I had the opportunity to participate in a Bridge program during the summer. I focused on pharmacy, and it really opened my eyes to the profession.

What is your specialty, and why did you decide to choose it?
I have three areas of focus:

• Experiential education: This is an application area where students learn the profession hands on. They can apply their book knowledge; and learn how factors and life issues such as economics, social, cultural and health influence the success of health outcomes. It's a practical application of all the factors, including medicine itself. I serve on a national task force as the American Pharmacists Association representative to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations' (JACHO) Health Care Professionals Education Roundtable. We met three times last year to develop a white paper to solidify patient health care efforts from medicine, nursing, pharmacy and health care administrators . We strive for a multidisciplinary approach, which is part of a health care initiative put forth by the Institutes of Medicine. This is particularly important when dealing with illnesses such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease. There's the diagnosis, treatments, lifestyle and dietary issues that need to be addressed collaboratively to improve long-term patient outcomes. I also have been involved with asthma education programs, which work to keep individuals out of the hospital setting when possible. Education can really make a difference. I have seen many "a-ha" moments when students realize that this is what preventive medicine is all about. It has been my mission to provide more opportunities for students to learn this.
   
• Community outreach, particularly with seniors: This is incredibly important to me because my great-aunt died after she was prescribed ibuprofen by two doctors. The combined dosage caused a hemorrhage from her stomach. She then died of a heart attack. This scenario is not unique. It is a signal that we need to take a closer look at the elderly community, which is more likely to take more medication that can "overeffect." It's what we call "medication misadventures." It propels me to focus on the needs of the seniors,; and I have had the opportunity to present the importance of these issues to the community, profession, Area Agencies on Aging and the Administration on Aging.
   
• Working on the integrity of the medication system: The medication processing and distribution system is only as good as its weakest link. That's why it's critical to maintain education, training and certifications so patient safety is maintained; and I am involved with pharmacy technician education and training. The bottom line is as professionals; we need to embrace the need for all individuals who work in medication distribution to make sure there are no weak links.

How long have you been involved in the profession?
Twenty-six years. I graduated with a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Michigan and a doctor of pharmacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

What is the one goal that you have set for yourself relative to your career?
To make a positive impact in community health related to health and well-being. On the professional level, I want to provide an exemplary level of care and improve the quality of pharmacy services, particularly for the elderly. Also, to help develop future leaders in the profession to help carry out our mission, especially minority students so they can accomplish even more than they have envisioned.

What do you like best about working in the pharmaceutical field?
When I first considered pharmacy, I had no idea how broad the opportunities were; to be able to have intellectual interactions with professionals from different health care disciplines all over the world. So many doors have been opened. I have always looked for more and tried to determine how I can contribute in a small way. I have had the opportunity to lobby on national health care issues on Capitol Hill - in my wildest imagination I never imagined myself doing all this.

Everyday I learn something. Through my work with the community and professional organizations, my eyes are constantly open to the things that can be done. Sometimes I wish I could be five people to accomplish all that needs to be done.

What are your most proud accomplishments in your profession? In your life?
Professionally, two areas stand out: First, my work with Medication Monitoring and Safety in the Older Adults Program, a community education program initiative by the Suburban Area Agency on Aging. We focus on the importance of safe medication use, immunizations to prevent disease, blood pressure screening and other related screenings. We include UIC faculty, pharmacists, alumni, pharmacy practice residents, students and other health care professionals who go out into the community (Chicago and suburbs) to deliver services and identify barriers and beliefs as they relate to medication and vaccine use. We have given this program in 10 languages.

We also help link people to programs that help them cover the costs of medications. At the 2003 Illinois Governor's Conference on Aging, we presented program results indicating that 21 percent of individuals who were screened qualified for some level of medication assistance, but did not know about being qualified. We are quite proud of that.

We have found that low literacy issues are very prevalent in many communities. There is great illiteracy all over the world, and some of those language barriers are brought here to the U.S. Instructions on pill bottles are written in English. We need to identify and develop strategies such as color dots or universal pictures that everyone will be able to understand. Part of what we do is sensitize people to these needs. This is important for all settings, from nontraditional settings to community organizations to home visits. This is some of the most rewarding work I do.

My second most proud accomplishment is the pharmacy technician education and training that I have been involved with for 16 years. I am very involved with the certification process; and served as the president of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's Certification Council, where I helped with exam construction, writing exam questions and mentoring individual item writers. I also was chair of the Practice Analysis Task Force, where we examined the responsibilities of technicians in all practice areas across the country to ensure the exam was professionally current and applicable.

In everything that I do there is a common thread. I have had the opportunity to build upon most of my previous experiences.

In my life, I am proud to have respectful children, enjoying I also have been able to use my experience to help my family and friends with health care issues.

What goes through your mind before you go work each day?
How can I accomplish everything on my to-do list, and how can I inspire someone in a positive way?

What is your favorite part of the day?
Morning. I am up before my children with a cup of tea. I meditate on my daily blessings. It's a peaceful time for me to focus on the day ahead. I become energized and overcome with a positive attitude.

What, if any, barriers or challenges have you personally had to overcome?
The racism issue was one, especially when I was a pharmacy student. I wanted to intern in a hospital setting. I maintained good grades, was responsible, involved with professional organizations and interviewed well. No one would give me a chance. I needed 1,000 practice hours before I could sit for the board exam, so I decided to volunteer as a "pink lady" in a hospital pharmacy to obtain them. I gained a lot of experience in this setting. This was back in the mid-'70s; it was society's way, and I couldn't control it. Once, I was told there would never be a black woman pharmacist hired at that institution. I had the attitude that I could either feel defeated or move forward with righteous indignation. I never looked back.

Are there challenges within the profession? If so, what are they?
The issues of educating technicians, as we already discussed. Also, as a profession we have been elevating the level of pharmacy in all practice settings; patients need to have access to the full value of pharmacists. One of the big hurdles is reimbursements. We are the gatekeepers and protectors of health as it relates to medication. Our role is one of a medication use expert. Now pharmacists are educated right alongside medical students. Due to extensive education and training, pharmacists now manage clinics, provide training in certain diseases such as diabetes and asthma, and administer vaccines.

How do you address health care disparities among minority populations within your profession?
We teach a cultural competency component at the college. We are committed to this area, and in fact, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education mandate inclusion in our curriculum content. We also address issues of disparities through professional meetings, education and research.

Who is/are your role model(s) or mentor(s)?
My parents, Emmett and Ruth Mobley, are my role models. My father grew up in Georgia, migrated to Michigan, and was a World War II veteran in the United States Navy. Initially, he wanted to be an electrician, but he had to drop out of high school to help his father support the family. After his discharge, he ultimately overcame adversity by not only becoming an electrician, but an electrical contractor after being hired by the Ford Motor Company during a "closed" era. He worked hard and eventually became the first African American president of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.

My mother was eight years younger than my father. She took college courses, but then had to stop after becoming pregnant. She taught me that the way to success was to put God first in your life and then get an education. She always said: "You always have to prepare yourself for whatever life hands you." When my father became ill from prostate cancer, my mother stepped up to the plate to take care of the family. Today, she works with me in some of the community programs.

What are your plans for the future?
I'd like to continue to move forward in health policy and politics. I want to have an impact on health care legislation. I'd also like to become president of a national pharmacy association.

What words of wisdom do you have for students just graduating?

• Give the best of yourself.
   
• Strive for excellence.
   
• Shun mediocrity.
   
• Commit to a cause.
   
• Be socially responsible and ethical.
   
• Be politically active.
   
• Make sure to inspire and mentor others to achieve success.

What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, interests, sports, travel, volunteering)?
I started singing at the age of 5. I remember performing onstage the song "O Christmas Tree." I now sing as a hobby and have had the opportunity to sing at convocations at the UIC College of Pharmacy. I also performed at a fund-raiser at Cobo Hall in Detroit in the '80s. When I get onstage I always have a certain level of anxiety; for me it's a good driver, but it's not paralyzing.

I also love to travel and drive long distances to see different sights. I am active with several volunteer organizations and community services. I teach Sunday school. I serve on the board of directors of the American Youth Soccer Association. I was involved with coaching and refereeing, something that I learned later in life. I like to have fun. My motto is: work hard, work smart and play hard.