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Leadership Profile
Katelyn Conklen, PharmD

What is your current leadership position in ICHP?

Sangamiss Society President and a new member of the ICHP Marketing Affairs Division

What benefits do you see in being active in a professional association such as ICHP?  What initially motivated you to get involved in ICHP?

I always knew I wanted to get more involved with a professional organization.  After moving to Springfield, IL and participating in Sangamiss Society continuing education (CE) programs, I found that ICHP is a large organization within the pharmacy community, and it had a lot to offer a new practitioner. 

The top 5 reasons why I am active in ICHP are to:

1.            Strengthen my career through CE opportunities

2.            Network with others at ICHP meetings and events

3.            Advocate for my profession on health care legislation and regulation

4.            Reach out to my community through community service

5.            Develop my leadership skills through volunteer leadership positions

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

St. Louis College of Pharmacy

Where have you trained or worked?

I completed a PGY-1 residency program at St. Louis Veteran Affairs Health Care System, and I am currently employed at Memorial Medical Center as a Critical Care Pharmacist.

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting.

I am a clinical pharmacist in the SICU at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.  I complete daily rounds with the Trauma and Neurocritical Care team. On the SICU unit, I provide support for the staff including verifying orders, answering nurse and physician questions, and participating in codes.

Is there an individual you admire or look up to or a mentor that has influenced your career?

Zachary Stacy, Associate Professor at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, was a mentor to me as a student and a resident. He helped me find my passion for clinical pharmacy and helped me get more involved in professional organizations.

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

Get involved!  Getting involved allows you to network, discover your interests, reach out to the community, advance patient care, and strengthen your future career.

What pharmacy related issues keep you up at night?

•             The treatment of elevated intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury
•             Blood pressure management in stroke patients
•             Vasospasm treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

Hunting, fishing, traveling, running, and spending time with my family

Do you have a favorite restaurant or food?

Magic Kitchen - Thai Food

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Cedar Rapids Lodge in Black Duck, Minnesota.  It’s a great place to fish, boat, and spend time with family. My parents have been traveling there since they were young kids, and now it’s a tradition for our family and friends to travel there every year.

What is the most interesting/unique fact about yourself that few people know?

I am a big hunter and outdoors-woman.

What 3 adjectives would people use to best describe you?

Outgoing, hardworking, educator