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Membership Spotlight
Meet Billee Samples
Leadership position in ICHP: ICHP Sangamiss Chapter President; I plan all the meetings for our local chapter of ICHP in Springfield.
Practice site: Clinical Pharmacist at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. I work on different units throughout the hospital including the stroke floor, ICU, cardiac floor, intermediate care unit, general floor, and really all over the hospital.
I made a difference: My biggest impact to patient care is implementing a penicillin allergy skin testing protocol at my practice site. Since implementing this protocol and making this testing available, many patients have been able to receive the most appropriate antibiotics for their infection. This also helps to decrease resistance to antibiotics in the future.
Why pharmacy is for me: I decided I wanted to study pharmacy my senior year in high school. My oldest sister first told me what she did as a pharmacy technician and about the pharmacist with whom she worked. I went on a college visit to SIUE and fell in love with the campus and location. I enjoyed what pharmacy had to offer with being in the medical field but avoiding the surgical aspect of being a doctor. I know I made the right choice becoming a pharmacist because I love going to my job every day and making a difference in patient lives. I love being a lifelong student and sharing my knowledge of pharmacy with those I precept. I am excited to continue my growth as a pharmacist and advance the profession of pharmacy.
ICHP is crucial because: It gives a voice to pharmacists in Illinois and allows for the advancement of pharmacy as a profession. ICHP has many great resources for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through learning via conferences and community events. It allows for networking and connections to be made so that others may share information and success stories with one another.
First time joining ICHP: I initially joined ICHP as a student pharmacist. I began going to the Sangamiss chapter events as a P4 pharmacy student and loved the environment of networking at the meetings and the learning they provided. I went to Legislative Day as a student pharmacist as well and enjoyed meeting the representatives and senators. I thought it was important for them to know what the profession of pharmacy is and give them information on the items they would be voting on in the future.
Special thanks to Zachary Samples for making me who I am today in my career: Zachary Samples is my husband and he is also a pharmacist. He has encouraged me throughout my career as a pharmacy student, resident, and still today. He has listened to every presentation and read everything that I have done throughout my schooling and career without complaint. He continues to give me advice and support during the hard times at work. He is a pharmacy manager and demonstrates what a true pharmacist should look like. Even during his most trying days, he keeps a positive attitude, loves his profession, and cares for patients. I love that we can discuss our days and give each other support.
Advice for a student: I would tell student pharmacists to enjoy yourselves and learn as much as possible. Keep your mind open to residency and never avoid doing something just because you do not think you will make it. I almost did not complete a residency because I was nervous to apply; however, it is one of the best decisions that I have ever made for my career.
My special interests or hobbies outside of work: My newest interest is spending time with my new daughter, Avalynne. She is now five months old and I love seeing how much she grows and learns every day. My husband and I have enjoyed taking her to the zoo and pool this summer. We go on walks with our puppies and cuddle with our kitties. I also enjoy reading, boating, crossfit, and being outside.
Favorite place to vacation: My favorite place to vacation is Hawaii. My husband and I spent 14 days traveling to four of the Hawaiian Islands for our honeymoon. We were able to experience many new things including ziplining, volcanos and lava, hiking, swimming, a helicopter ride, laying at the beach, Pearl Harbor, and many other fun activities together. We hope to go back soon! ■
