When I am not in the pharmacy, I enjoy playing the piano, ballroom dancing, flower gardening, baking and of course being active in WMSHP society!

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

I always carry Ibuprofen (Motrin) with me.

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

The book that have changed my life is Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen.

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

I cannot live without Micromedex.

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

The most extravagant spending that I have done are traveling and ballroom dancing competitions.

 

 

***************************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Roberta Taylor is a clinical pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.  She is also WMSHP Facebook Master, WMSHP photographer and a member of WMSHP Membership Committee.

 

 

 

1.   Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

My father is a pharmacist, and growing up I always wanted to do everything he was doing. I always wanted to be in a profession where I am helping people, so I chose pharmacy to be like my dad and help others feel better.

 

 

2.   What is the best aspect of your job?

The best aspect of my job is  knowing that my clinical decisions are helping someone improve their health.  I enjoy talking to patients when I can, and developing performance improvement projects to help improve my department and organization.

 

3.   Who is the most influential person in your life?

My parents are the most influential persons in my life.  My father is the type to always "keep it real".  I appreciate that quality most about him because it has shaped me into the person I am today.  My mother has the most gentle and calming spirit I know.  She is my very own personal cheerleader.  Many have told me I am "lucky" to have the parents I have.  I do not consider it "luck", it is truly a blessing.  God does not mistakes, and it was in his will to bless me with wonderful parents to guide me to greatness. 

 

 

4.   If you had to be a drug what would it be?

The drug I would be is still in clinical trials.  The scientist are still in the lab mixing chemicals together that would allow all people on earth to love one another and not hate.  Once that awesome pill is made, the world will surely be a better place.

 

 

5.   What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

Ask a lot of questions, do not be afraid to say "I don't know", and try to remain positive when the going gets tough.  

 

 

6.   What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends in my down time.  I also have a passion for photography and hope to display and sell my photos in the near future.

 

7.   What drug do you carry with you all the time?

I do not normally keep medication with me, however I have a lifetime supply of Benadryl and IBU at home

 

8.   What is the book that changed your life?

"The Points of Power" by Yolanda Adams. This book takes stories from the bible and applies them to everyday life.  While reading the book, I felt like it was written just for me.  I have applied some of the lessons learned in the book and it has improved my outlook on life tremendously.

 

9.   What is the one resource you cannot live without?

FacebookJ

 

10.               What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

Louis Vitton duffle bag.  Every boss lady must have one!

 

************************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Sarah Kelly is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at Joint Base Anacostia Boiling. She is also WMSHP 2014 Secretary and Co-Chair of the Publication Committee.

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

I have always loved science, especially chemistry, and I liked the prospect of working in the healthcare field. I was attracted by the opportunity to combine my passion for the hard sciences with the chance to care for patients.

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

 The best aspect of my job is helping patients understand their medication therapy.  I love it when the light bulb goes off and they smile!

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

 My mother worked so hard for us growing up, and her positive example throughout no doubt influenced me immensely.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

I would be nitrous oxide because I like making people laugh and smile.

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

 Volunteer to do things that you ordinarily wouldn’t do.  You will grow and be surprised at how much you will learn.

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

 I qualified for the Boston Marathon at the Marine Corps marathon this fall so running is a large part of my life.

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

 I keep Tylenol (acetaminophen) in my purse just in case I need it.

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

 I wouldn’t say it changed my life, but the Bible has certainly shaped it.

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

 I have the Lexicomp App on my iPhone that I use multiple times a day while working on the pharmacy line.

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

Our wedding was pretty fancy, and totally worth it!

 

***********************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Abou-Zeineddine is a long time member of WMSHP.  She is currently a Clinical Specialist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.  She is also WMSHP 2014 President-Elect.

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

I have always been interested in Medicine since before I was 10 years old. I always wanted to help improve people’s quality of life. I especially empathized with the very young and elderly population because they are so vulnerable. I have always had a deep interest in the sciences. One day at the university I saw a brochure describing the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. The rest is history.

 

2.  What is the best aspect of your job?

The best aspect of my job is that I continue to learn and to teach on a daily basis. I am applying my interest in science, imparting information to other healthcare professionals and making a positive impact on patients by helping to improve their quality of life.

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

The most influential persons in my life are my Mother and Grandmother. I have always strived in all aspects of my life to live up to their expectations. My happiness and success in life have always been of vital importance to them. They expected nothing less than goodness, spirituality, empathy and generosity to others as well as a high moral standard.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

I would be buspirone. I like to have a calming effect on others.

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

My advice to the new practitioner is to work hard and continue to learn and grow. Be proactive and don’t slow down.

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

Outside of pharmacy, I like to read classical novels, cook and watch romantic comedies as well as action movies. Not that I get the chance to do that. One day, I’m going to read War and Peace by Tolstoy.

 

7.  What drug do you carry with you all the time?

I don’t carry any drug. Hard to believe I’m a pharmacist!

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

I forgot the exact name of the book that changed my life. Something about the Metaphysics of Morals by Emanuel Kant. He changed my way of thinking about doing one’s duty to others; not necessarily doing your duty to those you love, but to humanity as a whole. He made me change my mind about my definition of doing my duty.

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

I love using “Up to Date”. It includes comprehensive information about pathophysiology, diagnosis and pharmacotherapy.

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

I spend a lot of money when I travel. My plane ticket alone is up to $1750.00.

 

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Dr. Rikki-Leigh Gaudet is a Clinical Pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center where she is a member of the Critical Care team.  She is also a member of WMSHP Nomination Committee

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

In college I became interested in human health, but I wasn't sure exactly what career path to take.  However, as I watched my grandparents frequently access the healthcare system, and fill prescription after prescription at CVS, I realized what a large role medications have in many people's lives.  It became clear to me that I could have a significant impact on patient's well-being by becoming a pharmacist.

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

I am really fortunate to work at a large institution that has very complex patient cases.  I find it very rewarding to round with an interdisciplinary team, and to help ensure the patients are getting optimal care during their ICU stay.

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

My grandmother reminds me to always look on the bright side of things.

 Through two breast cancer recurrences, and the death of her husband, she still has a positive outlook and manages to be the life of the party.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

Lipitor.....or at least the patent holder.  I'd never have to count my pennies again!

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

You are never going to be able to know everything about every drug.

It's better to spend the time becoming skilled at knowing where to find an answer.

 

6. What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

I like hiking with my dog, cooking, and keeping current with Hollywood gossip :)

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

Ibuprofen

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

Stiff by Mary Roach.  The book is about the different uses of cadavers in science.  Although it sounds really morbid, it's a pretty fascinating read.  And, if I were ever on the fence, it convinced me not to donate my body to science (excluding organ donation).

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

For pharmacy, I would say Up to Date.  It's good for basic drug information, and can be used as a starting point to find primary literature sources.

For life, GPS.  I still only know one route to each location in Washington Hospital Center.  I'd never be able to drive away from home and return without GPS.

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

LASIK. Best decision ever.

 

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Dr. Laura Zendel is a BCPS Clinical Pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.  She is also a member of WMSHP Membership Committee and one of WMSHP Mentors for first year Pharmacists, Residents, Fellows and Students.

  

Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

 

When I was in undergrad, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I liked science, specifically chemistry and biology, and I also knew that I had some interest in healthcare because my mom was a nurse.  There was some buzz about pharmacy careers floating around, so I made an appointment to meet with the dean of the pharmacy school to find out more about the profession.  After this meeting, I discovered that there was much more to pharmacy than “pushing pills” and decided that it would be a good fit for me.

 

What is the best aspect of your job?

 

I love the variety of patients that I get to see on a daily basis in the ICU setting of a large hospital.  I love to be able to hear their stories and then make recommendations to optimize their medication therapy.  It’s also great to be able to interact with other members of the team such as physicians, residents, and nurses and to be appreciated as part of this team.

 

Who is the most influential person in your life?

 

The most influential person in my life is probably my brother.  I would be a completely different person if it wasn’t for him and he is someone that I am thankful to have in my life every day.

 

If you had to be a drug what would it be?

 

This is a funny question because some of my coworkers have actually given each other drug name nick names.  Mine is Lortab… hopefully because it’s a great pain relief when I am around.

 

What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

 

Read. Read a lot.  And ask a lot of questions.  Be very patient with everyone - especially coworkers, patients, prescribers and nurses. Don’t burn bridges because the pharmacy world is a very small one.

 

What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

 

I play soccer and I also enjoy cooking and baking      

 

What drug do you carry with you all the time?

 

Ibuprofen or artificial tears

 

What is the book that changed your life?

 

There are many, but one that sticks out is “The 360 Degree Leader” by John Maxwell that I read while in the pharmacy leadership academy.  It put a whole different spin on what leadership actually is and showed that your title is not what dictates your leadership potential.

 

**********************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Sharon Tomlinson is a new member of WMSHP. She is currently a Clinical Pharmacist at Kaiser Permanente-Transitional Care Clinical Pharmacy Team division.

 

Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

 

I always enjoyed chemistry and other natural science courses.  I can recall as early as fifth grade, I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist.  I imagined myself at the counter mixing and measuring to produce ointments, powders and pills.  Although our practical application as pharmacists has changed I still love my profession and feel grateful for the opportunities we have to make lives better.

What is the best aspect of your job?

 

Working with patient’s to improve their health and hopefully inspiring them to take good care of themselves to prevent so many of the preventable diseases we encounter daily.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

 

My mother and father collectively

 

If you had to be a drug what would it be?

I’d choose to be one of the great foods we can enjoy.  Perhaps I’d be a blueberry or avocado.  Although these are not drugs they are medicinal products for our bodies and I strongly feel by changing our dietary course we drastically alter our health.  I’d like to see fewer people relying on medications to treat preventable diseases. 

What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

Learn our profession.  Try different fields of pharmacy.  I am a true believer in the assets attained from working in different areas of pharmacy.  Hospital, retail, clinical and other areas of pharmacy all help us to develop professionally.  I always suggest my students work in a pharmacy while in school if possible.  It’s unbelievable all that we learn from these types of experiences.

 

What activites do you like to do outside of pharmacy?     

I’m a “foodie”.  I love to eat and I enjoy trying new restaurants and sampling new cuisines.  I’m a huge fan of the Food Network and I also enjoy cooking.  This doesn’t mean the foods I like are always complicated or complex.   I truly appreciate food that is prepared well.  Sounds simple but when I experience this, I’m impressed.

 

What drug do you carry with you all the time?

Centrum Silver

 

What is the book that changed your life?

The Good Earth

 

What is the one resource you cannot live without?

Computers! 

 

What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

My most extravagant spending has been my children’s college tuition.  Although,  I guess I would consider this more of an investment than extravagance.
 

**********************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Adelanke Adebusoye is a recent new member of WMSHP.  She is currently a Clinical Pharmacist IIat Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

 

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

    I chose to be a pharmacist because to me it’s the most flexible, less stressful, most

    rewarding and intellectually challenging career that offers you the opportunity to reach

    out to the helpless and less fortunate 

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

    Making a difference in the lives of the clients we encounter on a daily basis as well the

     establishment of a good working relationship with other healthcare providers

    (professional collaboration)

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

     God! I don’t know what life would be like without him in it

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

    Unfortunately that drug is yet to be manufactured. I’d like to be a drug that can “cure”

     all ailments

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

    The pharmacy profession is what you make of it, be the best    that you can be!

 

6. What activites do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

     Meditating, watching movies, shopping and sleeping,” nothing like a good old nap” 

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

     Multivitamins

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

    The Bible and it’s an ongoing transforming process. “Work in progress” 

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

     Food, “I love food” I told my mom a joke when I was little, I said everyone eats to live but I live to eat  

 

 10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

       To be honest, I think it’s happened more than once, and I can’t begin to count them. 

        I’m too ashamed to even share J but thanks for inquiring

 

 

**********************************************************************

 

 

Dr. Ruba Dajani is a recent member of WMSHP and also a member on the Membership Committee. She is a clinical pharmacist/non-traditional resident at Medstar Washington Hospital Center

 

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

 

 I chose the Pharm.D. program because I loved the versatility of the degree. There are many different career paths you can    take and it's a secure job worldwide.

 

 

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

 

 Being directly involved in patient care. I love the fact that we round on an interdisciplinary team as the drug experts, and have a direct influence on patient outcomes. 

 

 

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

 

 I don't necessarily have a "most" influential person but top of the list would include my parents, my uncle, and my best friend.

 

 

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

 

 Epinephrine- an adrenaline rush.

 

 

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

 

Keep an open mind no judgements, maintain good communication even if it's not reciprocated, it's work not personal, have a solid work ethic, and plan many happy hours. 

 

 

 

6. What activites do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

 

 bikram yoga, reading, exploring new restaurants, rooftops, or lounges, and traveling

 

 

 

7. What drug do you carry with you all the time?

 

  Advil

 

 

 

8. What is the book that changed your life?

 

 Again, I can't really say one book. I love learning about different perspectives/opinions, it provides more insight on how the mind works which is the most fascinating element in this universe. Some of the books that have left a lingering impact are The Prophet, The Alchemist, Seven Types of Ambiguity, and the Life of Pi. I have yet to read The Grand Design, I need more time for that one.

 

 

 

9. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

 

 Water 

 

 

 

10. What is the most extravagant spending you have done?
 My car

 

 

**********************************************************************

 

 

Marina Chang is a long time member of WMSHP. She was formerly the Team Leader for the division of FDA's OTC Drug Products before her recent retirement. She has over 36 plus years of expericence with the Veterans Administration Medical Center and FDA and has been actively involved with WMSHP and the American Chinese Pharmaceutical Associations throughout the years.

 

Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

 

Because this profession is very challenging, flexible and provides a lot of new revenues/career paths.

 

What is the best aspect of your job?

 

To see my patient who was diagnosed with "prisoner syndrome" to get well and discharged from the hospital while I was monitoring him with the Total Nutrition Team" at VAMC.

 

Who is the most influential person in your life?

 

My mother

 

If you had to be a drug what would it be?

 

Aspirin

 

What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

 

Never afraid to accept new challengers and the sky is the limit

 

What activities do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

 

Traveling (especially foreign travel), painting and various hand crafts

 

What drug do you carry with you all the time?

 

None

 

What is the book that changed your life?

 

Really can not think of one. Each book I read can contribute to some changes in my life

 

What is the one resource you cannot live without?

WiFi and internet

 

What is the most extravagant spending you have done?

 

Brought multiple different diamond bracelets at the same time

 

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Mr. Leon Vandenberg is WMSHP 2013 President.  He has been a long time member of WMSHP and is currently the Lead Pharmacist at Ellicot City, Sheppard Pratt Health System.

 

Why did I choose Pharmacy?  Actually mistakenly I thought it was only a two year course…too late, I realized that it was only pre-pharmacy.

What is the best aspect of my job?  I enjoy every aspect in being involved in many leadership areas of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, managing the pharmacy, and the clinical aspects of my job. I have had a large number of students over time and I enjoy passing what knowledge I have onto them. When it comes time to hang up my smock, I can honestly say that I chose a career that I have totally enjoyed.

Who is the most influential person in my life? I don't really know. The one person that I have been with for the past 41 years, my wife Barbara, has probably had the most influence on me.

If I had a drug what would I be? I have never thought of that. Every drug has it side effects and like all drugs, I have my rough edges. I don't think I could pick one.

What is my advice to new practitioners? The one I give to all my students..DO NOT STOP LEARNING. In my 42 years of pharmacy the world of medicine has changed tremendously. I would expect with technology, the next 40 years will see the same. We need to keep up and organizations as WMSHP help us.

What are my outside activities? This could be longer than my work history. I love being outside working on my property, growing plants from seeds for my garden, construction on my houses, fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and did I mention bee keeping. I am a member of Seed Savers Exchange. I have caught some citation size Rockfish, and am a member of Montgomery County Bee Keepers Association. I will be demonstrating bee keeping at the Montgomery County Fair this August.

What drug do I carry with me all the time? I don't carry a drug with me..I have very little need for them.

What book has changed my life?  I can't think of one. Currently I read a lot about bee keeping and plant development.

What is the one resource I cannot live without? Probably my car or pickup

What is the most extravagant spending I have done?  Going into business for myself.

 

 

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Dr. Lisa Peters is a clinical pharmacist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. She has been a member of WMSHP since 2010. She is also the Secretary-Treasurer of the District of Columbia College of Clinical Pharmacy.

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

I chose the pharmacy profession because I enjoy biology and chemistry and I wanted to work with patients to improve their health.

 

2. What is the best aspect of your job?

The best aspect of my job is working as part of the medical team to produce the best outcome for the patient.

 

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

The most influential people in my life are my parents- they taught me to work hard at everything I do and always show kindness to people I meet.

 

4. If you had to be a drug what would it be?

If I was a drug I would be penicillin, because penicillin changed the whole world of medicine so that a simple infection did not have to be a death sentence.

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

For new practitioners I recommend being open to new experiences and career paths you might not have expected- pharmacy is a varied and changing field and offers many opportunities to expand your knowledge and help patients in new ways.

 

6. What activites do you like to do outside of pharmacy?

Outside of pharmacy I like to volunteer in the community, lobby Congress about poverty issues with the organization RESULTS, and participate in hip hop dance classes.

 

7. What is the book that changed your life?

The book Mountains Beyond Mountains changed my life- it is about the physician Paul Farmer, who was able to transform the health care system in Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

 

8. What is the one resource you cannot live without?

This book strengthened my desire to work in the health care field helping people who are disadvantaged. I cannot live without my husband- I met him in 2005 and we have been a happy couple ever since!

 

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Dr. Doris Voigt has been a long time member of WMSHP. She is currently the Regional Pharmacy Academic Affairs Coordinator for Kaiser Permanente and is also a member of WMSHP Programming Committee.

 

1. Why did you choose the pharmacy profession?

Pharmacy is a way to combine Physics, Math, Chemistry and Biology while helping others.

 

2. Where do you practice?

Currently I work for Kaiser Permanente Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. as Academic Affairs Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

 

3. What is the best aspect of your job?

My job allows me to stay current and up to date while assisting students and new practioners to enhance their skills.

 

4. Who is the most influential person in your life?

Many have influenced and mentored me. I’ve been lucky.

 

5. What is your advice for new practitioners starting out?

New practioners must stay clinically competent as changes will occur in the Profession of Pharmacy. It is not enough to know the clinical practice guidelines; you need to be able to show that you have skills by certification. Third party payers will one day require it. Networking is also important. Sometimes opportunities come because you are in the right place at the right time. Market yourself for future opportunities.

 

6.What activities do you like to do outside of work?

Serving and supporting professional organizations is important. Professional organizations have a voice in federal and local legislative bodies that influence the practice of pharmacy.

 

7. What awards have you received in pharmacy that you are proudest of?

Alumnus of the Year for Contributions to the Profession of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy Preceptor of the Year from University of Maryland

 

8. What is the event that changed your professional life?

My professional outlook changed when I earned my non-traditional Pharm D.

 

9. What resource(s) do you prefer to use most?

Micromedex and MD consult

 

10. What changes will best support the Profession of Pharmacy in your opinion?

Provider status is crucial to the profession. All too often the public sees pharmacists as merchants. We are health care professionals.