Pharmacy Alumnus Andrew Darkow returned to Campbell as a clinical instructor
Name: Andrew Darkow
Degrees & Graduation Year: Dual PharmD & MBA 2017
Current Job Title: PGY2 Internal Medicine/Academia Pharmacy Resident
Practice Site: Duke Regional Hospital and Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
“Grades are important, but the patients you will provide care for at the end of your education are far more important.”
Job Description: I provide pharmaceutical care to patients at Duke Regional Hospital in a variety of practice settings including internal medicine, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, and intensive care, to name a few. As a clinical instructor for Campbell University, I provide lectures for pharmacy students and mentor them through rotation experiences so that they can learn how to provide patient-centered care in each setting.
How did CPHS prepare you for your current position: At Campbell students are not just a number. They are a camel. Most of my instructors knew every member of our class by name and took a professional interest in each person they taught. This is extremely unique and ensures that each person graduating from CPHS is ready to make a positive impact in their future positions.
The dual degree programs at CPHS are one of the main reasons that I decided to pursue my PharmD at Campbell University. The ability to obtain my Master of Business Administration has been invaluable and helps me solve problems using a different perspective.
How did CPHS impact you as a person: CPHS is where I became an adult and a professional. I learned how to think critically, look deeper, and make a positive impact on those around me. It is also where I met my future wife, Morgan Costner. To say CPHS impacted me would be an understatement.
What advice do you have to incoming first year CPHS professional students: Grades are important, but the patients you will provide care for at the end of your education are far more important. As you study, it is essential to think about how the information will be presented on an exam, but also how you will use the information when you enter practice as a pharmacist.
Real-world problems are rarely presented as multiple-choice questions. Be sure you learn the material in a way that you can apply later. Pay close attention to each lecture, because you never know where your career may take you, and what information you will need to be successful.
What do you miss most about Buies Creek: The people that were a part of my educational journey will always be what I miss most about Buies Creek. I was fortunate enough to attend Campbell for seven years. In that time, I developed many lasting relationships with friends and colleagues. Campbell has a unique ability to attract people that care about the world. It was my pleasure to get to know many of those people.
Most impactful CPHS faculty/staff member/preceptor: Many people impacted me. My current residency program directors April Cooper and Catherine Wente have made a huge impact on me over the past two years. They have taught me how to set goals, work hard, learn from others, and fellowship. They opened my eyes to how much I enjoy teaching others and encouraged me as I pursued my dreams. I cannot thank them enough for their positive influence.
What was really surprising during your residency: I am constantly amazed by how many different ways a Doctor of Pharmacy degree can be used. Over my two years of residency training I have gained experience in more than twenty practice settings with a variety of pharmacists. Each of my mentors’ stories is unique, and they use their individual strengths in different ways.