There are so many different types of careers within pharmacy—ranging from research and drug development to pharmacy informatics. If you’re curious about some of the more unique career settings in this field, you’ll want to check out the Novel Pharmacy Practice Settings page, where you can explore exciting pathways like integrated health-community paramedicine.
In addition to learning about unique roles online, you can also hear directly from pharmacists who’ve carved out their own inspiring career paths. Today, we’re highlighting Olufunke Sokan, PharmD, whose work is making a real difference in patients’ lives.
A New Way to Care: Mobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine
Dr. Sokan is an advanced practice pharmacist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In her role, she helps patients transition safely back home after a hospital stay—meeting them where they are most comfortable.
What makes your practice setting unique?
I work as part of a mobile integrated health-community paramedicine (MIH-CP) program. This patient-centered approach brings health services directly into patients’ homes after they’ve been discharged.
It’s a true transition of care (TOC) model and involves a multidisciplinary team. We have community paramedics in the field and a remote operations center made up of physicians, nurse practitioners, community health workers, and pharmacists.
One of the most unique aspects is the way we use technology. We’ve relied on telehealth tools long before the pandemic, allowing us to deliver care seamlessly. Everyone on our team can access and document in the same electronic medical record (EPIC), which improves communication and care coordination.
Pharmacists also help train community paramedics in medication reconciliation—another way this model empowers the whole team.
What Led You Here?
I’ve always been passionate about helping underserved and disadvantaged populations live healthier lives. My career path has been shaped by that commitment.
It’s no coincidence that I now work with West Baltimore residents, one of the most medically underserved communities in Maryland.
To prepare for this role, I earned a Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK and later completed my PharmD at Shenandoah University. I also pursued a hospital-based residency and built experience in hospital care, ambulatory care, and psychiatry.
A Day in the Life
Most days start with reviewing patient cases in EPIC and discussing them with pharmacy students and residents. This involves looking over hospital stay notes, discharge summaries, and medication lists.
When I find medication changes or potential issues, I reach out to the patient’s primary care provider and community pharmacist to ensure everything is updated and accessible.
Throughout the day, I use telehealth to connect with patients. During video calls, I provide medication therapy management, reconcile medication lists, offer counseling, and answer questions.
I also help address barriers like transportation, medication costs, or prior authorizations—anything that might get in the way of adherence. My goal is to keep care coordinated and patients supported.
The Best Part of the Job
The most rewarding aspect is seeing patients feel more confident about managing their medications. When they understand their treatment plans and feel empowered to take charge of their health, we can prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.
The Most Challenging Part
The hardest part is hearing how patients often have to make impossible choices—like paying for medications or buying groceries. It motivates me to connect them with resources they may not know exist.
How to Learn More
If you’re interested in this unique area of pharmacy, start by joining organizations like APhA and ACCP. They have special interest groups and networks where you can meet professionals in similar settings and learn about career opportunities.
Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists
If you’re a student pharmacist curious about this field, try shadowing pharmacists in the area you want to explore. Stay active in student organizations, and remember: network, network, network!
For high school or college students considering pharmacy, know that it’s a diverse field with so many ways to make a difference. Pharmacists play a vital role on care teams, improving patient outcomes through comprehensive medication management.
If you’re passionate about helping people and creating positive change, pharmacy could be the perfect path.
Making an Impact: A Story from Practice
One patient I worked with had multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes. During her hospital stay, her insulin dose was reduced. She was discharged with a 30-day supply of the adjusted dose, but when she requested a refill, the pharmacy sent her the old dose by mistake.
She called me when she noticed the discrepancy. I immediately contacted her primary care physician, who sent in the correct prescription. Without this intervention, she could have ended up back in the hospital.
It was a reminder of how critical communication is during transitions of care—and how pharmacists can prevent harm simply by staying vigilant.
Also Read : How This Pharmacist Uses Her Experience as a Girl Scout to Better Serve Her Patients and Students
