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It was the Physicians' Desk Reference® (PDR) that first inspired LTC Jasper Watkins III to seek training in the pharmaceutical field. Living in Okinawa, Japan, where his father was stationed as a military cook, Watkins was selected to participate in a summer pharmacy youth work program. There, he often saw doctors poring over this cryptic book, and he was intrigued. "Instead of being the one to query the book, I wanted to be the one to comprehend the book," said Watkins.
To further explore his interest in medicine, Watkins spent his teenage years working as a pharmacy clerk. "I had been around pharmacy for a long time. It didn't frighten me. I went into pharmacy with my eyes wide open, instead of wide shut," said the marathon runner who runs up to five miles at 5 a.m. each day.
After spending his childhood living at military bases across the United States, Watkins never thought about a military career until he decided on nuclear pharmacy, which is the last line of defense in detecting the root of a health problem when traditional diagnostic procedures stop. The Army allowed him to pursue his specialized focus and offered a residency, which led him to become the first African American pharmacist to be board certified and licensed by way of an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists residency.
Safety with medicine use also has been a core focus for Watkins. Throughout his 22 years in the military, he has traveled around the world as part of a multidisciplinary health care team, training health care providers on emerging medical safety tools. "There is a continuous need for us to maintain competency in the practice of pharmacy. There are new drugs being released each day. We need to maintain education competence and cultural awareness as to their effects," he said.
Pharmacists, he believes, must continue to be advocates and collaborate with other organizations to address disparities in health care, in particular the medication use process. "The same drug can affect each person differently. For those with dietary issues or certain religious beliefs, such as fasting between sunup and sundown on certain days, it can affect their treatment. We have to figure out ways to address patients by relating their medications to their daily activities," said Watkins.
The military has allowed Watkins to practice in many areas, from the front lines, to administration and policy, to administering medications. "It is my goal to be part of the health care team that creates a standard of excellence that delivers quality pharmaceutical services and leadership in support of readiness and managed care missions of the Army."
Watkins also volunteers his time to speak to students about trends in pharmacy practice because he believes it is important to give back, especially to his alma mater, Florida A&M University, where his daughter, Aja, is studying to be a nurse. And when he's not traveling, he's on the sidelines watching his son, Jasper Watkins IV, play high school football and run track. "He says I'm his favorite fan."
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