When Life Takes You Where You Least Expect
Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming. What if you pick the wrong one? What if you change your mind halfway through? Dr. Stephen Small knows this struggle all too well. Today, he’s a pediatric clinical pharmacist specialist—a role that puts him at the heart of caring for some of the most vulnerable patients: children. But here’s the twist: back in pharmacy school, pediatrics was actually the one area he steered clear of. Why? Because he was terrified of making a mistake that could harm a child.
So how does someone go from avoiding a specialty out of fear to embracing it with passion? Dr. Small’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the path you never planned on can become the one you’re meant for.
From Pharmacy Graduate to Pediatric Advocate
After earning his PharmD from Butler University, Dr. Small dove into residency training—a demanding, hands-on experience that sharpens pharmacists’ clinical skills under the watchful eye of experienced mentors. This training is split into two years: the first offering broad exposure to different areas of hospital pharmacy, the second allowing for specialization.
During his first year at Denver Health, a required rotation in pediatrics changed everything. “That experience opened my eyes,” he recalls. “I realized how crucial pharmacists are for supporting kids and their families during some of their toughest moments.” This shift steered him away from his original interest in infectious diseases and firmly into pediatrics—a field he now champions with unwavering dedication.
A Day Packed with Purpose and Challenges
Now based at Denver Health Medical Center—a busy Level 1 trauma center—Dr. Small’s days are anything but routine. He leads pharmacy services across inpatient pediatric, neonatal, and obstetrics units. Whether it’s rounding in the NICU or PICU alongside doctors and nurses or jumping into emergency situations like trauma calls or urgent deliveries, no two days look the same.
He also plays a vital role in nutrition management for young patients and passes his knowledge along as a clinical assistant professor, guiding pharmacy students during their pediatrics rotations. It’s a demanding role, balancing fast-paced decisions with compassionate care.
Facing Hard Truths, Finding Meaning
Working with children in critical conditions comes with emotional weight. “I’ve witnessed families endure their worst nightmares,” Dr. Small admits. But despite the heartbreak, he finds profound meaning in his work. “Being part of a team that saves lives—even when the odds are stacked against us—is incredibly rewarding.”
His passion doesn’t stop at bedside care. Dr. Small and his team recently published a paper advocating for more clinical pharmacists in obstetrics, highlighting a gap in care for pregnant patients—a group with rising risks and complications. Their research shines a light on how pharmacists can make a real difference in improving maternal and newborn health.
Words of Wisdom for Future Pharmacists
Dr. Small encourages aspiring pharmacists to keep an open mind. “Explore every opportunity—even the ones that seem intimidating or outside your comfort zone. And lean on your mentors. Their guidance is invaluable as you navigate your pharmacy career.”
If you’re inspired by Dr. Small’s journey and want to explore the world of pharmacy further, don’t miss out on the wealth of resources at Pharm4Me. Sign up for their newsletter to stay connected with the latest insights and opportunities.
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