Shape your future through APhA Communities
By Rachel M. Carter, PharmD, MBA
My passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of student pharmacists is what led to my pursuit of a community-based pharmacy residency. I was exposed to academia during an APPE my final year of pharmacy school, and it was by far the most impactful experiential rotation that I had. From that point forward, I have actively pursued professional development opportunities to position myself for a successful career in academia. The most strategic and favorable decision that I have made during my career was completing my postgraduate training as a community-based pharmacy resident at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. Since joining the new APhA Academia Community, I have become involved in initiatives to advance the pharmacy profession and have met other professionals with similar passions.
Gaining confidence as an educator
My practice site is a federally qualified health center, known as PrimaryPlus, which serves the northeastern area of Kentucky and southeastern area of Ohio. I grew up in rural eastern Kentucky and have been fortunate enough to give back to this area during my time as the first PrimaryPlus pharmacy resident. PrimaryPlus is a unique practice site given that multiple locations have an outpatient pharmacy embedded within an ambulatory clinic. This practice model allows for a resident to be involved in an interprofessional, team-based approach to healthcare in a rural setting while engaging in a variety of clinical pharmacy programs. Current PrimaryPlus pharmacy services include medication therapy management, medication synchronization, remote patient monitoring, chronic care management, and compliance packaging.
My residency provided multiple opportunities for me to further develop my teaching skills and helped me gain confidence as an educator. I counseled numerous patients during the start-up of a new clinical service and precepted multiple student pharmacists, hoping to empower them in the pursuit of their passion within the profession as my mentors did for me.
Sharing my passion with like-minded pharmacists
When thinking about the end of my residency journey, I wanted to find a way in which I could still contribute substantially to academia. I chose to join the APhA Academia Community to share my passion for education and network with other pharmacists who share similar interests in advancing the pharmacy profession through instruction. The Academia Community has connected me with additional mentors from various institutions and has inspired me to present innovative ideas for curriculum enhancement at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. After the conclusion of my residency, I will transition into my new role at PrimaryPlus as a clinical pharmacist. I will also be joining the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy as an adjunct faculty member to teach an ambulatory care and community pharmacy elective that I designed during my residency year. I intend to become a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist and advanced diabetes practitioner in order to further advance my career.
Joining the APhA Academia Community and serving as a member-at-large has been an extremely rewarding experience. So how do you want to shape your future and that of the pharmacy profession? Whether you’re seeking mentorship, networking opportunities, or insights to advance your career, the APhA Communities provide the support and resources you need. Check out the 23 Communities and join today at
www.pharmacist.com/Membership/Communities.
Rachel Carter, PharmD, MBA, is a clinical pharmacist at PrimaryPlus in Morehead, KY, and is a member-at-large for the APhA Academia Community. Her professional interests include comprehensive medication management within the ambulatory care space and mentoring the next generation of student pharmacists. When not at the clinic, she can be found on the tennis court and golf course with her husband or spending time with her dogs.