Meet Dr. David Stewart
Dr. David Stewart, from Roan Mountain, Tennessee, joined the faculty of the department of pharmacy practice in 2007. Prior to his appointment of Assistant Professor at ETSU he served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy. Dr. Stewart was promoted to Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice in 2012 and Professor in 2018. He also serves as Vice Chair for the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Residency Program Director for the college’s PGY2 Internal Medicine Pharmacy Residency Program, and Post-graduate Training Coordinator for the Department of Pharmacy Practice. Over his tenure at the BGCOP he has taught various courses including Pharmacotherapy, Advanced Clinical Practice Skills, and electives in Anticoagulation and Professional Development. His clinical interests include anticoagulation and cardiology pharmacotherapy. His current research focuses on anticoagulant and cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and the use of active learning in pharmacy education. Dr. Stewart is an internal medicine practitioner and maintains an active clinical practice with the ETSU Department of Family Medicine at Johnson City Medical Center where he engages pharmacy students and residents as well as medical students and residents in various teaching capacities.
Why did you want to pursue pharmacy?
DS: I was fascinated with how medications interacted with biological and physiological processes. I also observed a clinical pharmacist providing care to patients and recognized the value of having someone who truly understood the details of how each medication worked including differences in routes and formulations.
What is the most misunderstood aspect of the pharmacist profession and how do they make an impact in their field?
DS: Most people still associate the pharmacist with a product. It’s who you see to give you a medication to treat an ailment. Today’s pharmacists are asked to do so much more. There are so many different career paths available to today’s pharmacists. Even my own family struggles to understand what my role is as a clinical pharmacist in the inpatient setting, involved in the decision-making process of which medications to use and monitoring patients for effectiveness and safety as part of an interprofessional team. They make lots of TV shows about doctors and how cool they are, but there’s not a lot of drama and excitement working behind the scenes. That’s why pharmacists usually show up on comedies, like Seinfeld and almost always in a drug store.
What brought you to Gatton?
DS: To me this is home. When Gatton put out a call for an inaugural group of faculty, I was very happy at my current job as a faculty at Auburn University. At first I didn’t apply, but I was afraid I would always regret it if I didn’t at least check it out. My mother also encouraged me to consider the opportunity to be closer to home. I’m so glad I did. I was truly overwhelmed by the quality of the people and the potential for a college of pharmacy at ETSU. The rest is history.
What advice would you give to a graduating student?
DS: Be humble. Remember it’s about taking care of the patient and not about you. Don’t worry about who gets the credit for accomplishments. Work hard and people will notice, even when you think they don’t. Don’t compare yourself with others; just focus on your responsibilities. Don’t forget the important things in life. It’s not all about work nor is it all about play. Life is short and is a gift so make the most of it. Remember you’ve been given an opportunity that many individuals around the world will never experience, so remember to consider others and live for a calling higher than yourself.
What is your greatest accomplishment or something you’re very proud of?
DS: My faith and family are both very important to me. I’m proud to be the husband of a loving and supportive wife and mother to our children and to be the father of five wonderful children, all of whom are a blessing.
What is your teaching philosophy?
DS: I have a two-paragraph teaching philosophy statement, but I’ll try to summarize. First we need to develop individuals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills who understand how to learn on their own. We also need to be transparent and let our students understand we’re human. We have hopes, cares and desires just like they do, and we don’t know everything, but we do know what we know as well as what we don’t. Let them learn by watching us, not just by listening.
What do you do in your free time?
DS: Run and exercise. Take my kids hiking, fishing and hunting. I also coach my sons in 6-9 year old soccer.
What is your last TV binge?
DS: I’ve got 5 kids. I don’t watch TV anymore, much less binge on it.
What books are on your nightstand?
DS: My Bible, National Geographic Magazine and Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine. I love to read, but as I said, I’ve got 5 kids.
What’s a “weird” fact about yourself that many might not know?
DS: I procured a private pilot’s license while working at the county airport while in pharmacy school, and I love aviation. I just don’t have the time or money to pursue it right now!