KariLynn Dowling
Community Pharmacy Practice Research Fellowship
Name: KariLynn Dowling
Hometown: Hamilton, Montana
Pharmacy school and graduate: University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy, PharmD; ETSU, Master of Public Health
Postgrad experience: Community Pharmacy Practice Research Fellowship at Gatton
What brought you to Gatton? After pharmacy school, I completed two years of residency training with a focus on controlled substance stewardship and management of substance use disorders. During my post-residency job hunt, Dr. Nick Hagemeier, the director of the prescription drug abuse research fellowship here at Gatton, reached out to me about this opportunity. I was not looking to do a fellowship after residency, but it turned out to be the best change of career plans I have made.
What was a defining moment for you here? A moment that comes to mind is the first GCOP graduation I attended as a fellow in 2017. There was such a strong sense of community among the faculty and pride in the achievements of our students. That feeling, along with all my academic experiences as a fellow, helped me decide that I want to continue my career in pharmacy education.
Why is residency experience important for future pharmacists? There are so many postgraduate training options available to pharmacists today that can open doors to specialized careers, but I firmly believe that students should choose the path that is best for them, not what others think or expect they will do. Keep an open mind toward opportunities that may surprise you and never underestimate the value in finding a good mentor.
Anything else you’d like to mention? I am so excited to be staying on with the GCOP as an assistant professor starting next semester!
Learn more about Gatton's postgraduate training programs.