{"id":1809,"date":"2024-12-26T19:36:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-26T19:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thenontraditionalpharmacist.com\/staging\/8323\/about\/"},"modified":"2025-01-05T19:31:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-05T19:31:29","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thenontraditionalpharmacist.com\/staging\/8323\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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About Us<\/h1><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Mission<\/h2>

Our mission is to empower pharmacists and pharmacy students to unlock the limitless potential of their pharmacy degrees. By connecting individuals with innovative, nontraditional career paths and fostering a community of trailblazers in unique pharmacy roles, we aim to transform the way pharmacists approach their professional journeys. We believe your degree is more than a credential\u2014it\u2019s the foundation for boundless opportunities to build a fulfilling career and a balanced life. Together, we\u2019re redefining what it means to thrive in pharmacy.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Nick Kirkpatrick, PharmD<\/h2><\/div>


After graduating from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, I began my career in retail pharmacy, like many pharmacists. The role provided invaluable experience in patient care, leadership, and problem-solving. However, it also came with long hours, high stress, and a growing realization that there was more to explore beyond the traditional path. Without residency training or a clear roadmap, the idea of transitioning out of retail felt daunting.

Determined to create new opportunities, I leaned into my strengths\u2014building relationships, effective communication, and strategic thinking. Step by step, I transitioned out of retail pharmacy, honing my skills and expanding my professional network. Over time, these efforts led to a Vice President leadership role in pharmacy strategy and innovation within managed care.

My journey wasn\u2019t straightforward, but it reinforced an important truth: with determination, curiosity, and a willingness to take calculated risks, pharmacists can break free from traditional roles and thrive in nontraditional careers.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lynn Paterini, PharmD<\/h2><\/div>

Before attending University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, I had always been interested in research, including publication of my thesis. This interest continued during pharmacy training working with a Dean of the College. But things can change as you begin to think about life post-graduation.

I started my career in community pharmacy, which tends to get a bad reputation. On the surface, it is a rewarding and fulfilling practice setting. But unfortunately, many of the positions are not as fulfilling as they used to be due to a number of factors. I made it my mission to find a community role that fit my life and goals.

With two young kids at home, a flexible part-time floating community position within a local health system was the unique arrangement that worked for me.

Relationships I had built over time in my prior positions made that role possible and allowed me to pursue a community pharmacy career on my own terms.

Defining how you want to live your life is the most important start to any career exploration and doing so can make fulfilling and rewarding careers possible no matter the practice setting or position.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Matt Paterini, PharmD<\/h2><\/div>

During my pharmacy training at University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, I was the Chief Pharmacy Intern of the University of Michigan Health System, now Michigan Med. Working with top hospital administrators offered valuable experience in leadership but also showed what life looks like in that setting. Encouraged to pursue Administration Residency, I decided it was not for me. I was looking for something completely different. I looked to big tech.

There was doubt in how I would find different positions. I had no professional connections and very little business or technology background. But I began my career at a Fortune 100 technology company through strategic and persistent networking and finished my initial Global Sales School training with Class Rank: 1.

Technology & business were a good fit personally and professionally, but the large organization did not support my entrepreneurial spirit. This led me a Vice President role in Sales & Engagement at a private healthcare software company.

These transitions did not happen immediately and they did not seek me. Each was carefully planned and pursued. The right approach and consistent execution can take you anywhere you want to go.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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