In recognition of Veteran’s Day, the College of Pharmacy wants to recognize the efforts of our alumni who, while they may not have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, have dedicated their careers to serving those in the military. We thank all of you for everything you do to support our veterans.
As the wife of a Navy veteran, I appreciate what the Veterans’ Administration does to honor the United States’ commitment to serve those who served...
Virginia Willis, '93
Staff Pharmacist, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Charleston, South Carolina
Why did you choose to pursue a career working with veterans?
As the wife of a Navy veteran, I appreciate what the Veterans’ Administration does
to honor the United States’ commitment to serve those who served. I had heard wonderful
things about working for the VA from other pharmacists that worked there, and when
a job opportunity opened up, I applied.
How did your studies at the USC College of Pharmacy prepare you for such a career?
Several of my externships while I was a student at USC were with the Dorn VA in Columbia,
so I already knew I would enjoy a career with the VA. I worked twenty years in retail
pharmacy before choosing a career change, and the appreciation I am shown as a health
care provider and an employee at the VA is incredibly rewarding.
What would you say to current students who might be considering a career working with
veterans?
If you are interested in a VA career, I would recommend that you look into doing a
residency with the VA after graduation. Our residents will get a full experience in
all pharmacy positions from inpatient to clinical and see what it means to work as
part of a health care team.
I had been in retail for 24 years before this opportunity came around. My dad is a Vietnam veteran and I am aware how many of our veterans struggle. I hoped I could help make a difference.
Jody Yates, '94
Clinical Pharmacist, Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center
Columbia, South Carolina
Why did you choose to pursue a career working with veterans?
I had been in retail for 24 years before this opportunity came around. My dad is a
Vietnam veteran, and I am aware how many of our veterans struggle. I hoped I could
help make a difference. One thing I have learned that I did not know is that when
a Vietnam veteran is greeted, he should be told “welcome home” not just “thanks for
your service.”
How did your studies at the USC College of Pharmacy prepare you for such a career?
My overall education at USC College of Pharmacy prepared me with knowledge but also
prepared me to continue my journey in learning, no matter the field I am in.
What would you say to current students who might be considering a career working with
veterans?
If it interests you, do it! It will be rewarding and educational.
It is our mission at Moncrief to ensure that our soldiers are provided with the best care ... Army pharmacy is an essential part of soldier readiness.
Phyllis Perkins, '05
Pharmacist, Moncrief Army Health Clinic
Fort Jackson, South Carolina
Why did you choose to pursue a career working with veterans?
I come from a military family, the daughter and granddaughter of World War I and World
War II veterans. My grandfather worked at Camp Jackson, now Fort Jackson, during the
depression. My father served with the 369th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army
National Guard. Seeing my father’s lifelong commitment to the Army piqued my interest
in transitioning from retail to federal pharmacy. Fort Jackson is an Army TRADOC (Training
and Doctrine Command) post which recruits, trains, educates, develops and builds the
Army. It is our mission at Moncrief to ensure that our soldiers are provided with
the best care and are mission ready. Army pharmacy is an essential part of soldier
readiness.
How did your studies at the USC College of Pharmacy prepare you for such a career?
I was able to do a rotation at the Dorn VA hospital my last year at USC. My first
introduction to the profession of pharmacy initially began at Dorn when I was a high
school student. My school required 40 hours of community service per year for juniors
and seniors. The various rotation sites, volunteer opportunities, and clinical competitions
prepared me for working with soldiers and their families at both Dorn VA and Moncrief
Army Health Clinic.
What would you say to current students who might be considering a career working with
veterans?
It is a wonderful career path which is not only a job, but can also be seen as a mission
or a way to give back to those who have given so much. Veterans Day 2022 marks 10
years since my father’s passing. Fewer than 1% of the 17 million US veterans are WWII
vets. They are truly the 'vanishing generation.' USC COP provides the tools to be
the experts in medication management, but so much can be learned from the older generations
when you take time to truly listen and know your patients. Federal pharmacy allows
for unique, hands-on opportunities that may not be readily available to pharmacists
in the private sector. It may also provide better work life balance than other practice
settings. Pharmacy is what you make of it, and a career serving our nation’s veterans
can be quite rewarding.
Anne Lord Bailey, '14
Director, Clinical Tech Innovation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Why did you choose to pursue a career working with veterans?
I grew up in a family that was very respectful and appreciative of the military, but
I first spent time with veterans was as a P4 at USC College of Pharmacy. Each rotation
was so eye-opening, and it is hard to find a more engaging and appreciative population
of patients. I knew, if given the opportunity, veterans were who I wanted to work
for and with.
How did your studies at the USC College of Pharmacy prepare you for such a career?
During my time at USC College of Pharmacy, I learned a great deal from those P4 experiences
and from so many of our professors who were dually appointed at VA at that time. Also,
USC College of Pharmacy prepares us so well to apply all that we learn and function
at the top of our license and clinical training. VA has given me the opportunity to
prove that since day one of my residency and now career.
What would you say to current students who might be considering a career working with
veterans?
Go for it! Step one would be to get to know veterans. They are everywhere! As you
get to know them, you will want to do everything you can to ensure you are the best
provider you can be, should you have the opportunity and privilege to serve them in
your career, whether in the VA or not.
Growing up a military brat, I understand the sacrifice these men and women make, so it has been my pleasure to serve them and their families...
LaVetra Sims, '14
Clinical Pharmacist, Department of Veteran Affairs
Hampton, Virginia
Why did you choose to pursue a career working with veterans?
Working with veterans is near and dear to my heart because my father is a veteran.
He served our country in the U.S. Army for 28 years. Growing up a military brat, I
understand the sacrifice these men and women make, so it has been my pleasure to serve
them and their families as a primary care clinical pharmacist.
How did your studies at the USC College of Pharmacy prepare you for such a career?
The College of Pharmacy provided the foundation on which I have been able to build
my career. From course work, strong mentorship, and a variety of clinical experiences,
I was well prepared to pursue my goal of working in the ambulatory care setting.
What would you say to current students who might be considering a career working with
veterans?
I have been able to work with veterans through both the Department of Veteran Affairs
and the Department of Defense. Both have allowed me to work independently at the top
of my scope of practice, and in doing so, make a difference in the lives of those
who have served. I love what I get to do every day.
Veterans are a particularly important, unique, and challenging patient population at times to work with, but it is extremely rewarding...
Emily Stauffer, '22
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Augusta, Georgia
Why did you choose to pursue a career working with veterans?
I chose to pursue a career working with veterans after my rotation as a fourth-year
pharmacy student within the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA in Columbia, South Carolina.
This rotation really opened my mind to a career path within the VA that I had not
considered before. Pharmacists play such a vital role at the VA, and I firsthand got
to see this play out in my clinic during the rotation. Now as a resident, I am reminded
every day why I am lucky to have the opportunity to train within the VA. The preceptors
and leadership at my facility are extremely supportive and my patients make going
to work every day so worth it.
How did your studies at the USC College of Pharmacy prepare you for such a career?
Through my involvement in extracurricular activities, including Phi Delta Chi and
the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, I was able to develop priceless time management
skills that I am able to utilize throughout residency daily. I was also supported
throughout the entire residency matching process by my preceptors and mentors that
I had met during my time at USC.
What would you say to current students who might be considering a career working with
veterans?
Veterans are a particularly important, unique, and challenging patient population
at times to work with, but it is extremely rewarding to give back to those who served
our country.
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Alumni Programs