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October is American Pharmacists Month.
Welcome to the 2020 edition of Profiles in Pharmacy.
Allana Alexander, PharmD is a 2014 graduate of Samford’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy. Most recently she completed her Master’s Degree in Medication Therapy Management at the University of Florida in 2016. She is the owner of A² Pharmacy Solutions and is the Pharmacy Director for Viva Health. I’ve enjoyed talking with Allana over the years, and I’m grateful that she has given me the opportunity to write a profile on her.
1) When did you realize that you wanted to be a Pharmacist?
I always knew I wanted to help people but was unsure in what capacity. In my first year of undergrad, I took an overview course and learned the basics of various health professions. Once the course was finished, I decided a career in pharmacy was the path for me.
2) When you were in pharmacy school, did you consider pharmacy entrepreneurship to be an option?
I did not consider entrepreneurship until after I graduated pharmacy school. Once I realized my purpose, I knew pharmacy entrepreneurship was the path I needed to take to fulfill that purpose.
3) Who are the Pharmacists that have influenced you the most and why?
I have been most influenced by Mr. Eugene Walker and Dr. Pilar Murphy. Mr. Walker is the first pharmacist I remember. He worked for Eckerd Drugs in my hometown. My mother was the Assistant Manager and when we would visit her store, Mr. Walker was always extra kind. My mother spoke of him in high regard and that was the first time I remember being introduced into the world of pharmacy. I reconnected with him during my third year of undergrad. I interviewed for a job with a pharmacist in my hometown and Mr. Walker was there! He wasn’t physically working but I think he may have been there in a consultant capacity. Dr. Pilar Murphy was one of my preceptors in pharmacy school. After graduation she became one of my go-to pharmacists for advice. She showed so much compassion and kindness to me as a student and after graduation. She is the epitome of going above and beyond for her patients and people. Since the first night I heard her speak at a PERC conference, I’ve aspired to emulate the same level of compassion and kindness.
4) What would you like the readers to know about you? And what would you like readers to know about your pharmacy practice and the services you are currently providing to the community?
I enjoy reading and hiking and my new hobby (thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic) is gardening. I am the owner of A² Pharmacy Solutions LLC, a boutique pharmacy that offers healthcare conference consulting and speaking services and community education. I love creating digital content on social media, YouTube and on my podcast, The Rx Factor. You can find me on all social media: @doctorlany. New episodes every Saturday of The Rx Factor Podcast on Anchor, Spotify and Apple Podcast apps. New videos every Friday on the Doctor Lany YouTube page.
5) What would you tell students currently in pharmacy school? What services do you foresee these students offering in the years to come?
Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled and create your own niche in pharmacy. Also, the pharmacy world is very small so don’t forget the golden rule!
6) Freestyle question… Tell us the readers what you want us to know.
Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is the grand finale. Live life for yourself and be content with your decisions for the day. You won’t always win but do not be afraid to try. Be open-minded. Read a book. Beyond what you know to be “right” and “true” is a sea of other “rights” and “truths”.
