Meghan Garrett

Leadership Skills and Professional Goals

What qualities make you an outstanding leader? Quality leaders focus on people and long-term goals. They are effective communicators who are innovative, creative, and challenge the status quo. Above all, they drive you to become a better person through their example.

How did you develop your leadership skills? My leadership experiences started with encouragement from upper classman. I was very enthusiastic and wanted to be involved to get the most out of my pharmacy school experience. I asked student leaders how I could help out with their projects. This opened the door to many experiences where I could serve as a leader.

How do you continue to cultivate your leadership skills? I am continually trying to improve myself and frequently evaluate my strengths and weaknesses. I look for new experiences that will challenge me and get me out of my comfort zone.

What are your short term professional goals? My short-term professional goals include completing a PGY-1 and possibly a PGY-2 residency and obtaining BCPS certification. After that I hope to become a faculty member at a School or College of Pharmacy, as well as practice clinically within an acute care setting and precept students.

What are your long-term professional goals? Long-term, I hope to take on a management role as a residency program director or a director of pharmacy. I also plan to stay very involved with local and national pharmacy organizations and would love to be an ASHP board member one day.

Professional Involvement

• ASHP Council on Pharmacy Practice, Student Member 2015-2016
• Phi Lambda Sigma-Gamma Sigma Chapter-President 2014-2015
• Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists, President, 2013-2014
• Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists, President-Elect, 2012-2013
• American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, Operation Immunization Chair, 2013-2014
• American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, Operation Immunization Vice-Chair, 2012-2013
• American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Chapter, Treasurer 2013-2014

Honors and Awards

• National Clinical Skills Competition, 2015
• Phi Lambda Sigma-Gamma Sigma Chapter Member

Advice for Future Student Leaders

Many assume that only those in elected and appointed leadership positions can lead. While these positions are well suited for leadership, the title is not important. Anyone, in any position, can be a leader. John C. Maxwell said, “Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less.” As long as one can inspire and motivate others, they can offer leadership. Go to meetings and events at your school. Go the extra mile to help out and get to know people. This will open the door for many leadership opportunities.

Contact Information

If you have any questions for Mrs. Garrett, she may be contacted at: meghan.garrett@my.uu.edu.