Meet Dr. Whitney Aultman
Meet Dr. Whitney Aultman, from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. She also holds a Clinical Pharmacist appointment at State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SoFHA) where she works collaboratively with multiple providers to optimize medication therapy for patients including those transitioning from hospital discharge. Dr. Aultman is originally from Mt. Pleasant, MI and relocated to Johnson City, TN, to join the department in 2017. Prior to her appointment at ETSU she completed her PGY-1 residency and PGY-2 Ambulatory Care residency at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI (a suburb of Detroit). Her current clinical interests include heart failure, COPD/asthma, diabetes, smoking cessation, and pain management.
Why did you want to pursue pharmacy?
WA: It combined my love for science & understanding how we can impact the body through medication as well as allowing me to perform direct patient care that empowers the patient to know and understand their medications.
What is the most misunderstood aspect of the pharmacist profession and how do they make an impact in their field?
WA: I think both patients and providers often underestimate the abilities of a clinical pharmacist (especially in an ambulatory care/primary care environment). Continuing to prove and offer expanded services allows me to help dispel these preconceived notions.
What brought you to Gatton?
WA: The community of supportive ambulatory care pharmacists as well as a split faculty position focused primarily on clinical service.
What advice would you give to a graduating student?
WA: Continue to push yourself and remain involved in pharmacy organizations & volunteering after you graduate; don't become stagnant!
What is your greatest accomplishment or something you’re very proud of?
WA: Or maybe it’s something you’re working on and hope to accomplish soon. I'm proud of successfully completing two years of residency training and obtaining my Board Certification for Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) following residency completion as well as publishing my PGY2 research. All of these things were career goals of mine so to have maintained my drive to accomplish these goals is something I'm incredibly proud of.
What is your teaching philosophy?
WA: Ultimately, the goal of my interactions with students is to have them walk away with the ability to act independently, utilize proper communication techniques, draw upon critical thinking skills, and have a drive to be life-long learners. In order to help my future students accomplish these goals, my teaching philosophy encourages autonomy and allows opportunity for students to interact with the interdisciplinary team. I also strive to create a cheerful and inspiring environment to encourage students as they become great clinicians that will promote the future of pharmacy.
What do you do in your free time?
WA: Work out/hike when the weather is nice, hangout with friends, & bake
What is your last TV binge?
WA: New Girl
What books are on your nightstand?
WA: Dopesick by Beth Macy & The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
What’s a “weird” fact about yourself that many might not know?
WA: I was in 4-H growing up and used to show sheep and submit baked goods (getting awards multiple years) at our county fair.