VSHP Membership Spotlight

Serena Barden, PharmD, BCPS

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

I was an active member of the student VSHP chapter at VCU School of Pharmacy during my time in pharmacy school. After graduating, I continued my membership with VSHP due to the learning opportunities (ie CE’s and seminars). I also see the value in networking and fostering professional relationships within the pharmacy profession.

 

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

VCU School of Pharmacy

 

Where have you trained or worked? 

I completed a PGY-1 residency at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. After residency, I moved back to Richmond, VA and worked as an inpatient pharmacist with VCU Health Medical Center. I transitioned to a specialty pharmacist position with VCU Health Specialty Pharmacy where I worked primarily with solid-organ transplant recipients and patients with neurological conditions.

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

Currently I work as a consultant clinical pharmacist for a government contracting company. I consult with several state Medicaid programs on their PDL and criteria for use for drugs. I also complete drug information requests and contribute to company clinical publications.

 

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

I would encourage student pharmacists to take advantage of each opportunity to learn a new aspect of pharmacy. Oftentimes the career path you choose for yourself in pharmacy school is not exactly how things turn out. Embrace the journey and know you will always achieve what you decide to achieve.

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

I picked up baking during the start of the pandemic. I like to collect cookbooks and try new recipes each weekend.

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

I love OBX beaches! I try to go every summer with my friends and family.

 

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Lamar A. Johnson, CPhT

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

I was motivated by the opportunity to advocate for the advancement of Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia and for the networking opportunities.

 

Where have you trained or worked? 

I received my diploma of Pharmacy Technician Studies at Virginia College in 2013. Since then I have worked at an independent and chain retail pharmacy and am currently working at VCU Health.

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

I am a controlled substance technician. I am part of a small team responsible for dispensing, auditing, ordering, and monitoring the controlled substances throughout the health system, inpatient and outpatient.

 

What advice would you give to a new technician?

Be willing to learn and to take constructive criticism. It will only make you better and more knowledgeable of your profession.

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

I am a musician. I enjoy playing piano and drums and listening to all genres of music. I also love spending time with my 3 daughters doing outdoor activities whether it be sports or camping.

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Morro Bay, CA

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Rucha Bond

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

 

Before moving into an administrative role at VCU SoP, I was a residency trained ambulatory care practitioner. I have always found ASHP and the state associated organizations of VSHP to be my clinical home for professional activities.

 

 

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

 

The University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy

 

Where have you trained or worked?

 

Lovelace Sandia Health System; Albuquerque, NM

The University of New Mexico School of Pharmacy; Albuquerque, NM Belmont University School of Pharmacy; Nashville, TN

Tullahoma Drug Store; Tullahoma, TN

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy; Richmond, VA

 

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

 

I am currently the Associate Dean for Experiential Education and Associate Professor at VCU School of Pharmacy

 

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

 

FInd your passion in the practice of pharmacy and use that passion to better your community.

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

 

Running, Orange Theory (gym), reading, movies, chauffeur for my 3 kids

What is your favorite place to vacation?

 

Hawaii

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Lina Poindexter

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

I joined VSHP in order to build a network with pharmacy professionals across the state. I was especially interested in VSHP’s various opportunities to give back to the profession through continuing education webinars and mentorship programs.  

 

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

I attended Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Buies Creek, NC. One of my favorite aspects of attending school there was the opportunity for various learning opportunities and community service activities with other health care professional students such as DO, DPT, nursing, PA, etc.

 

Where have you trained or worked? 

I completed my PGY-1 residency at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA and have continued to work there after finishing my residency.

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

I have recently transitioned into a clinical staff pharmacist position that focuses on oncology, pain management, and palliative care. I am looking forward to establishing an advanced internal medicine rotation for students and residents that exposes them to the unique challenges of caring for patients with multiple co-morbidities such as cancer and chronic pain.

 

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

Consider what facet of pharmacy practice interests you and pursue it! It may be a certain area of pharmacy practice that you research and eventually publish a paper or perhaps you may spearhead an interprofessional endeavor with other healthcare professional students to provide clinical services for an underserved area. Do not just focus on checking off boxes to make yourself a competitive candidate for residency rather pursue opportunities where you can make a difference in your school and community!

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

I am an avid musician and love being able to combine my passion for classical music with Christian music as I play piano and lead choir at my church.

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Anywhere with my family! I especially enjoy international adventures and serving on medical mission trips.

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Gregg Morrow

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

Educational meetings and ability to network with colleagues around the state

 

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

Mercer University

 

Where have you trained or worked? 

Previous:

Medical/Surgical ICU at Lakeland Regional Medical Center

Clinical Coordinator for Carilion Health System; Roanoke, VA

Clinical Asst Professor UF-WPPD Program

Fellowship Preceptor for Massachusetts College of Pharmacy

Sanofi-Aventis CV-RML for VA/WV/Washington DC

Sanofi-Genzyme MSL in MS-Neurosciences for VA/WV/Washington DC

 

Current:

Pfizer CV/Metabolic Field Medical Director for VA/WV

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

CV/Metabolic-Field Medical Affairs for Pfizer in which I support education of HCP’s on disease state, on- and off- label information of our marketed products, and Pfizer’s pipeline and investigational assets

 

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

Pharmacy is a very diverse and rewarding career but has undergone significant change since I first started working in a pharmacy in 1978.  Depending on the goals and practice setting of the student, the student may want to consider PGY-1, -2, residency or even a PhD.

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

Hunting, Fishing, and Scuba diving.   I have a 5-year plan to obtain my commercial pilots license (currently have private pilot license) as a second career for after I retire

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Greece and stay home

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Michelle Knizner

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

I joined VSHP through VCU’s Student Chapter of Virginia Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (SVSHP) during my P1 year. Since I have work experience in retail pharmacy, I wanted to learn more about clinical and health systems pharmacy. Our SVSHP chapter offers a shadowing program and various pharmacist panels, so I have learned more about clinical pharmacy positions. Throughout school, I have enjoyed becoming more involved with VSHP and SVSHP, as I have had the opportunity to gain leadership experience, participate in Legislative Day, present at the VSHP Fall Seminar, and join the Mentorship Program.

 

What school are you attending and what year? 

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Class of 2022 (P4)

 

Do you currently work in a pharmacy and if so what practice setting?

I have been working for the CVS SimpleDose Pharmacy (retail practice setting) in Ashland, VA for over a year. As one of two interns at this site, I have learned more about the operations behind compliance packing and have contributed to the dispensing process at the high volume store. Prior to working at the CVS SimpleDose, I worked at Kroger for 4 years as a pharmacy technician and intern. 

 

What advice would you give to a P1 student or someone interested in pharmacy school?

My advice for students just starting their pharmacy journey is to become involved in organizations and to gain hands-on experience. Working, volunteering, and/or shadowing in the field of pharmacy you are interested in helps you to learn and verify your interests. 

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work and school, I enjoy running, golfing, watching baseball, and trying new restaurants.

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

I enjoy spending time at the beach, and I have had the opportunity to travel to Florida throughout pharmacy school!

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Empsy Munden

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

My pharmacist employment was at MCV Hospitals in Richmond (1972) and then at Chesapeake General in Chesapeake (actually open the pharmacy with Lloyd Ruona, Pharmacy Director-  from Winchester Hospital) in Jan 1977  -- we stocked an empty pharmacy area with medications and got the IV Hood up a running a week before the opening.   I joined VSHP in 1974 or so because it was an opportunity to be with other hospital pharmacists and see what was happening in their hospitals.   I also joined VPHA  for similar reasons and because many of my pharmacist  colleagues and mentors were members.

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

VCU- MCV – Medical College of Virginia – in 1972 when the P-72’s graduated…. YES that will be FIFTY – Five-Zero years next year 2022-  that we have been Pharmacists with all the changes and challenges – THE BEST PROFESSION  - in my opinion

Where have you trained or worked? 

Under grad -  William & Mary and Longwood and ODU

MCV-VCU hospitals, Chesapeake General Hospital, Omnicare Pharmacies (Comp-U-Dose & several other names- currently CVS/Omnicare and some part-time with PharMerica, Sentara LongTerm Care and little retail coverage on occasion.   Volunteering for the professional organizations (VSHP, VPHA, VBMRC)

 Currently only doing volunteer pharmacist work with the Va Dept. of Health -VDH – with the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps- VBMRC as a vaccinator and pharmacist volunteer.    Follow a few neighbors to their MD visits and provide a Medication Review report to them for the physician if requested. 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:  see above- RETIREMENT ROCKS… Volunteering Great…  organizations seem to love Pharmacists--- which works well for me…

Also staying involved with your neighborhood-- Cape Story by the Sea my civic league (I was president for a decade with July 4 parades, Santa in the Park, Oyster Roasts, helping neighbors and causes… still active but NOT the PREZ!!)... stay active in CITY citizen organizations from the CAC- Citizens Advisory Committee- with the Police 2^nd precinct – monthly meetings to discuss precinct crime/concerns,  VB Bayfront Advisory Commission  etc… If you live there, GET active there… Have a VOICE

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

YOU Have Chosen (or it may have Chosen YOU) a GREAT Profession-  you can do amazing things for your patients, neighbors, schools, churches… be the role model you can be. Stay up to date on the medications/diseases, be active in your professional organizations and YOUR Community, be a resource and reasonable person to ALL.  Encourage possible consideration of a Pharmacist career by example and by suggestion to someone that you believe would embrace the profession.

Of course, a daily walk on the Chesapeake Bay (ME) or any trail or neighborhood with outside venues preferred is healthy for body and soul… with a nice beverage of your choice as a reward for another day being alive and moving ….   

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

Think I have addressed that above in my ramblings

What is your favorite place to vacation?

That would be my Pinkhouse on the Chesapeake Bay looking at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel where my evening view is the sunset over the first tunnel in the Summer.  Virginia Beach has always been a favorite vacation spot when growing up in Blackstone, Va.  Knew there was that summer week at Virginia Beach.   Took some time but moved to Va Beach as a resident in 1977 and been here ever since.   Trips to Australia and England with tour from Normandy to Paris to Austria to Belgium and Germany was a Great Adventure and enjoyed immensely but I am quite content on the Bay every day now.

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Jenna Marshall

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

I am very interested in pursuing a career in hospital pharmacy and possibly doing a residency. I found that my VSHP chapter offered countless opportunities to learn about all health system pharmacy avenues that you can pursue.

 

What school are you attending and what year? 

I am a rising P3 at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy.

 

Do you currently work in a pharmacy and if so what practice setting?

I worked in retail for 4 years and just recently left for a job working in an inpatient hospital pharmacy.

 

What advice would you give to a P1 student or someone interested in pharmacy school?

Keep an open mind! You may think you know exactly what you want to do with your pharmacy degree when you start, but consider all your options- you never know what might peak your interest.

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

I love trying new food spots and breweries around Richmond!

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Anywhere that has a beach

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Darlene C. Shields

 

What initially motivated you to join VSHP?

I was initially motivated knowing I could earn CEs by attending Fall/Spring Seminars. A pharmacist informed me how interesting the topics were and a great networking of meeting other technicians and pharmacist in our area.

Where have you trained or worked? 

I have worked for Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News, VA) as a Senior Lead Pharmacy Technician for over 20 years.

I have also, taught pharmacy technician at New Horizons Adult Education Center (Hampton, VA)

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

I work in the inpatient pharmacy as the primary chemo IV pharmacy technicians and assist daily in the IV room preparing infusions, TPNs and routine IVs.

 

What advice would you give to a new technician?

The advice I would give to a new technician would be to gain as much experience in all aspects of a pharmacy technician. The pharmacy technician are given more responsibilities, as well as expanded. Don’t limit yourself!

 

The following fields have been added as a pharmacy technician duties/responsibility such as:

• Ø  Medications to Beds,
• Ø  Emergency Room – Medication Reconciliation Technician,
• Ø  IV Compounding Specialist,
• Ø  Diversion Technician Specialist,
• Ø  Pyxis – Automation Technician,
• Ø  Buyer/Purchaser,
• Ø  Pharmacy Technician Supervisor

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

My special interest are food critiquing, crocheting, reading, taking pictures and volunteering in my local community.

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

My favorite place to vacation is the Caribbean. I love taking pictures/watching the waves on the beach at sunset. I have a love of Caribbean foods.

VSHP Membership Spotlight

Lark Dunton

What initially motivated you to join VSHP? 

In school I was taught that I should maintain membership in my state and national organizations to help stay current on issues which impact the practice of pharmacy.  Later, I recognized it also is a good way to network.

  

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

Auburn University, Harrison School of Pharmacy

 

Where have you trained or worked? Sentara Hampton General Hospital, Winn Dixie Pharmacy (in Hampton), Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital

 

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital is the largest hospital in the Carilion healthcare system.  with 703 beds.  I am one of the pediatric clinical pharmacists, covering primarily the pediatric unit & pediatric ICU.  This is a children's hospital within an adult facility.  We do have a robust pharmacy residency program, as well as rotations for pharmacy students. 

 

What advice would you give to student pharmacists? 

Take the pediatric elective!  Pediatric pharmacy education is woefully under  represented and most of our learners come to us with little to no pediatric knowledge. 

 

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work? 

I play music (stringed instruments and keyboards) and sing.  I also love to travel, and usually take my fiddle with me!

 

What is your favorite place to vacation?

I haven’t found it yet.  Each place I visit is my new favorite!