Introduction

“As a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Jennifer joined AMCP with 20 years of clinical pharmacy and formulary management experience in managed care and federal sectors. Early on, she discovered the unique possibilities of managed care pharmacy as a founding member of an AMCP student chapter and a managed care pharmacy resident. Jennifer discovered a passion for pharmacy education while serving as Director of the Army Clinical Pharmacy Course.” Source: https://www.amcp.org/about/our-people/staff/jennifer-evans

Why Pharmacy

My journey to a career in pharmacy association work was a winding path that began with a love for mathematics. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Delaware, but toward the end of my studies, I discovered pharmacy while working summers in the community pharmacy in my hometown. This discovery led me to complete additional coursework in chemistry and pre-pharmacy requirements. After a brief stint as a Statistician at the US Census Bureau, I pursued pharmacy school at the University of Maryland.

My career path began with diverse experiences, from working as a pharmacy technician at The Johns Hopkins Hospital to managed care with Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii, where I learned about drug formulary management and direct patient care. For over 15 years, I focused on collaborative patient care in various settings, including Kaiser Permanente, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Army. During this time, I helped patients manage their medications, lower their cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, and quit tobacco.

A pivotal moment came when I took on the role of director for the Army Clinical Pharmacy Course. This experience opened my eyes to the rewards of adult education and the potential to influence change through learning. This late-career passion ultimately led me to my current position at AMCP, where I engage in educational work full-time on a national level, supporting our members in the managed care pharmacy field.

Career Journey

As a pharmacist working for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), I have a unique career path that differs from traditional patient-focused roles. AMCP is a professional organization representing over 8,000 healthcare practitioners who manage pharmacy benefits for health plans and other organizations. My work primarily focuses on advancing the pharmacy profession rather than directly caring for patients. This involves developing educational programs, writing grant proposals, and creating resources to support managed care pharmacy professionals. These activities cover a wide range of therapeutic areas, especially those with recent market advances that impact managed care pharmacy.

One of the most appealing aspects of my role is the flexibility it offers. I work remotely most of the time, with occasional in-person events and training at our headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and two national meetings held across the United States each year. This career path allows me to contribute to shaping educational initiatives and best practices that impact the entire managed care pharmacy field, making it an excellent fit for those interested in advancing the population health aspects of pharmacy.

Current Role and Responsibilities

As a remote worker in pharmacy association management, my typical workday offers flexibility and requires self-discipline. I structure my time around occasional internal and external meetings, focusing on developing educational grant proposals in a quiet environment conducive to reading and writing. Between grant-writing sessions, I engage in recruiting expert speakers for our programs, which provides an excellent opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the field. This diverse mix of tasks keeps my work engaging and allows me to continually expand my knowledge of managed care pharmacy while contributing to the professional development of our members.

Challenges

As someone with a background in mathematics, I find the extensive reading and writing required for developing grants to be the most challenging aspect of my role. It's a core responsibility that often pushes me out of my comfort zone, requiring extra motivation (often in the form of dark chocolate!). However, overcoming these challenges makes the final product all the more rewarding.

Additionally, meeting financial goals can be demanding, as it requires me to set aside my natural tendency to dream big and instead approach these targets analytically, like a strategic game. Tracking progress and adjusting strategies accordingly becomes crucial in this aspect of the job. Despite these challenges, the sense of accomplishment when goals are met is incredibly satisfying and contributes to my professional growth.

Rewards

The most exciting and rewarding aspects of my role in pharmacy association management are the opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the pharmacy profession. Participating in AMCP events like forums, summits, trainings, and national conferences allows me to connect with inspiring members from across the US and witness their innovative contributions firsthand. There’s nothing quite like experiencing an “ah-ha” moment during an educational program, knowing I’ve played a part in facilitating transformative learning.

Additionally, I cherish my role as a mentor to pharmacy students and residents. These experiences not only provide insights into the evolving needs of our profession but also allow me to watch new professionals grow and share their enthusiasm for pharmacy. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help them explore their career paths while contributing to the advancement of our field.

Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals

My advice to student pharmacists interested in pursuing a similar career path is to remain open to diverse experiences and opportunities. Seek out chances to learn and grow in various aspects of pharmacy, as you never know which experience might spark a new passion. Build a network of genuine mentors and connections, as these relationships can lead to valuable opportunities, ideas, and partnerships. Most importantly, take the time to understand your own passions and interests. When you discover practice settings that align with these, your work naturally becomes more enjoyable and engaging. Remember, your career path may take unexpected turns, but each experience contributes to your professional growth and can lead you to a fulfilling role that you might not have initially considered.