Company and Department: Astellas, Medical Affairs, Americas
Current Role: Associate Director, Medical Communications
Alma Mater: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, Class of 2005

During pharmacy school, I developed a strong interest in clinical pharmacy and academia. In addition to completing the standard coursework, I served as the liaison between our class and the faculty to facilitate communication of course concerns and questions. I also collaborated with a faculty and a pharmacy resident specializing in psychiatry on a research project where I assisted with screening the study patients against the inclusion criteria. I began to evaluate career pathways that would help me prepare for academic pharmacy.

Upon graduation, I participated in a PGY1 residency at the North Chicago VA Medical Center in North Chicago. After completing the residency, I accepted a faculty position at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy and practiced as a clinical pharmacist in the Internal Medicine unit at the North Chicago VA Medical Center. I gained valuable direct patient care experience, precepted pharmacy students and residents, and taught in the pharmacotherapy course at the University. To further advance my professional development, I also obtained a board certification for pharmacotherapy (BPS).