Meet dual degree alumna, Megan Taylor, a PGY-2 Critical Care Resident at UNX Rex Hospital
“Opting to do a PGY-2 provides an entire year dedicated to highly specific training in an area of focus that ultimately prepares graduates for a specialist career.”
Name: Megan Taylor
Program: Dual Doctor of Pharmacy & Master of Science in Clinical Research
Match: PGY-2
Residency program: PGY-2 Critical Care, UNC Rex Hospital
PGY-1 Experience: Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA
Degrees: BS Clinical Research, Campbell University
What experiences or people helped you to get where you are today: As a triple hump camel, I met some of my very best friends and family while in the creek. I am most thankful for the incredible Clinical Research Department who loved, supported, and mentored me from my sophomore year of undergrad to graduating with my master’s and doctoral degrees. They picked me up through some of life’s most challenging moments and never stopped supporting me. I couldn’t have made it without you, Dr. J, Dr. Holland, Sheryl, and Julie!
Accomplishments: My time in the creek awarded me numerous opportunities to grow and develop as a professional. My research project through the MSCR program was presented at multiple local and National conferences and won several awards including best presentation and high merit.
When thinking about how you got to where you are now, list the most important things you did/were involved with or that Campbell helped you to do? The best choice I made was to involve myself in a variety of organizations, extracurricular activities, and jobs including my time as a student ambassador, serving as president for the Student College of Clinical Pharmacy, and my work as a Graduate Assistant and Resident Director. All of these opportunities fine-tuned my professionalism, leadership, management, and communication skills and provided extensive opportunities for networking and mentorship. My choice to finish out my Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research and pursue a dual Master of Science in Clinical Research, in addition to my Doctor of Pharmacy coursework, also contributed significantly to my development and achievement of my career goals. This additional coursework provided specialized training that prepared me for work in the industry if desired and also offered the opportunity to complete an internship and full research project.
What would you recommend to those interested in becoming a successful clinician pharmacist? Never stop grinding. It’s a tough climb to the top, but the view is amazing once you get there.
Why did you choose to pursue a PGY-2? I chose to pursue PGY-2 training because I am passionate about working with the critically ill and my dream is to become a critical care or emergency medicine clinical specialist in the future. Opting to do a PGY-2 provides an entire year dedicated to highly specific training in an area of focus that ultimately prepares graduates for a specialist career. As pharmacists and clinicians, we commit to a life of learning, and I want to be as knowledgeable and prepared to provide the best care possible to my patients.