Anna Parker, PharmD, BCACP

When Anna Parker looks back on her path to becoming a clinical pharmacist, she admits that the field wasn’t initially her first choice.

“I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mom was a nurse, so I thought I might pursue a career in nursing. When I was in school, I had the opportunity to shadow in a hospital setting. I did rounds with doctors, nurses, and health-system pharmacists. It really opened my eyes to all they do for patients. From that point, I knew, pharmacy was the path for me.”

Anna has a passion for helping people and her rotations in pharmacy school demonstrated the meaningful impact clinical pharmacists have on patients. From bedside consultations to managing complex medications, Anna loved the depth and breadth that came with being a health-system pharmacist.

I’m more than a medication specialist. I care for women across the lifespan, from contraception management to maternity care – seeing them through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum – and supporting patients going through menopause.”

“I’m more than a medication specialist. I care for women across the lifespan, from contraception management to maternity care – seeing them through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum – and supporting patients going through menopause. I also help patients manage a variety of disease states. For example, caring for endocrinology patients and serving as the first line of contact for individuals with diabetes. Of course, I oversee their medications, but I’m also advising patients on non-medication lifestyle interventions on how to live with their conditions.”

While patient care is her passion, Anna also is constantly increasing her knowledge. In her position at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, she continuously trains to enhance her medication specialization so that she can provide the best care possible to the people who depend on her.

“I’m a medication nerd and I’m proud of it. I think most pharmacists are. We work hard in pharmacy school to build a level of expertise, but we never stop learning. I am constantly exploring medication interactions, learning about new treatments and building my knowledge base. I want to be able to provide the best information and best recommendations to my patients.”

Ultimately, Anna’s goal is to give her patients peace of mind because they know that she is there for them. She makes it a priority to ensure her patients trust that their care team is doing what is in the best interest of their total health and wellbeing.

I’m a medication nerd and I’m proud of it. I think most pharmacists are.”

“A lot of patients come in with preconceived notions. They think they may be facing confusing diagnoses or prescribed too many medications. But I make it clear: I’m here to make sure that you’re living your best life. That you come first.”

At the end of the day, Anna knows that if she can change patients’ perspectives on what pharmacists do, she can change their lives.

“The most rewarding part of being a pharmacist is instilling confidence in my patients and giving them the knowledge and the treatments that help them manage their conditions in a way that lets them continue to live their best lives. To help patients treat conditions that not only affect their physical health, but also their mental health and give them confidence in their ability to live their lives – that’s life changing.”

For Anna, providing expert care and support is what it means to be your pharmacist.