Pharmacy Spotlight

Meet Michelle Lin, a 2020 grad from Drake's Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. She also completed a minor in Spanish and a concentration in Global and Comparative Public Health. After graduating from Drake, Michelle began her career as a Commissioned Corps Pharmacist for the Indian Health Service through the U.S. Public Health Service.

Name:    Michelle Lin

How did Drake prepare you for what you're doing now?

Drake provided me with a strong didactic foundation under the instruction of exceptional professors. I gained interprofessional skills through a diverse range of IPPEs, APPEs, and various conferences. There are a variety of dual degrees, minors, and concentrations to enhance and supplement your PharmD education and many opportunities for research, leadership development, and professional organization involvement. 

How did your career goals change as you progressed through the pharmacy program at Drake?

Prior to and throughout the pharmacy program, I took some public health courses that led me to add the Global and Comparative Public Health Concentration. These courses sparked my interest in and passion for addressing social determinants of health and health disparities that weren't part of the standard pharmacy curriculum. I completed two JRCOSTEP internships with the Indian Health Service that solidified my decision to pursue my career with the US Public Health Service. My current position allows me to work with an underserved community while utilizing my clinical skills to provide direct patient care.

What is something about the field of pharmacy that might surprise people? 

Pharmacy is a small world despite the many facets of the profession. I made invaluable connections during my time at Drake with my peers and faculty, working as a pharmacy intern, and my internship experiences that have led me to my career path today. 

Where do you see the future of pharmacy going and how did Drake prepare you for that?

The role of pharmacists in patient care, research, industry, and more will continue to grow as other professions continue to see the value we add to a team. Drake taught me to advocate on behalf of my profession and how to effectively work together with other healthcare professionals. 

What were you involved in as a student at Drake?

• Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society - Vice President
• SNPhA - Operation Immunization Initiative Chair
• Alpha Mu Gamma National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society - President 
• IMAC (International Mentor/Academic Consultant)
• Research with Dr. Sally Haack at Primary Health Care 
• Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
• Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity

What advice do you have for someone interested in pursuing pharmacy?

Keep an open mind - the pharmacy profession is everchanging and it needs people who are adaptable and willing to grow with it. There are many pharmacist positions that didn't exist 10, 20, 30+ years ago and those are the result of filling a need that emerged or wasn't met in the past.  Don't be afraid to take opportunities as they arise or create them yourself.