Christie Schumacher

Christie’s Story

Dr. Schumacher received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Michigan. She also completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy. Dr. Schumacher is a member of the Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners’ Section Advisory Group on Medication Therapy Management in the Community (MTMC).

Facility

Dr. Schumacher is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy and a Clinical Pharmacist at Advocate Medical Group Southeast in Chicago, Illinois. She is currently working in a patient-centered medical home alongside six physicians, a cardiologist, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, a pharmacist, a nurse educator, and a dietitian to provide chronic disease management for a variety of internal medicine disease states, including, but not limited to, heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.

Significant Projects

Dr. Schumacher is currently conducting research on the pharmacist’s role in the patient-centered medical home and drivers that affect pharmacist workload in the patient-centered medical home. She is also working in collaboration with the University of Iowa on the MEDication Focused Outpatient Care for Underutilization of Secondary Prevention (MEDFOCUS) study.

Dr. Schumacher has recently completed a book chapter in the AADE Desk Reference, 3rd Edition on “Transitions of Care in Diabetes.”

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

“The pharmacist’s role in ambulatory care is continuously evolving. Utilize professional organizations and stay involved to help build your professional network and remember that the learning process did not stop once you graduated or finished residency, it only began. Keep abreast of current literature and guidelines to help you sustain and further expand your knowledge base. Also, consider finding a physician champion to help you identify the needs of the clinic, if you are looking to start or expand your services. When you are first starting out, I would recommend focusing on one specific area and once you demonstrate success, then many more doors will open for you. It is important to prove your worth early through focused endeavors, instead of trying to attempt too many projects at once and not reaching your goals.”

“Once you get established at your site, don’t forget about students and residents. Precepting can be a great way to strengthen or maintain your clinical knowledge base and they can assist with a variety of the clinic tasks, freeing up more of your time for higher level activities and projects. It’s a great learning experience for both.”

Involvement in ASHP

“I became involved in ASHP as a student interested in residency training and for networking and professional development opportunities. I have stayed involved for the same reasons and now have enjoyed the additional educational opportunities for ambulatory care pharmacists.”

ASHP’s Value to Members

“ASHP provides excellent opportunities for advocacy, continuing education, networking and professional development. Whether you are just starting your career or a seasoned practitioner, ASHP has a strong organizational framework and provides a variety of opportunities for professional growth and development.”