Hey guys, I’m Ijeoma! I started Pharmacy School in 2003 at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia also known as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP), now called USciences or University of the Sciences. I graduated from USciences in May of 2009 and began my career as a clinical Pharmacist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Five years later, I found myself wanting to know more, eager to have direct involvement with patient care and be the ‘go to’ drug information expert on the team.
With the support of some very influential pharmacy leaders and colleagues, in 2014, I became the first and only Non-traditional Pharmacy resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital (learn more about the non-traditional residency on episode 1 of Representing Women Pharmacists).
I graduated from my residency program in 2016 and took my career to New York City. With the help of one of my Pharmacy mentors, I embarked on yet again, another remarkable journey at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital as a Lead Pharmacist for the Main Pharmacy.
During my time as Lead, I was involved in a ton of projects, from transitions of care to precepting pharmacy students and residents, but yet again, I wanted more, and at the same time I was doing more…so why? I applied for the job as the Pharmacy Manager, which I did not get.
As fate would have it, the VP of Pharmacy was a Black Woman who saw something in me that I forgot to see in myself. In May of 2020, I officially became a Clinical Pharmacy Manager for the enterprise, overseeing the Specialty Pharmacy in addition to special projects.
I didn’t get the position I initially applied for and I was sad about it for some time, but there was a better position in store…I just had to practice patience.
Enter, Brown Skin Stories: Representing Women Pharmacists. I set out to learn from the women who looked like me, had similar experiences that I had, and more importantly, had the courage to speak about it. I’m thankful to the Black Women Pharmacists that I’ve featured.
It’s been 10 years since my graduation from Pharmacy school and I have a newfound appreciation for Pharmacy…and your girl is thankful! So here’s to the women that have uplifted me on this journey, the women who continue to trail-blaze in their own lives, Brown Skin Stories is here to represent every part of you.
If you found this podcast by chance, or at the recommendation of a friend or Pharmacy colleague, this is the place for you! Stick around to learn about the various career paths in Pharmacy available to you after graduation! You’ll hear from our leading PharmaSista’s who are Black, brilliant, bold and are taking the Pharmacy world by storm. I’m extremely proud to have this platform to share their stories with you!