YHPS: What does your job entail? How did you get passionate about it?

 

AM: My job as a pharmacist working for the army focuses on counseling patients, consulting with doctors, screening for interactions, and sometimes managing the pharmacy. This is my first time working in a hospital setting and I love it! I worked years in retail and had already developed a passion for helping others during those years, before even considering pharmacy school. Then I went to school and absolutely enjoyed it. I love working for the military and interacting with vets, soldiers, and families.

 

YHPS: Where do you see your field progressing in the next five years?

 

AM: I see my field becoming more focused on the clinical care of a patient, which may entail more one-on-one counseling with patients, even in the retail setting. I can also foresee the automation of processes coming more to the forefront of day-to-day operations. I still think pharmacists will be an integral part of the health care system.

 

YHPS: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing your organization right now?

 

AM: I think the biggest challenge as well as opportunity for change lies ahead for us as BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) becomes more of a reality, as Walter Reed closes and we open up a bigger hospital very soon. Change is not always easy and I feel that it can be cause for stress. Fear of the unknown is never fun. However, I see this also as a very exciting time and a chance to make things even better as more resources are becoming available, and more people will be called to work together to reach a common goal of serving our soldiers and vets and their families. 

 

YHPS: Do you have any other work experience in the health field?

 

AM: I have some experience in other areas such as working as a consultant pharmacist for the nursing homes, working as a long term care pharmacist, and of course, retail pharmacy... where it all began for me! 

 

YHPS: What is your educational background?

 

AM: I went to school in one of the greatest places for a college student, let alone pharmacy student, to go: Boston. It was chock full of students, as there is well over 70 colleges in the same city, plus lots of places to go and see. I went to school at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

 

YHPS: What are your long term professional interests?

 

AM: My long term professional interests include becoming even more of a clinical pharmacist, as well as serving as a mentor for new pharmacists, aspiring students, and other pharmacists-to-be. I would also like to take on more of a leadership role and help make the patient experience the best it could be.

 

YHPS: What tips would you give young professionals just starting out in the health field?

 

AM: I would say to others starting out in the health care field to never lose the quest to learn new things and make things better. I also think it’s a good idea to cultivate the idea of doing more than is asked. I would remind them that it is important to take vacations and rest when necessary because the health care field is often demanding (and get your sleep! :).

 

YHPS: What are your other interests and hobbies?

 

AM: I have many hobbies outside of work such as working out, watching movies, traveling, and being active as much as possible. I just took up cycling and yoga, which I absolutely love!