Megan Fleischman, PharmD, BCACP, is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Concordia’s School of Pharmacy. Read more about her experience as a pharmacist.
What is your education and career background?
I received my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UW-Madison back in 2010. From there I completed two residencies both focusing on ambulatory care. My first residency was at Monroe Clinic, the second at the Univeristy of Pittsburgh Medical Center. I’ve worked in many settings, such as Target Pharmacy, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
What are some of your career accomplishments?
I take great pride in the relationships I made and the services I provided to patients during my tenure in diabetes management and pulmonary care. It’s gratifying to know that students from my previous job still feel comfortable reaching out to me for support.
Additionally, I am grateful for the connections I have formed through my volunteer work with professional organizations, where I have had the opportunity to speak and serve on committees. These experiences have enriched my professional network and allowed me to contribute to the field in a meaningful way.
What brought you to Concordia?
I moved to Milwaukee to be closer to my family. It was during this time that I became aware of Concordia’s outstanding reputation as a supportive institution with highly accomplished and well-prepared pharmacy students. As I contemplated the next steps in my career, I came to the realization that teaching in the Applied Patient Care Lab was my true passion.
Throughout my various roles, I noticed a recurring inclination toward project organization and process improvement. However, I often found that this aspect brought me job satisfaction beyond the scope of my expected responsibilities. Coordinating the lab allows me to fulfill my innate desire to actively participate in organizing and enhancing processes. Simultaneously, it enables me to pursue my passion for educating students about delivering exceptional patient care.
What do you like to do for fun?
In the midst of a bustling career and a lively household, I find joy in moments with my husband, three children, and our dogs as we snuggle up on the couch to enjoy a movie beneath a luxuriously soft blanket. However, my family and I also thrive on staying active together.
We enjoy attending sporting events and embarking on walks or bike rides. We also love discovering new local and international destinations and indulging in the pleasures of exploring diverse cuisines and beverages. Balancing moments of relaxation with adventures and shared experiences brings immense joy to our lives.
Why should students join our pharmacy program? Why Concordia?
Our pharmacy program caters to students who appreciate smaller class sizes and value personalized interaction with faculty and staff. From my observations at Concordia, I have noticed that the level of student involvement and networking opportunities is comparable to larger pharmacy schools. This reinforces the notion that our students will have ample chances to engage and network. Resulting in greatly contributing to their professional growth and the development of their pharmacy careers.
At Concordia University, there is a culture that prioritizes student learning across the board. This stands in contrast to the stereotype often associated with universities, where faculty members may be primarily focused on the number of publications, research projects, or lectures. Furthermore, the central focus is on equipping students with the skills to learn and collaborate well with patients and healthcare professionals. We hope to enable them to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
What’s the most interesting part of your field that people may not know?
Pharmacists often acknowledge that we struggle with marketing ourselves effectively. It’s crucial for us to convey to incoming students that the field of pharmacy offers a wide array of career opportunities. While many individuals may find themselves in dispensing or clinical roles within community, hospital, or clinic settings, the possibilities with this degree are vast.
For instance, since my graduation, I have worked in multiple clinics (including my residency rotations) and served as a retail pharmacist. I have also taken on a leadership role in a multidisciplinary committee. Additionally, I became a faculty member and currently dedicate two days a week to specialty practice.
Initially, when I started school, I had set my sights on becoming a retail pharmacist. However, as I progressed through my final two years of pharmacy school, my inclination shifted toward pursuing a career as a hospital pharmacist. At present, I feel that I have found the position in which I plan to retire, although I remain open to the unpredictable nature of the pharmacist’s journey.
My husband serves as another inspiring example. Initially, he had aspirations of becoming an ER pharmacist and followed that path for a period of time. However, he later discovered a keen interest in pharmacy management. This ultimately led him to hold a unique role as a clinical pharmacist in a highly specialized field. Pharmacy schools impart us with the necessary skills to learn and effectively collaborate with others. It’s truly remarkable to witness the diverse trajectories our careers can take us on.
What is your advice to students?
If you are a pharmacy student – take your time in pharmacy school. Make connections with your peers and faculty. Ask about unique opportunities to get involved and exposed to different areas of the profession. And remember, your faculty are people too. Many of us have been in the field for a while where we have either been in different settings or have connections to pharmacists in different settings.
If you are not a pharmacy student yet, expose yourself to as much as you can during undergrad. You can volunteer somewhere, live in another country, or take an art or acting class. Figure out what you have a passion for because you most likely can integrate it as a pharmacist.
Do you want to know more?
We are proud to have such knowledgeable and passionate faculty, like Megan Fleischman, PharmD, BCACP. If you’re interested in learning more about the pharmacy program at Concordia University Wisconsin, visit below.