For Lindsey Groff, a University of Texas College of Pharmacy student, flexibility was the big sell for selecting her career. Though she weighed various healthcare careers, pharmacy emerged as the top choice—not only because of its flexible work schedules, but also because of the diversity of practice environments and the fact that she enjoyed chemistry.
A closer look at Lindsey’s path from a curious high schooler to an aspiring clinical pharmacist is below.
How it all began
Lindsey’s introduction to the pharmacy world started when she was a high school pharmacy cashier. She was attached to the surroundings from day one and felt that she had discovered a career she could fully love.
To become more skilled and knowledgeable, she obtained a license as a pharmacy technician and began to work more frequently at a pharmacy. A guiding pharmacist supervisor counseled her initially, and with her guidance, she developed skills and confidence.
Her aspiration: clinical pharmacy with a mission
Lindsey hopes to work as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy. In addition to the practice of pharmacy, she’s also interested in precepting future pharmacy students and being able to impact patient care positively.
Selecting the proper pharmacy school
For Lindsey, selecting a pharmacy program wasn’t simply a matter of rankings. She also considered academic strength, the school’s reputation, the quality of its alumni network, and distance from her family. All of these considerations played into her ultimate decision.
The power of mentorship
Mentorship has been a staple of Lindsey’s experience. Her initial mentor, the high school pharmacist she worked for, was instrumental in informing her about the pursuit of pharmacy. Now, she is consistently around professors and professionals who help continue to influence her personal and professional development.
She feels that it’s worth everything to have a mentor who puts time and effort into your future. Pharmacy is a huge profession, but also an extremely intimate network where people and mentoring are everything.
What she enjoys most about pharmacy school
One of Lindsey’s preferred parts about pharmacy school is being able to resolve tough patient cases. She enjoys being challenged to be creative and critical in a supportive learning environment where there are usually several possible solutions to an issue.
Collaboration is everything
Whether in the lab, classroom, or student organizations, Lindsey works with her fellow students often. They are not only her project group but also her biggest support base during the program.
Life outside the textbooks
Aside from studies, Lindsey enjoys being outdoors. Hiking and fishing are her favorite means of unwinding and refueling from the pressures of school.
Words that influenced her
She was given some advice during high school that has remained with her to this day: never accept anything less than your aspirations. It’s something that still fuels her path today.
Advice for high school students contemplating pharmacy
Lindsey encourages students at the high school level to consider pharmacy as a career path. She recommends that students shadow a pharmacist in their area or speak with someone working within the profession to better understand what the profession entails. With so much opportunity and expansion, pharmacy is definitely an option to consider.
Final thoughts
Lindsey’s journey from pharmacy technician to aspiring pharmacist is one of commitment, inquisitiveness, and passion for assisting others. Her journey illustrates that it’s possible with proper mentorship, practice, and attitude that advancing a career in pharmacy can be professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
Also Read : Empowering Women: 5 Compelling Reasons Women Pursue a Career in Pharmacy
