Leadership Profile - Scott Bergman
August 15, 2012
Where did you go to pharmacy school?
South Dakota State University (2004)
Trace your professional history since graduation.
After graduation, I completed residencies in Pharmacy Practice & Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy at West Virginia University Hospitals and School of Pharmacy. I have worked at SIUE School of Pharmacy since 2006. I teach an infectious diseases integrated pharmacotherapeutics course there and I have an adjunct faculty appointment at the SIU School of Medicine as well. I recently developed a PGY2 infectious diseases pharmacy residency at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and received an award from the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists in support of it.
Describe your current area of practice and practice setting.
I go on rounds at both Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. I primarily see inpatients with multi-drug resistant or refractory infections that have complex anti-infective therapy needs. I also counsel outpatients at an international travel clinic and teach students how to give vaccinations.
What initially motivated you to become active in ICHP?
Honestly, I don’t know. I have always surrounded myself with those who were active in organizations and I wanted to be like them. I also like to know what is going on. For me, the benefits of having added knowledge and a network of friends and colleagues outweigh the time commitment involved.
What advice would you give to a new practitioner or student eager to become more involved within ICHP?
Don’t be afraid to volunteer and don’t get frustrated if things don’t move as fast as you would like. In my experience, you either feel like you have little to contribute at first, or you feel like nothing happens when you do give input. Listen to what is going on around you, and then speak up when you feel ready. Eventually change will occur because of your efforts but keep in mind that progress moves slower in different environments.
Is there an individual you admire or look up to, or a mentor that has influenced your career?
Well, my mom was the first person I remember being involved in organizations. Then it was my older sister telling me about her experiences in professional associations, so now I am taking on a family tradition. My older brother is a pharmacist and my professors and preceptors were also great role models for me.
As a newer practitioner, what is your vision for pharmacy in the future?
In my lifetime, I would like to see all pharmacists across the profession take on more responsibility and be more accountable for medication therapy outcomes.
What three adjectives would people use to best describe you?
Courtesy of Jen Arnoldi: analytical, inquisitive, and family-oriented (if that is an adjective). Otherwise Chris Herndon, Lisa Lubsch and Katie Ronald all liked “dapper”.
Do you have any special interests outside of pharmacy?
I love baseball and travel. I have been to 41 states and about a dozen stadiums, but that pace has slowed down considerably since I had my daughter, Allison (2.5 years old) and son, Evan (born March 31st).
Do you have a favorite restaurant/food?
I like lots of things, but lasagna and steak are what I crave most often.
What is your favorite place to vacation?
Hawaii because I can go hiking around volcanoes and swim at the beach in the same day. I just wish the flight wasn’t so long.
What is the most interesting/unique fact about yourself that few people know?
I was a college radio DJ for the alternative rock station and still enjoy following the modern rock music scene.
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