Practice Site:
VA Maryland Healthcare System
Position / Title:
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Reasons for selecting this career path:
I wanted to be involved in direct patient care, but I didn’t want to be just another ancillary provider. I wanted to be able to provide a service that no other provider can offer. As medication experts, pharmacists are in the perfect position to manage chronic disease states and improve medication use and patient quality of life.
Interest in the NPF Executive Committee:
I went to pharmacy school with the goal of becoming a pharmacist practitioner. On the first day of pharmacy school the Dean said, “Pharmacy practice hasn’t changed in the state of New York in the last 30 years.” That statement motivated me to become actively involved with ASHP, an organization whose mission parallels my own career goals. I was a Student Forum advisory group member and have been a member of the NPF Communications and Public Affairs Advisory Group for the last two years. I saw the Executive Committee as an opportunity to become more directly involved with the advancement of pharmacy practice.
Professional Interests:
Nephrology
Benefits of being involved in ASHP as a New Practitioner:
The ASHP NPF provides a myriad of practice resources. It allows members to network with other new practitioners as well as seasoned practitioners. It gives new practitioners a chance to voice their opinions and make a difference in their profession.
Fun Fact:
I don’t like reading the plaques at museums.
Contact email: lagarris@gmail.com