BSPS Career Exploration, Part 1: Pharmacy Careers
Pharmacy is more than a profession—it’s a powerful way to change lives, solve real-world challenges, and shape the future of healthcare. At this inspiring career exploration event, you’ll hear firsthand from pharmacists who turned their passion into purpose. Learn about their educational journeys, the twists and turns of their careers, and the limitless opportunities the field of pharmacy offers. Whether you're just starting to explore or already planning your path, this is your chance to see what’s possible—and what’s next.
Panelists
Dr. Sidney Drake, PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident at OSUWMC
I am a PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident at OSUWMC. I went to Ohio State for both undergraduate and pharmacy school, and I am now completing my residency training at the medical center (triple buckeye!). As an ambulatory care resident, I rotate through different clinics throughout the week, including family medicine, anticoagulation, lipid management, and more. I lead visits for patient care under collaborative practice agreements and adjust medication regimens as needed to achieve patient health goals. I am passionate about advocacy and enjoy working with underserved populations to improve their access to care.
The College of Pharmacy provided me with a solid foundation to further my education as a resident, and the mentors and friendships I formed at Ohio State have had a profoundly positive impact on both my professional and personal life. Go Bucks!
Dr. Shanee Patel, Independent Community Pharmacist at Clinic Pharmacy
My name is Shanee Patel, and I’m a recent OSU PharmD graduate (class of 2025). I have taken on the role of an independent community pharmacist at a pharmacy in Downtown Columbus called Clinic Pharmacy. I love having the title of the most accessible healthcare provider, and it really shows when caring for my patients.
Ohio State’s BSPS program and PharmD program truly made me the best pharmacist I could be. I felt very prepared entering the workforce due to the faculty, staff, and my peers supporting me for the past 7 years. Excited to chat with everyone on the panel!
Dr. Michael Stoffiere, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Emergency Medicine at Cleveland Medical Center
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended the Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. I was involved in the college of pharmacy throughout my education, being a part of the Early Admissions Program, living in pharmacy house, working in the office of student affairs, speaking on panels, and joining the first class of the combined degree program. After finishing my PharmD, I went on to complete PGY1 and PGY2 residency at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, specializing in emergency medicine. I am now an emergency medicine clinical pharmacy specialist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, a large, academic level-1 trauma center that cares for around 100,000 ER patients annually. When I'm not running around the ER, you can find me out on long walks with my cat, longsword fencing, trying new coffee shops, listening to audiobooks, or visiting my fiancé in New York City.
Going into pharmacy, I knew that I wanted the well-rounded background of a full-length bachelor's/doctorate. While there are several 6-year programs in the state and nationwide, I had (and still hold) many academic interests outside of just the field of pharmacy. The BSPS program allowed me to take pharmacy-oriented classes as early as my first semester while still enjoying electives such as concert band, classical Greek mythology, and history of art. The BSPS program also had the unique feature of making the massive institution of Ohio State feel much more personal. Yes, I had classes with 600 other undergraduates for microbiology, but I also had a wonderful advisor (Katie Watkins!) who knew my name, interests, and was available to chat with at any time. The PharmD program at Ohio State is consistently rated as one of the top in the entire country. Compared with programs which my co-APPE students completed, the OSU PharmD program excelled in teaching disease-states, pathophysiology, microbiology and inpatient management. This strong scientific and medical knowledge base is critical for creating the next generation of talented clinicians. If I had to go back in time, I would absolutely still pick the BSPS/PharmD program at Ohio State.
Dr. Alice Tan, PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital
I am currently a pharmacy resident at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital. Currently in my general medicine rotation, I collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to optimize medication therapy for hospitalized patients. My role includes monitoring drug therapy for efficacy and safety, applying evidence-based guidelines to complex cases, and providing education to both patients and providers. This experience has not only strengthened my clinical skills but also reinforced my commitment to being a compassionate, knowledgeable, and adaptable pharmacist. The foundation I built at OSU prepared me well to take on these responsibilities and to thrive in residency.
I completed both my undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy training at The Ohio State University through the Early Assurance Program, which allowed me to pursue a 7-year accelerated path to my PharmD. Choosing OSU was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. Not only did the College of Pharmacy challenge me academically, but it also offered countless opportunities for professional growth through research, leadership, and direct patient care experiences. I was fortunate to learn from faculty and preceptors who were deeply invested in student success, and I developed lifelong connections with peers who shared my passion for advancing pharmacy practice.