Kelly Hoenig,
PharmD, BCPS

As a clinical pharmacy specialist in a pediatric dermatology office at University of Iowa Health Care, Kelly Hoenig’s patients often ask about her role in their care.

“It’s always a great question. I tell them that I’m a part of their pediatric dermatology care team. I provide my medication expertise to the dermatology team and partner with them to select the appropriate medications or drug therapies.”

Kelly added that what she does goes deeper than that. She sees herself as a core partner in every patient’s healthcare journey and is diligent about staying in contact to provide her expert care every step of the way.

“I do quite a bit of education — with families, and when appropriate, with their kids. I make sure everyone understands how the medications work, what side effects or results they can expect, and what to do if things don’t seem right. I follow up with patients, checking to make sure they’re seeing the results they should and working with them to adjust if there are issues.”

I make sure everyone understands how the medications work, what side effects or results they can expect, and what to do if things don’t seem right.”

Many of the medications she works with are injectables for children, which adds a layer of apprehension and pressure for the caregivers.

“No one likes giving their child a shot. I make sure to walk them through the steps, follow up after the first injection to make sure things are going well and that they’re comfortable with the process.”

When a parent or guardian reaches out to Kelly, and she helps them feel more comfortable and educated about their child’s therapy, it really reinforces the difference she is making in her patient’s life.

“At first, a lot of families don’t realize that I’m the best person to talk to about their child’s medication. They’ll call their dermatologist, who then just calls me. So, when a mom or a dad or grandparent reaches out directly to me because they have a question about their medication, and they trust me to give them the right answer — well, that’s a great feeling.”

At first, a lot of families don’t realize that I’m the best person to talk to about their child’s medication. They’ll call their dermatologist, who then just calls me.”

To Kelly, comforting and educating patients is what it means to support their entire journey, and what it means to be your pharmacist.