Seminar speaker discusses changes in the pharmacy profession

Michael L. Brandt with studentsSPOKANE, Wash. – On March 29 Pharmacist Michael L. Brandt spoke with Washington State University (WSU) student pharmacists about the changing landscape of the profession and how they can fit into this new role.

“As we grow, things change,” said Brandt. He described how careers in pharmacy have significantly changed since he entered the workforce.

“When I first started, pharmacy was not very clinical,” said Brandt. “Today, pharmacists have a lot of contact with patients and their value is in their consult abilities.”

Brandt discussed that there are many ways that students can fit into this new role and help push the profession forward.

He encouraged students to get involved in organizations to stay connected with fellow pharmacists and build their network. “Being involved will open many doors in your career,” said Brandt.

His presentation was part of the Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy seminar series hosted by the WSU College of Pharmacy. The college coordinates this seminar series to expose student pharmacists to leaders in the field and career opportunities.

Brandt is currently an oncology pharmacist at the Cancer & Blood Specialty Center at the Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, Washington. He received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington and is a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Brandt is also a past-president of the Spokane Pharmacy Association and Washington State Pharmacy Association and is currently active in local and national organizations.

The seminars are funded through the College of Pharmacy Dean’s Fund for Excellence and our community partner, the Spokane Teachers Credit Union. For information on participating in the career seminar series, or to contribute to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence to help expose WSU student pharmacists to thought-leaders and industry innovators, contact the College of Pharmacy advancement office at gocougs@pharmacy.wsu.edu or 509-358-7651.