Jennifer L. Rodis

PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA

• Type of Residency Training Completed at OSU:
  Ambulatory Care/Community Pharmacy Practice Residency
  
• Year of Residency Completion:
  2003
  
• Current Position:
  Associate Professor, Clinical & Assistant Dean for Outreach and Engagement
  

Why was completing a residency at Ohio State beneficial to your career?

Ohio State was not my first choice when I was looking for residency; in fact, it wasn’t even on my list heading into the ASHP Midyear. When I stopped by the booth to pick up a buckeye candy and subsequently visited the preceptors and practice sites at Ohio State during my interview, that all changed. The variety of opportunities, progressive viewpoints and actions in practice, and robust academic community couldn’t be matched anywhere else. As a major bonus, I really liked everyone – it was a fit. At The Ohio State University, I found my passion for outpatient care and confirmed my love of teaching.

Throughout my career, I have come back to what I inherited as a graduate of our residency program: the expectation to be an agent of change. I have used the skills I gained during residency to think outside the box, identify opportunities, and work with teams to get things done. One endeavor of which I am especially proud is Partner for Promotion, which I created in collaboration with faculty at OSU in 2005. The model aims to foster change through empowering students and pharmacists to do new things to enhance patient care in community-based practices. I bring to my work with current and future pharmacists that which inspired and equipped me during residency to improve patients’ lives and the profession of pharmacy: maintain character, listen to people and consider their perspectives, and reflect on priorities in your life and work. Also, dig deep – you are capable of more than you think.

Any particular career accomplishments you would like to highlight? Publications, Awards, Grant Funding, etc?

The ODH funding that is renewed for up to 2018 and the Brutx talk.

Read More About our Other alumni

Mikayla Gerdes, PharmD

Why did I choose to complete a residency?

I chose to pursue a pharmacy residency because I wanted to challenge and enhance my clinical skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. A residency provides the opportunity to work closely with interdisciplinary teams, where I can learn from both my colleagues and my patients. This collaborative setting allows me to expand my expertise in areas such as transitions of care and patient education, helping me empower patients to take an active role in their health. Additionally, I sought a residency experience that would build resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking—key qualities that are essential for both my professional growth and personal development

Why OSU?

I chose to pursue a pharmacy residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) because of the unparalleled opportunities it provides for clinical and professional development. The mentorship from nationally recognized leaders in their specialties has been a cornerstone of my training, guiding me as I refine my skills and knowledge in clinical pharmacy practice. The program’s strong focus on research has also allowed me to develop my skills in advancing the role of pharmacists in driving progressive improvements in patient care.

Additionally, the teaching certificate program, affiliated with The Ohio State University’s College of Pharmacy, ranked #4 by the U.S. News & World Report, has helped me refine my ability to educate and mentor future pharmacists, further strengthening my ability to contribute to the profession. With the residency’s vast opportunities in critical care, I look forward to continuing to build my clinical expertise in this high-acuity environment. The exposure to a wide range of critical care settings will provide invaluable experience as I work toward becoming a PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Resident at OSUWMC, where I can deepen my knowledge and further hone my skills in managing complex, life-threatening conditions.

Read More About our Other residents

Megan Smetana, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP

Specialty

Internal Medicine/Transplant Hepatology

Why Ohio State?

OSU has provided me with such a unique role! I am transplant trained, but love internal medicine and now I get the best of both worlds covering pre and post liver transplant patients. I have the best co-workers anyone could ask for, and I always feel so supported!

Favorite part of precepting residents?

As I often take residents early in the year, watching them transition from student to pharmacists is always a highlight. The rapid growth that occurs in the first few months of residency is always so impressive, and feels great to be a part of!

Advice for future residents

Explore all the opportunities – clinical, operational, administrative! You never know what will pique your interest!