What is your specialty, and why did you decide to choose it?
After college at Xavier University, I went on to work in a chain community pharmacy. Back then managed care and HMOs were becoming popular, and many people had questions about their insurance coverage. I had a yearning to understand more, which led me to health care law. I wanted to be on the front end and help people get the answers they wanted. Even though I had a lucrative profession, I decided to go to Indiana University to pursue a dual degree in health administration and law, which would enable me to work in health care policy.

Honestly, after law school I didn't think I wanted to focus on pharmacy any longer, but then I had an opportunity to participate in a fellowship in Washington in 2000. During that time, one of the biggest issues in health care was the cost of prescriptions, and the creation of a Medicare prescription drug benefit was the issue receiving the most attention in Congress. Additionally, there were ongoing debates about generics, reimportation, the pharmacist shortage and Medicaid. Some of my mentors insisted that I think about getting involved. Eventually, I decided I wanted to take part in shaping policies specifically related to prescription drugs.

My first paying job in policy was with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, where we worked to represent the views and policy positions of member chain drug companies. The policy staff and lobbyists worked as a team to develop and implement policy for chain drugstores. Our main task was ensuring the community retail pharmacy perspective was communicated to and understood by legislators and policy-makers. We reviewed and commented on legislation and regulation; we analyzed and reported the impact to members. We were active in advancing the role of community pharmacy in the larger picture of health care.

One of my main responsibilities was Medicaid reimbursement policy. It was my job to guarantee that community pharmacy's position was considered in state Medicaid programs. Now I work for a state Medicaid program, and I am in charge of the prescription drug benefit. I work with individual cases, as well as deal with physicians on coverage policies. I still work with my former colleagues at NACDS who are our providers.

How long have you been involved in the profession?
Since 1991 in the profession; since 1999 in policy.

What is the one goal that you have set for yourself relative to your career?
I thought I wanted to be secretary of Health and Human Services for the country. I realize that it's a big job with major responsibility. Right now I have a limited focus with pharmacy. I would like to expand my knowledge of broader health care issues to prepare for my greater goals. In the short term, I would like to continue to play an integral role in getting the Medicare prescription drug benefit implemented in 2006. I love to be part of the creative process that shapes health care policy.

What do you like best about working in the pharmaceutical field?
Helping patients understand the importance of medication in managing their health care because pharmacists are the last point of contact before individuals take their health into their own hands. I enjoy the possibility of positive impact that occurs at that point of care.

What are your most proud accomplishments in your profession? In your life?
Florida is one of the largest Medicaid states, but it is also one of the most innovative states in the country. I am really proud to be part of that. I am also proud of my decision to enhance my career with the study of law, and I have made the right choices along the way. I also recently received my first appointment to a national commission. Right now, I am serving on the federal commission for the State Prescription Assistance Transition Program, which is helping to develop transitions for people in state-funded prescription assistance programs to Medicare.

In my life, I like to mentor students and to see them excel. When I was practicing in pharmacy, I served as a preceptor. I like to sit with students and talk through career options. The profession has grown so much, and now there is so much promise for students. I've followed some of their career paths; it's been wonderful to see how well they've done.

What goes through your mind before you go to work each day?
When I took this job, I considered myself financially challenged; I had difficulty balancing my checkbook. Now I am in charge of a $2.2 billion budget and have a staff of 20. Before I come to work, I think about what I need to accomplish and try to come up with a plan to do so. I think about how my actions might impact the millions of Medicaid recipients in Florida. I also think about how to keep up the momentum of successful projects and how to improve on those that haven't gone so well. It's important to me to make sure that my staff is happy, valued and recognized.

What is your favorite part of the day?
I used to be a night person, but now I work out every morning at 5 a.m. - this is the time that I get to think the most about trends in health care.

What, if any, barriers or challenges have you personally had to overcome?
Being one of a few African American women in health policy. Most African Americans are involved only in the professional/practice side of health care; they rarely get behind the issues that really drive the profession. Just as in practice, I often had to prove that I earned my credentials, that I really understood the issues and that I wasn't "just a pharmacist." Although I've moved several times to explore opportunities, it's always difficult to start out fresh. I had to prove myself each time I went to a new place. The positive side of it all is that I know the value of my education. I've earned my place in the policy arena, and I have no regrets.

Are there challenges within the profession? If so, what are they?
Pharmacists are still struggling to overcome the stereotype of "pill counters" and be recognized as true clinicians. Pharmacists are trained drug experts, yet insurers and policy-makers still do not realize the true value of their role in health care. Therefore, they don't receive adequate payment for the important care and additional services that they provide on a day-to-day basis to millions of patients who often seek their help before calling their physicians.

How do you address health care disparities among the minority population within your profession?
Medicaid by definition is health insurance for the low-income population. This population doesn't generally have strong advocates. Nonetheless, the law requires that they receive adequate care. The Medicaid program is designed to provide care to this population that is of the same quality as the care that is provided to those enrolled in private health plans.

Who is/are your role model(s) or mentor(s)?
My seventh grade teacher in New Orleans, Mrs. Vivian Taylor. She was bright and compassionate. She reinforced what my parents taught me about the importance of education and reached out to me when the pressures of being a teenager diverted my attention.

A second mentor for me is my younger, yet wiser, sister, Christie, who also is a pharmacist. She has always been one to steer me in the right direction. She's a strong person who has had to overcome many barriers.

What words of wisdom do you have for students just graduating?
To follow their dreams; to know their hearts; and to do what's right for them. There are a lot of "dream killers" who will laugh at their dreams and try to discourage them, so they have to trust themselves first and be committed to following their dreams.

What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, interests, sports, travel, volunteering)?
I am a certified makeup artist. It gives me a chance to do something creative. I've done makeup for a few weddings and special events. I also enjoy writing. Not creative writing; I enjoy moving the pen across paper, so I do calligraphy for weddings also. The two are very relaxing.