Elizabeth Rodman

Pharmacy is in Elizabeth Rodman’s Blood

Doctor of Pharmacy | School of Pharmacy
Graduation Year: 2017

Where is UMKC taking you?

Someplace far. I’ve had a fantastic experience here. Being in the pharmacy program is laying a great foundation for me when I do pursue residency and my career down the road.

Why did you choose UMKC?

The biggest reason, of course, is that I was accepted into the pharmacy program right after high school. My aunt was a pharmacist; my uncle is a pharmacist. I worked at Medical Arts Pharmacy in Boonville, Missouri during high school. Now I work at Saint Luke’s Hospital in the pharmacy.

I knew that even if I didn’t do my undergrad at UMKC that I wanted to do pharmacy school here. I love that it’s in an urban setting. There are so many different opportunities that we get as students that I maybe wouldn’t get if I went to someplace rural, or if I did, I would have to travel a long way for them. We’re very fortunate that we have so many great hospitals and pharmacies surrounding the school.

Has working in retail and hospital pharmacies helped you with academics and vice versa?

I think that’s helped me a lot. I’m able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real life. That makes a huge difference.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I have learned to not take myself too seriously.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?

When given an opportunity to advocate for myself or others, I need to take it.

What do you admire most at UMKC?

All of the faculty members at the School of Pharmacy are wonderful; they are knowledgeable and passionate about helping their students learn and grow. Dr. Cameron Lindsey is someone I particularly admire because she is so devoted to helping her students achieve success — both inside and outside the classroom. She always goes above and beyond and is a role model to many students.

What’s been your favorite subject at UMKC?

My favorite subject in college has been pathophysiology, the study of how things go wrong in the body.

Do you belong to any organizations?

I’m pretty involved on campus. I’m a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. The organization I’m most heavily involved with is the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists. I’m the incoming president.

What’s your greatest fear?

Not being good enough.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I am still keeping an open mind about what sort of practice setting I want to work in, but in 10 years, I will have graduated from UMKC and completed a pharmacy practice residency. I intend to earn board certification in pharmacotherapy (BCPS) or another specialty area. As a practicing pharmacist, I want to be a well-rounded, innovative and forward-thinking provider. No matter where I work, I want to advocate for and give back to the profession.

What is one word that best describes you?

Ambitious. I am always striving to be my best self.

Working in retail and in hospital pharmacies has helped her with her academics and vice versa. “I think that’s helped me a lot. I’m able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real life. That makes a huge difference.”

What are you lifelong goals?

I have never run a marathon. I’m a big runner. But I would definitely like to run a marathon, even the Paris Marathon. I want to have a family. And I really love Kansas City. Ideally I would love to stay here.

What excites you?

Advocating for my patients. Advocating for anyone, really who’s around me. I love helping people who need help. I get a huge amount of satisfaction whenever I help a patient at work or help a co-worker out or help students.