As director of pharmacy services at SoutheastHEALTH, Nicole Allcock has implemented a comprehensive model of pharmacy services in which doctors, nurses and pharmacists take a team approach to hospital patient care.

"Pharmacists now practice side-by-side with nurses and physicians on patient care units. Having a pharmacist on the direct patient care team reduces adverse effects and improves the quality of patient care," she says.

Allcock considers this new model her greatest professional accomplishment thus far, and strives to continue providing the best possible care to patients.

"I am motivated to provide the highest quality pharmaceutical care because I know we are improving the health of our community, our family and neighbors," she says. "I am inspired by Christ, and pray that he works through me and all health care professionals in our healing ministry."

Allcock is active in a number of professional organizations, including the Catholic Medical Association, Catholic Pharmacists Interest Group, Missouri Society of Health System Pharmacists and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. She's also on the St. Vincent de Paul School Board in Cape Girardeau.

"There are so many career options available to pharmacists. Keep an open mind," she says to aspiring pharmacists. "You may start out taking care of patients in the intensive care unit and end up managing budgets and leading people. Each role is important as long as the patient is the focus of your work. Second, complete residency training after pharmacy school so that all of these opportunities can be available to you."

--Robyn Gautschy