Rachel Murdock

Her Story

Dr. Murdock received her PharmD degree from the University of Kentucky. She then went on the complete her PGY1 in Pharmacy Practice and PGY2 in Ambulatory Care at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Upon completion of residency she stayed on at UIC as a clinical assistant professor in the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Clinic. She now splits her time between the MTM clinic and the Family and Community Medicine Clinic. She has also obtained her board certification as an ambulatory care pharmacist.

Facility

The University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System encompasses both hospital and clinic facilities. This is closely integrated into the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. Through work as an ambulatory care pharmacist and faculty member, a typical work week includes precepting, teaching and completing projects and research in addition to direct patient care.

Recent Significant Projects

 Dr. Murdock is currently working on two research projects with her MTM colleagues. One focusing on medication error mitigation provided through the medication therapy management clinic and the other looking at the cost effectiveness of MTM services for diabetic patients. She also serves as a participating research pharmacist in an NIH funded prospective randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of health coach and telehealth pharmacists visits on the health outcomes of patients with diabetes.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

Dr. Murdock initially became involved with ASHP as a student pharmacist and is currently a member of the Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners Educational Steering Committee.

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

I first became involved in ASHP as a student and have found great professional value in it ever since. Now after completing training and establishing my career I have shifted my focus to contribution to the organization.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

My advise for a new ambulatory care pharmacist would be to keep a "peripheral brain" of everything you learn through patient interaction and colleagues--you never know when it will come in handy!

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague?

ASHP’s mission is to advocate and support the professional practice of pharmacists in all settings and it is exactly what the organization does. They not only provide resources but also a community to empower pharmacists to come alongside this organization on their mission.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

The value of ASHP can be seen in their dedication to the forward progression of the profession. Through their advocacy work and committees such as the educational steering committee, this organization ensures there are resources available to help all pharmacist practice at the top of their license.