Meet Sallie Blair, Pharm.D, BCNP, a nuclear pharmacist who found her calling in one of the most specialized and little-known fields in pharmacy: nuclear medicine. From retail pharmacy to compounding radioactive materials that help diagnose and treat serious health conditions — her journey is a story of curiosity, courage, and unexpected turns.
Let’s hear it from Sallie herself — how she found her way into nuclear pharmacy and what makes her job so rewarding.
Why Pharmacy? Why Not Something Else in Healthcare?
“For me, it all started in high school,” Sallie recalls. “I loved science, and I was drawn to medicine. But when I started learning how medications interact with the body and how they’re used to treat disease — that’s when pharmacy clicked.”
Sallie saw pharmacists not just as medication experts, but as essential players in prevention and patient care. “We’re on the frontlines,” she says. “And pharmacy is anything but boring — it’s always evolving.”
What Exactly Is Nuclear Pharmacy?
“Nuclear pharmacy is a unique branch of pharmacy where we prepare and dispense radioactive materials,” Sallie explains. These materials are used in nuclear medicine — a field that helps detect, diagnose, and even treat certain diseases like cancer, thyroid disorders, and heart conditions.
At first glance, a nuclear pharmacy might resemble a traditional one. But instead of measuring out pills in milligrams, nuclear pharmacists measure radioactivity in millicuries (mCi). Instead of handing medicine to a patient, they prepare injectables or capsules and deliver them to hospitals or imaging clinics, where trained technicians administer the doses.
There’s another twist: the hours. Most nuclear pharmacies open very early — Sallie’s team starts around 1:30 AM and wraps up by mid-afternoon. They also remain on-call for emergency scans on weekends or holidays.
But it’s not just about prepping and shipping. “We work closely with nuclear medicine departments. We help interpret the prescriptions, explain the medications, ensure safety, and even pick up radioactive waste,” Sallie shares. “There’s a whole system working together.”
Is It Dangerous?
Understandably, people often wonder: Aren’t radioactive materials risky?
Sallie’s answer: “Safety is built into everything we do.” Most compounding happens behind leaded glass, using shielded tools and containers that block radiation. “Lead is our best friend,” she laughs.
There’s also intensive radiation safety training, starting when you join and continuing every year. “With the right precautions, exposure is minimal,” she assures.
So… How Did You Even Discover Nuclear Pharmacy?
Sallie admits it wasn’t part of her original plan.
“There was one nuclear rotation offered in pharmacy school — but it wasn’t nearby, and we never learned much about it in class. So I kind of brushed it off,” she says.
Then came a chance encounter. “I was working retail when a nuclear pharmacist came in. He was confused about his insurance cards — and that sparked a conversation.” She was curious, visited his pharmacy early one morning… and fell in love with the practice.
“I was hooked. When a job opened up, I applied, trained for six months, and eventually got board certified,” Sallie smiles. “One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
What’s the Best Part of Your Job?
“Oh wow… where do I start?” she laughs.
From adapting to new compounding guidelines, to learning about emerging radiology treatments, Sallie thrives on the challenge. “It’s never boring. The science is incredible — and we’re always growing.”
She also treasures mentoring students. “I love teaching. Watching a student light up with curiosity during a rotation — that’s magic. And when they go on to train and become your colleague? It’s emotional. I’ve cried proud tears more than once.”
Most Rewarding Moment?
Sallie doesn’t hesitate: “It’s knowing you’ve helped someone — whether it’s easing someone’s thyroid symptoms, helping a cancer patient manage pain, or diagnosing a heart condition early.”
That, and the thrill of seeing students fall in love with the field. “When you realize you’ve inspired the next generation, it’s deeply fulfilling.”
Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists
“I’ve been told many times: You can do anything you set your mind to. And it’s true.”
Sallie believes in staying steady, staying curious, and always going the extra mile. “Don’t be afraid to try something new — even if it sounds intimidating. That’s where growth happens.”
In nuclear pharmacy, she says, you sometimes face unclear instructions or new investigational drugs. “You learn by doing, by collaborating, and by staying open-minded. My personal motto is:
‘Tell me and I’ll forget. Teach me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.’”
Final Thoughts
Sallie’s journey reminds us that sometimes the best career paths are the ones you never expected. Nuclear pharmacy may sound niche or even intimidating — but for Sallie, it’s a place where science, service, and purpose meet.
And who knows? The next time you hear “radioactive,” you just might think “life-saving.”
Also Read : Talking Shop with Jamila Jorden, PharmD — Why Today’s Pharmacists Do Far More Than Fill Prescriptions
