Gatton Launches Student Mentoring Program
In September, Gatton launched a new mentorship program designed to better connect its students with independent pharmacy owners. Second year student pharmacists interested in becoming independent community pharmacists were assigned independent pharmacy owners as their mentors. Beyond the development of crucial networking opportunities, mentors are scheduled to work one-on-one with their student mentees to develop important leadership and business skills.
“Formally, the program is designed to last 24 months, but we anticipate the relationships will last a lifetime,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gray, program director and associate professor of pharmacy practice. Inclusion in the program was application based and highly competitive.
The 2018 mentorship assignments are as follows (student—mentor):
Kellie Abbott—Dr. Courtney Pitre ('13), Courtney’s Thriftyway Pharmacy, Arnaudville, Louisiana
Holly Adams—Dr. Alan Corley, co-owner of Corley’s Pharmacies, Greeneville
Brianna Burdette—Dr. Autumn Wells, Family Drug, Inc., Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Justi Curry—Dr. Corey Furman, owner of Boone Drug, Inc., Boone, North Carolina
Dawnna Metcalfe—Dr. Randy DeBord, McFarland Apothecary, Morristown
Brady Ratliff—Dr. Will Giddings, Atchley Drug Center, Greeneville
Zach Wills—Dr. Jeff Ward (’10), co-owner of Corley’s Pharmacies
The mentorship program is part of the college’s Community Pharmacy Initiative (CPI), designed to enrich its students’ interest in community pharmacy, focusing on four key areas: independent pharmacy mentorship, residency training for postgraduates, community-based research, and curricular enhancement.
“We are excited to launch our mentoring program, as part of the Community Pharmacy Initiative, and see the impact it will have not only on our students but pharmacies in this region,” said Dr. Debbie Byrd, dean. “Gatton was formed by this community thirteen years ago, so it’s only appropriate that we launch a program dedicated to developing our students’ connection to the community pharmacy owners who helped get us started.”
“ETSU can accelerate the impact of medication experts by supporting innovative community pharmacy providers and engaging students in advanced pharmacy practices,” said Gray, who also serves as CPI chair.