Journey from Inpatient Pharmacist to EHR Trainer

Tip of the Technology Iceberg

As a student in pharmacy school, I was unaware of the unique career paths pharmacists can work in. I only thought that it was either the hospital or community pharmacy route. I was exposed to informatics indirectly when I was on my hospital administration and medication safety rotation. That opportunity provided me the room to work on projects using Epic (a electronic health record system), such as being able to collect and interpret data. From that point on, my perspective and world changed how pharmacists can be such strong team players and use their analytical skills to drive change at their organization. I realized that my career path should be unique, and I would like to be in a role that impacted patient care on a broader scale.

Meeting the Co-Founders of Pharmacy Informatics

I worked as an inpatient staff pharmacist and wondered if there could be a better way to improve the lives of pharmacists and patient care through technology. I then stumbled upon Brian’s YouTube channel where he talked about his journey into informatics and Epic. His channel and energy fascinated me about the door’s informatics can open for you. I reached out to Brian on LinkedIn and kept in touch. LinkedIn is a powerful tool that the informatics community can use to exchange their ideas and connect. Soon after, I connected with Beju and David. They all were so gracious in offering advice in breaking into a technology based role in this competitive job market. By having their content and podcasts available, it really motivated me to keep an open mind and be attentive to opportunities around me.

Becoming an Epic Credentialed – EHR Trainer

My institution was going live with Epic and when I was speaking with one of my directors, I mentioned my interest in informatics. Interestingly, a position opened looking for someone who could teach the willow application for the pharmacy department. It was a mix of luck and the right timing, that I was encouraged to apply and became an Epic Credentialed Trainer for Beacon/Willow which is my current role which I love. I sought Beju and Brian’s advice as well as other pharmacy informatics folks. Their encouragement and advice were truly invaluable and am so grateful to have found mentors that helped me get to where I am today. As I strive to advance in the field of health IT, people like Brian, Beju, and David will continue to be my role models. They inspire pharmacists to venture out and really are innovators in their own rights who are visionaries not only for pharmacy but in the world of health IT.

Thank you for all your mentorship and graciousness in helping our community be aware of these opportunities and in pushing the passion for innovation in our profession!