Introduction

Alicia Forinash, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, BCACP is a professor of pharmacy practice at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (STLCOP), specializing in women's health and high-risk pregnancies. She practices at SSM St. Mary's Maternal-Fetal Care Center and focuses her research on medication use in pregnancy, postpartum care, and maternal outcomes. A nationally recognized educator and clinician, she has received multiple awards for excellence in patient care and clinical practice. Read more about her work here.

Why Pharmacy

After attending a career fair where a pharmacist spoke and shadowing at our local hospital pharmacy, I knew this was the path for me because it combined my favorite subjects of chemistry, biology, and math as well as provided the opportunity to care for patients and make a difference. I was also interested in how medications worked and knowing how to pick the right medication for various conditions. I worked at a store that had a pharmacy, and I shadowed the pharmacist as much as I could.  I also played a lot of competitive golf. I had a pharmacy within my golf bag (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, hydrocortisone cream, allergy medications, etc), and I was ready to help anyone who needed anything while playing. During pharmacy school, reproductive and women’s health related topics always were my favorite, I did well in anatomy, physiology and therapeutics, and understood their importance for patient care.

Career Journey

I earned both my Bachelor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees from St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP). I also completed a specialty residency focused on family medicine and ambulatory care through STLCOP and Forest Park Family Medicine. After residency, I joined the faculty at STLCOP. At the time, women’s health wasn’t a widely established area in pharmacy, and there weren’t many positions available. I started out working in an internal medicine clinic and looked for ways to incorporate women’s health whenever I could. Eventually, I was able to help build the women’s health practice I work in today.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to serve as a residency program director for a PGY2 ambulatory care program, contribute to a well-known reference book (Briggs’ Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation), and co-author several publications in women’s health. I’ve also spoken about obstetric pharmacy at national and international conferences.

I’ve been honored to receive several awards recognizing my work in clinical practice, teaching, and innovation. These include recognitions from the Missouri Pharmacy Association, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and my alma mater, STLCOP.

Current Role and Responsibilities

I am the clinical pharmacy specialist at SSM Health St. Mary’s Maternal Fetal Care Center and WISH (Women and Infant Substance Help) Center in St. Louis, Missouri. I am fortunate to work with an amazing clinical team. This is the resident and fellow clinics for an OB/Gyn teaching program.  I participate in the care team for both high and low risk obstetrics patients who are underserved. The patients meet with the team of providers during visits. For each patient that I meet with, I review their medications, allergies, social history, preexisting medical conditions, vaccines, and pregnancy-induced conditions like nausea/vomiting. I then meet with the patient to see how everything is going, develop a plan with the team, and provide education about their medications and/or medical problems. Patients are referred to me for things such as asthma, smoking cessation, anticoagulation, mental health, seizures, nausea/vomiting, complex medication regimens and medication safety in pregnancy.

Challenges

My biggest challenge is having enough time to complete all of the components of my faculty position.  

Rewards

I love the variety of my position as well as interacting with patients, students, and other healthcare professionals. I’m in my dream job as a clinical pharmacy specialist in women's health and get to do all of the things that I love. I'm passionate about advocating for my patients and figuring out solutions to challenges in their care to help them receive the best care possible.

Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals

Dream big! Don’t let others tell you that you can’t do something.  Just because your interest area hasn’t been done or doesn’t exist in your area, this shouldn’t stop you from creating it or pursuing your passions. Approach each experience with a growth mindset and see how you can benefit from it.  Remember to advocate for your patients and provide care for each patient as if he/she is your family member. Don't take yourself too seriously. Smile, laugh and be kind.