enjoys bayou view, loves patient interaction

Jennifer Teat, of Jonesboro, is in her third year of pharmacy school at ULM. She will graduate in May 2009 with a doctorate of pharmacy at ULM.

I am involved in the following: Academy of Student Pharmacists, treasurer; Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, president; Pharmacy Alumni Liaisons; Pharmacy Student Senate, third-year class vice president; Phi Lambda Sigma; Rho Chi Honor Society; College of Pharmacy Assessment Committee; College of Pharmacy Events Planning Committee, and College of Pharmacy Orientation Staff.

I have worked as a pharmacy intern at CVS since January of 2006. I enjoy working in a community setting because I love the patient interaction.

I am the oldest of three children; all of us are in college. We are a very close family, and we see each other as much as possible.

After graduation, I plan to work in a community pharmacy where I will provide medication therapy management services. The future of pharmacy is moving away from pharmacists just filling prescriptions. Now, pharmacists take a more active role in counseling patients about their medications. Pharmacists focus on managing their patients' medication regimens for effectiveness, side effects, etc. I also plan to become a certified geriatric pharmacist and work mainly with the geriatric population in a community setting, such as the Council on Aging.

One of my favorite spots on campus is the observation deck on the seventh floor of the library. It offers a great view overlooking the bayou.

One of my favorite ULM professors is Dr. Benny Blaylock. He is not only a great teacher, but he is also involved with many student organizations. He is often seen in the student lounge joking with the students. Anytime the COP hosts a lunch or dinner for the students, he is there cooking or serving food. It is apparent that Dr. Blaylock cares about the students, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Several of my favorite ULM memories include the great friends I have made while in pharmacy school. I'll always remember late night studying delirium, pharmacy organization trips to Atlanta and Charlotte, Early Experiential Projects, BINGO at the intramural center, KE bible study and COP Fall & Spring Events.

ULM has helped me grow as a leader and as a professional. A pharmacy leadership elective helped me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, and it taught me how to become a more effective leader. This class required that I create a personal mission statement, which gave me a clear direction for my future. In addition, being involved in pharmacy organizations has provided me with many opportunities to grow as a pharmacy professional by attending national meetings and networking.