Introduction
Dr. Monica Bogenschutz, PharmD, earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Fascinated by how medications work, she chose pharmacy to combine her love of science with helping people. Today, she works closely with healthcare teams to ensure safe, effective treatments and make a meaningful difference—especially for children.
Why Pharmacy
I am passionate about pharmacy because I am fascinated by how medications work and how powerful they can be when used the right way. I enjoy learning deeply and understanding how medicines interact with the body and disease. I love solving complex problems and working closely with a healthcare team to make care safer and more effective. Using my knowledge to improve patient outcomes is what motivates me every day.
Career Journey
I became interested in pharmacy because I enjoyed math and sciences (especially chemistry!) and wanted a career where I could directly help people. During school, I learned about many different pharmacy roles and have always had interest in working with children. Through training and hands-on experiences, I realized that pediatric pharmacy combined everything I cared about: problem-solving, teamwork, and making a meaningful difference.
Current Role and Responsibilities
No two days look exactly the same. A typical day includes working with doctors and nurses in the children’s hospital, reviewing each medication a hospitalized child is prescribed to make sure they are safe, teaching students or residents, and frequently helping solve problems when patients need complex care. I also spend time on projects that improve how care is delivered.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in my career is that patients are becoming more sick while healthcare teams often have fewer resources to work with. This means being asked to do more with less, which while difficult can be empowering. Another challenge is addressing misinformation and helping people trust healthcare again.
Rewards
The most rewarding part of my career is knowing that my work directly helps patients and families. Seeing a child improve, supporting a family during a stressful time, or helping a healthcare team find the best solution makes the hard work worthwhile. I once helped coordinate care for a child who needed a very rare treatment. It required teamwork, persistence, and creativity. Seeing the treatment successfully reach the patient and knowing it made a difference was one of the most meaningful moments of my career.
Work/Life Balance
Staying active, spending time outdoors, and connecting with friends and family help me recharge. I try to be intentional with my time and set boundaries when I can. One benefit of working in a hospital is being part of a large healthcare team, which allows you to build strong relationships and support each other both at work and outside of work. Balance is not perfect, but making space for things that bring me joy and leaning on my community helps me stay grounded.
Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seek out experiences that help you learn what you enjoy and what you don’t. Find mentors who support you, and remember that there is no single “right” path—your journey can be unique.