Keara S. Caughman

It was while working as a patient care coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering that Keara Caughman realized her interest in the pharmacy profession. As a care coordinator, Keara was part of the healthcare team, working with physicians, nurses, and radiation technicians to assist in diagnosing and caring for patients while also helping them schedule appointments and adhere to necessary tasks prior to surgical procedures. Of the experience, Keara says, “I wanted to do more than diagnose patients. I wanted to help them and the overall community from the beginning stages through drug information and research. From retail to clinical to industry, it’s great to know that as a pharmacist I can have an impact on patient outcomes not only on a personal level but also on a global scale.”

Keara initially began her journey at Touro by completing the TouroCOM master’s program before enrolling in Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP). The school’s small class sizes and personal attention from the staff and faculty set students up for a successful learning environment. “TCOP also ensures we understand the many different career options for pharmacists. I never knew how endless the options are for pharmacy until I started here. I’ve heard from a number of guest speakers on campus and listening to our professors share their career paths has inspired my own journey,” she says.

As she looks ahead to her own career, Keara is considering entering a residency or a fellowship program. No matter which direction she goes in, Keara is grateful to Touro Pharmacy for ensuring she is well-prepared for the future. “It is exciting to know that the extra semester of rotations required by the school means I am able to gain more field experience. This will help me stand out from other candidates,” she says.