As ICHP's Northern Regional Director-elect, I will be working with the affiliate presidents and champions of this region to address membership and activity needs. I will also be facilitating communication with Schools of Pharmacy located within this region.

Practice site
I am a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Coordinator at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.  I work directly with the healthcare team to provide consistent patient care that ensures the appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety of patients’ medication use. I participate in daily team huddles that proactively address patients’ needs and problem solve how best to meet the needs of high-risk patients. In addition, I follow my passion of teaching and giving back to the profession by precepting pharmacy students and residents.

Tell us about a time where you made a difference in patient care/at work/with ICHP.
I am an advocate of patients actively participating in their own care. Early in my professional development, I realized that I can make a positive impact by empowering patients to make decisions and to instill a sense of control over their personal health. I once had an elderly patient who was unable to adhere to her medication regimen due to a combination of pill burden and the complexity of her regimen.  I patiently went through the medication list and explained the indications for each of them in a way she could understand.  We made a chart and organized medications that she can take in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I involved her in the decision-making process and addressed her questions and concerns.  At the end of our conversation, I got a sense that she had a better understanding of her medication regimen.  She also felt more confident in participating in her own self-care. A few months later, I met this same patient at the hospital cafeteria.  I was surprised that she remembered me by my first name and was very appreciative of what I had done for her.   
 

Tell us a story about how you selected pharmacy as your profession.
I was drawn to the pharmacy profession by seeing how accessible pharmacists are to people. When I was in high school, I remember going to a community pharmacy and being overwhelmed with the number of OTC products available.  I went up to the pharmacy counter to consult the pharmacist.  The pharmacist stepped out and walked with me to the aisle while asking me questions about my symptoms. Ultimately, he recommended a medication for my symptoms. He went a step beyond to explain how the product works, how I should take it, and what to do if my symptoms did not improve. In the years that followed, I learned more about the profession while shadowing pharmacists. I learned about the different opportunities that are available within the field and the ways pharmacists can provide care to patients. I also liked how pharmacy is a very respected profession.  

Why did you join ICHP?
When I moved to Illinois from California I wanted to get involved and network with pharmacists in the Illinois community. A few of my colleagues were active members of ICHP and seeing their involvement in ICHP got me interested in this organization.

What makes ICHP great?
I think ICHP is resourceful.  The organization provides countless opportunities for pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacists. Through my involvement in ICHP, I have been able to personally benefit from the networking, leadership, and continuing education sessions.  ICHP provides a platform to grow professionally, share ideas with fellow members, and realize that together we can do a lot to advance our profession.

Who would you like to give special thanks to for making you who you are today in your career?
Special thanks to my family for their unconditional love and support! I would also like to thank Dr. Tien Ng and Dr. Angela Rosenblatt for being excellent mentors to me throughout pharmacy school. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Hina Patel for her endless support during my pharmacy residency, Dr. Nora Flint for being a positive influence in my career, and Dr. Kathryn Schultz, who has inspired me to expand my leadership influence within and outside of the institution where I work. I really admire each of their personalities and their commitment to the pharmacy profession.

 
What advice do you have for a student?
Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.

What are your special interests/hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy working on DIY projects

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
I love Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, although I also love trying different cuisines. 

What are 3 adjectives people use to describe you?
Determined, diligent, empathetic. ■