PHARMACY

MS in Hospital Pharmacy, 1988
Vice President Business Development & Strategy
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: I had already received my bachelor’s degree and was working in a hospital. I met several people who were part of Wayne State’s master’s program and I respected them as colleagues so I investigated the advanced degree. Once I learned more, I knew that pursuing a master’s would be the best way for me to obtain a management role and work in a leadership capacity. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue pharmacy?

A: I loved science and chemistry. One day I walked into a pharmacy and I saw the profession as an opportunity to continue to pursue my interests in science and chemistry.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Ron Lukasciewicz. We had to redesign a pharmacy in his class and what I learned really stuck with me. I redesigned so many pharmacies throughout my career.

Q: Share some reflections about your college years.

A: When I was at Wayne State, I rediscovered the characteristics that defined who I was. I found what I was passionate about and this, coupled with the knowledge that I gained plus the connections I made with professors and colleagues, afforded me with many opportunities in my career. Wayne State ignited my love of management and leadership and made me who I am today.  

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: There have been many changes since I graduated. 1) A recognition of pharmacists as the drug therapy and medication safety experts. 2) Pharmacists becoming more involved in advocacy issues. 3) The complexity of medications has been exponential.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I consider the good fortune that I have had collaborating with highly respected colleagues locally, across the state and nationally to be one of my greatest career highlights. Additionally, the leadership opportunities that I have had in hospitals, health systems and professional organizations, such as serving as President for ASHP.

Q: What advice would you share with current students?

A: 1) Don’t underestimate what you can accomplish! 2) Don’t let opportunities pass you by! 3) Say YES! You never know how one opportunity will lead to another.

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The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process or the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.