Introduction
Dr. Kerry LaPlante earned her PharmD from Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is the Dean and a Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island. She is a recognized expert in antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance, leading statewide initiatives and advising major health organizations. Dr. LaPlante has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles and secured over $6 million in research funding. She is also involved in various professional organizations, focusing on infectious diseases and healthcare policy. Her commitment to education and research makes her a prominent figure in her field. Learn more about her here.
Why Pharmacy
My interest in pharmacy was sparked at the age of 16 when I started working at Dunn's Pharmacy, a local independent pharmacy in South Buffalo, New York. The owner, Jerry Hooley, was a beloved community figure, and I admired how the pharmacists there were trusted sources of health advice. Whether it was self-care tips or helping with common ailments like colds and headaches, they offered invaluable guidance, often free of charge. Coming from a proud blue-collar background as a first-generation college student, I was inspired by the profound impact pharmacists had on the health and well-being of our community.
Career Journey
After being promoted to pharmacy technician at 18 in my local community pharmacy, I started considering a career in either management or pharmacy. I initially pursued a management major at Canisius College, a Jesuit school in Buffalo, New York, where leadership courses—especially Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—had a profound impact on me. At the same time, my friends studying biology and pre-med sparked my interest in science. A biology elective on the Human Genome Project ignited my passion for the field, and I began seriously considering pharmacy as a career. After graduating with a biology degree, I worked at Independent Health, a local HMO in Buffalo, for a year before applying to pharmacy schools. Being accepted to Wayne State University in Detroit was a pivotal moment, and now, I’ve been able to merge my two loves—pharmacy and leadership—into a rewarding career.
Current Role and Responsibilities
In my new role as Dean, my workdays are incredibly varied, and I enjoy every minute of it. I feel deeply honored to lead and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field. Much of my day involves problem-solving—often tackling issues that require innovative thinking after already passing through a highly capable leadership team. When I was an infectious diseases clinician and scientist, my days would start with setting up research experiments and troubleshooting challenges with my team. Later in the day, I would meet with medicine and pharmacy fellows, residents, and students to discuss patient cases and provide recommendations. Whether it’s research or leadership, each day brings new challenges, and it's incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m making a difference both in education and patient care.
Challenges
The most challenging aspect of my job is being called upon to address complex problems that others have already worked hard to solve. These are often issues that require a fresh perspective or a different approach, which can be both daunting and rewarding. I approach these challenges with a deep respect for the work and expertise of my colleagues, knowing that I am part of a talented team. I see my role as helping to navigate through the gray areas, offering support and guidance where needed. It’s humbling to be trusted in this capacity, and while it can be difficult, I find great fulfillment in working together to find solutions that ultimately benefit our students, faculty, and the broader community.
Rewards
What I enjoy most about my career is the opportunity to connect with people and help them feel inspired and fulfilled in their work. I believe that if I can lead in a way that supports and uplifts our faculty and staff, it creates a positive environment where they enjoy what they do and feel motivated. When they are happy and engaged, it has a powerful impact on our students, who, in turn, learn and grow in ways that allow them to make a real difference in patient care. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of that process, and I’m grateful for the role I play in supporting others.
Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals
Pharmacy is an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling career, with opportunities to make a real difference in people's lives. As a pharmacist, you become the trusted expert on medications and are an essential part of the healthcare team. It’s a profession where your knowledge can directly impact patient care, and that’s both an honor and a responsibility. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found this calling, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, embrace it with an open heart. It’s a path where you can continuously grow, learn, and truly make a positive impact on the world.