Advocacy for all: Alumna Dana Wilkerson promotes pharmacy team wellness at OPA

Photo: Dr. Dana Wilkerson, right, receiving the NCPA Pharmacy Leadership Award.

If you’re a member of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy family, you may be familiar with the name Dana Wilkerson, PharmD, MS ’18, BCACP. 

Dr. Wilkerson is the acting president of the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA), where she has been penning advocacy letters and shouldering responsibilities across committees for a full decade. She took the helm of OPA in April of this year. 

“This is a monumental step for me,” Dr. Wilkerson said. “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was introduced to OPA as a student.” 

That introduction came during her fourth-year APPE rotation as a PharmD candidate at NEOMED. As soon as she saw how the association worked behind the scenes, she was hooked. 

“I remember telling staff at the end of that rotation, ‘You’re never getting rid of me,’” Dr. Wilkerson recalled with a laugh. 

She kept that promise.  

Bridging OPA and Ohio State experiences

During her PGY1/PGY2 residency at the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Wilkerson returned to OPA for a rotation, this time under the mentorship of then-Director of Government and Public Affairs Antonio Ciaccia. Together, they dove into the hard work of advocacy – attending interested party meetings for pieces of legislation and speaking one-on-one with lawmakers. 

“It opened a whole new side of pharmacy to me,” Dr. Wilkerson said. “At the end of my rotation, I testified at the statehouse for provider status and received a thank you note from Sen. Matt Dolan, who was a sponsor of the bill. That note still sits in my office because it really stuck with me to see the impact I could have.” 

One of Dr. Wilkerson’s residency advisors was Jennifer Rodis, PharmD, FAPhA, Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement at the College of Pharmacy and the immediate past-president of OPA. 

“Dana was bright-eyed and passionate from the first time I met her as a student at OPA,” Dr. Rodis recalled. “As colleagues in volunteer leadership at the organization, she and I have worked together to strengthen OPA’s infrastructure–updating bylaws, restructuring committees and improving communication pathways.” 

Ohio State’s connection to OPA runs even deeper than this presidential duo. Many of the college’s faculty, students, alumni and preceptors have long been active members and leaders.  

“All of our students are members of OPA and are required to attend the OPA Annual Conference and Trade Show in their first year,” Dr. Rodis said. “This is a wonderful way to get students exposed to professional engagement and understand what OPA contributes to the profession in the state of Ohio.” 

In addition to Drs. Rodis and Wilkerson serving as executive volunteer leaders, OPA’s membership is packed with Buckeyes, including shared faculty member Myriam Shaw Ojeda, PharmD; and E. Michael Murphy, PharmD, who serves as co-chair of the Legal and Regulatory Committee. 

During Dr. Wilkerson’s tenure, the College of Pharmacy will continue collaborating with OPA to support student development, shape strategic priorities and contribute expertise to legislative advocacy efforts.  

“I was thrilled to pass the torch of presidency to such a capable and caring human,” Dr. Rodis said. “Dr. Wilkerson has great ideas and executes at such a high level. I have full trust in her leadership.” 

Precepting the individual

A key focus for Dr. Wilkerson as a preceptor and leader is teaching future pharmacists to prioritize themselves. 

After completing her residency in 2018, she managed three outpatient community pharmacies in southeast Ohio, where she witnessed the challenges unique to the community pharmacy setting.  

“Our patients need us to advocate for their well-being, but so do our pharmacists, technicians – everyone on the team,” she said. “Those early experiences with OPA and community pharmacies gave me a deep empathy for not only patients and caretakers, but for pharmacy staff.” 

Now, as Specialty Pharmacy Manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Wilkerson emphasizes team wellness by protecting breaks and connecting staff with professional development opportunities.  

All Nationwide pharmacy administration residents are required to complete a rotation under Dr. Wilkerson, and she aims to instill mentees with the same self-prioritizing mindset. 

“Precepting is a big job. The role involves demonstrating and fostering learning and growth in trainees along their journey to becoming professionals,” Dr. Rodis said. “This involves how to care for patients; however, this alone is not what makes a professional—professional identity and understanding how to take care of yourself so you can take care of others is a hallmark.” 

Dr. Wilkerson credits mentors Drs. Rodis and Brigid Groves for helping her find that balance. 

“They emphasized that pharmacy is a lot of your life, but it shouldn’t be all of it,” she recalled. “Now, I teach my residents and pharmacy teams to lead and advocate for themselves.” 

Her ongoing involvement with OPA has helped her protect personal time while growing professionally. OPA has been a constant source of strength and support. 

“When you’re a part of a professional organization, you have the benefits of continuing education and networking events, but more than that, you can lean on others to learn,” she said. “Especially for early practitioners, there is so much to learn. Access to colleagues who can support growth can make a huge difference in a professional’s life.” 

For the remainder of Dr. Wilkerson’s term as acting president, she’ll continue her work fostering a supportive environment for members. As she leads the search for OPA’s new executive director/chief executive officer, she’s carefully keeping current members and staff in mind.  

“As we get our feet under us and select a new executive director/CEO, I am so excited for what’s ahead,” she noted. “I encourage our members to be part of the change and make the most of their connection with OPA.”