Meet Dr. McKenzie Highsmith
McKenzie Higsmith, PharmD, from Johnson City, TN, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. Dr. Highsmith also holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Department of Family Medicine at James H. Quillen College of Medicine. She maintains a clinical pharmacy practice with the ETSU Family Physicians of Kingsport. She is faculty advisor for the ETSU chapter of the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists and a member of TPA, APhA, ACCP, STFM, Kappa Psi, and Phi Lambda Sigma.
Q: Why did you want to pursue pharmacy?
MH: I am a third generation pharmacist. I first met Dr. Jim Thigpen when I was 5 years old. He told me that his job was to help sick kids feel better. I told my kindergarten class the next week that I was going to be a “clinical pediatric pharmacist” having no idea what that meant. While I don’t take care of kids specifically, I never changed my mind about the clinical pharmacist part.
Q: What is the most misunderstood aspect of the pharmacist profession and how do they make an impact in their field?
MH: As most pharmacists would tell you, we do more than count and pour. We are uniquely trained to be the medication experts. My role as a family medicine clinical pharmacist means I work in a family medicine practice. While I specialize in some of the common chronic diseases like diabetes and heart failure, I also help our physicians with all medication related questions or issues. While I use my PharmD every day, I actually haven’t dispensed any medication since finishing my first year of residency in 2012.
Q: What brought you to Gatton?
MH: I was in undergrad at ETSU when it was announced that we were going to have a College of Pharmacy. My application was in process for several colleges of pharmacy in neighboring states. When I had the opportunity to stay close to home and get an outstanding education, I jumped at the chance.
Q: What advice would you give to a graduating student?
Get involved in a professional organization immediately. Life only gets more hectic as you begin your career. Now is the time to find a way to be involved in continuing to shape our profession.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment or something you’re very proud of?
The times I have felt most proud during my first 5 years as a faculty member are when I have gotten a note, email or text from a student or former student or resident telling me I have contributed to their success in some way. It is so fulfilling to see students join the profession and become my colleagues that are doing what they love. I have also gotten a few precepting awards from pharmacy and medical students and medical residents that of course made me feel like I was doing something right.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
MH: I’m a big sports fan (Vols, Bucs, Colts, Red Sox). I also like to run. I’ve done lots of half marathons and one full.
Q: What is your last TV binge?
MH: Suits.
Q: What books are on your nightstand?
MH: Rereading my favorite book ever, Love Does by Bob Goff, for the millionth time.
Q: What’s a “weird” fact about yourself that many might not know?
MH: I know all the words to “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel.