Tara Filer
PharmD, Senior Clinical Pharmacist
Q. Where did you complete your education to become a pharmacist?
A. I went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
Q. Can you tell us about your path to this profession?
A. I always knew I wanted to do something with a focus on science and math in my education and my high school sweethearts’ sister was in pharmacy school, so I learned more about it from her. I liked the idea that there was a clear path to careers after finishing education. I didn’t know that I would be in a role like I am today!
Q. What do you find most rewarding about being a pharmacist?
A. I like to be able to share information and knowledge with patients, family, and friends. I enjoy knowing that I can provide information and insight that is helpful to patients, clients and family and friends.
Q. During American Pharmacists Month, what message do you want to convey to the community about the importance of pharmacists?
A. Pharmacists are a first-line, free resource for anyone with questions about what medication they might have or their disease state. You don’t have to have an appointment, but you can just talk to one or call the pharmacy. Also, I want to say that I respect the retail and hospital pharmacists (and nurses, doctors, and all front-line workers!) for helping so much during the COVID-19 pandemic. I value them all for taking those risks while taking on adding new responsibilities and stressors to continue to take care of people and their medical needs.
Q: There are obviously major differences between working in a pharmacy setting and working in an office environment. What would you say was the biggest transition for you?
A: The biggest transition has been not having direct contact and interaction with patients. I do miss those interactions and relationships that I developed with patients along the way during my retail pharmacy career.
Q. What do you like best about working at PDMI?
A. I like that I have continued to learn during my career at PDMI. I continue to learn more about business in general, sales, IT, etc. It has been rewarding and challenging but I can say I have learned much more than I would have if I stayed in a retail pharmacy. It has opened my eyes to the expanded and diverse roles pharmacists can fill across many industries.