Meet Scott Micek, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS! He’s a hospital pharmacist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, a professor at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and the director of STLCOP’s Center for Health Outcomes Research and Education.
Dr. Micek agreed to take us behind the scenes to showcase a day in his life as a pharmacist. Read on to learn more about his career path, day-to-day duties, and advice for aspiring pharmacy students.
Why Pharmacy?
Before graduating high school, Dr. Micek didn’t consider pharmacy as a career option. He was passionate about football and accepted a partial athletic scholarship to Mankato State University. However, his father encouraged him to develop an alternative career plan. That’s when he spoke with a college advisor who introduced him to pharmacy programs at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy.
With guidance from pharmacy students, he decided to pursue pharmacy school and applied to the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. While studying, he worked at an independent compounding pharmacy, gaining firsthand experience in community and home health pharmacy.
What Type of Pharmacist Is He?
Dr. Micek specializes in intensive care medicine as a hospital pharmacist. He is part of a patient care team, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and social workers. His role is to ensure patients receive the correct medications at the proper doses and times.
He compares his teamwork in patient care to his football experience—everyone has a unique role to play. His job is to make medication recommendations that optimize patient outcomes and minimize risks.
A Unique Career Path
For 15 years, Dr. Micek worked full-time in a hospital intensive care unit. In 2013, he transitioned into academia, becoming a professor at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. He teaches pharmacotherapy and guides students in evaluating research studies that inform clinical decisions.
Additionally, he continues practicing in a hospital setting 12–14 weeks a year, mentoring pharmacy students. His research at the Center for Health Outcomes Research focuses on improving patient care through data analysis and predictive modeling.
What He Loves Most
Dr. Micek values the relationships he’s built—whether short-term with patients or long-term with colleagues and students. His most rewarding days include seeing patients recover and watching students apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Challenges in Pharmacy
The most challenging days involve unexpected patient outcomes. Sometimes, a medication recommendation may result in an adverse reaction. Healthcare providers make decisions based on the best available data, but unpredictable patient responses require constant learning and adaptation.
As a professor, Dr. Micek also navigates the complexities of student mentorship. He believes in the power of face-to-face interactions and advises students to seek guidance beyond digital communication.
Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists
Dr. Micek encourages pharmacy students to build relationships and explore various pharmacy fields. He recommends seeking diverse experiences, such as working in hospital settings or engaging in research projects.
He also emphasizes that pharmacy extends beyond dispensing medications—it includes business, technology, and patient interaction. Understanding these aspects can lead to a fulfilling career in pharmacy.
Common Misconceptions About Pharmacy
Many people assume hospital pharmacists only dispense prescriptions, but Dr. Micek’s role involves far more. He actively collaborates with healthcare teams, manages patient medications, and contributes to clinical research.
For those interested in hospital pharmacy careers, exploring career resources can provide valuable insights into the field. Dr. Micek’s journey demonstrates that pharmacy offers diverse opportunities in patient care, research, and education.
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