How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?

My initial interest in pharmacy started in high school. I worked at a community pharmacy and saw the impact the pharmacist had on the small community. But I really found my true passion while in my residency training. Being in the emergency department felt like home. People don’t choose to be in the hospital. They don’t wake up deciding to get in a car accident or have a family member have a heart attack. Being a part of the initial healthcare contact, and working with a team to provide care on potentially someone’s worst day and hoping to make it better, is where my true passion lies.

Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?

My residency director, Elizabeth Hand. She displays passion for her work, grace towards others as well as herself and a poise yet genuine care towards those around her. She inspires me daily to not just rejoice in the progress but strive to reach even higher. Her example and support has been invaluable in my professional growth.

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

Attending professional meetings is a big way that the pharmacy world keeps in contact. In addition, I enjoy multidisciplinary conferences where ideas can be shared among professionals. Lastly, at a more local level, I work with physicians in a variety of specialties and sit on committees with them. This allows me to keep a variety in my professional network which can lead to idea sharing.

How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?

I have been fortunate to have a lot of support both in and out of the Delta Zeta sisterhood. One large supporter has been my big sis, Kelsie Ovenell. Our paths have been similar (hers as a physician, mine as a pharmacist) with extensive schooling and post-graduate medical training (however hers longer than mine)! She has been a professional as well as personal support as she truly understands the struggles and triumphs. In addition, friendships that have started out professional have grown into very close friendships both in graduate school and post-graduate training. This has helped me professionally by keeping a circle of friends that hold each other accountable to do our very best.