Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Science, Cell Biology, Western Washington University
- Doctor of Pharmacy, Washington State University
- Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist
- Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist
- Mental Health First Aid Instructor
About Me
A Pacific Northwest native, I was raised in the greater Seattle area. In an effort to stay close to family and the mountains, I attended Western Washington University for undergraduate studies. At the time, I aspired to be a clinical psychologist. My interest in psychology and natural curiosity in biochemistry and biology led me to explore opportunities in pharmacy. I earned a bachelor of science in cellular biology and completed pharmacy school prerequisites before taking a gap year. I returned to school thereafter to attend Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (WSU CPPS) in Spokane, Washington. My fourth year of pharmacy school experiences in acute psychiatry reinforced my desire to work in this specialized area. After graduating with a doctor of pharmacy degree, I completed a Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) residency at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a teaching certificate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Post-PGY1, I wanted to specialize further in psychiatry, so I relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where I completed a PGY2 in psychiatric pharmacy at Avera Behavioral Health Center. My residency training in Pennsylvania and South Dakota provided opportunities to discover clinical interests in underserved care, management of comorbidities with severe mental illness, and the intersection of mental health with social determinants of health.
After the conclusion of residency training, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater as faculty. In my current 50/50 position, I am a clinical assistant professor within WSU CPPS Department of Pharmacotherapy and practice clinically as an inpatient psychiatric pharmacist in Olympia, Washington. I take fourth year pharmacy students at the hospital for an elective in acute psychiatry and instruct mental health topics in Pharmacotherapy II. I collaborate with other faculty members to increase exposure to mental health topics and wellbeing throughout the doctor of pharmacy curriculum.
My current research interests include student pharmacist’s wellness, substance use disorders and underserved care. A doctor of pharmacy degree and specialized training in psychiatry has provided me with a fulfilling career. I am thankful my journey has brought me to a point where I can now share my passion for psychiatric pharmacy with student pharmacists, while also working to improve patient care in an often-underserved patient population.
In my spare time I like to…
I enjoy skiing, traveling, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and staying active with my Australian cattle dog.
Why WSU?
It is an honor to return to my alma mater as faculty and share my clinical knowledge in psychiatric pharmacy with student pharmacists. As the need for mental health services continues to outpace resources, WSU CPPS recognized the role pharmacists have across practice settings in providing mental health services. The Rural Health Initiative and establishing a PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency program in Washington state is a testament to WSU CPPS’ commitment to training pharmacists to provide care in communities where it is needed most.
My Favorite Quote
“Never let success go to your head, never let failure get to your heart.” – Beyoncé
Selected Publications
MacCamy K, Haberman M, Daniel J. Marijuana Consumer Tool. College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. Revised, 5th edition published March 2022.
Lupu A, MacCamy K, Gannon J, Brar J, Chengappa R. Less is more: Deprescribing anticholinergic medications in persons with severe mental illness. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry. 33(1). February 2021.
MacCamy K, Hu, D. Dexmedetomidine for Treatment of Delayed Peak Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome: A Case Report. Hospital Pharmacy. May 2020.