The University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy has many reasons to celebrate Women Pharmacist Day on Oct. 12, an occasion that recognizes the remarkable strides women have made in pharmacy, and American Pharmacists Month.
From trailblazing leaders to emerging innovators, women pharmacists play a key role in improving patient care and shaping health care policy.
Two such inspiring individuals from the UI College of Pharmacy are Laurie Willhite, an accomplished alumna who has devoted her career to advancing medication safety and opioid stewardship, and Stephanie Ekufu, a passionate pharmacy student pursuing her goal of becoming a pediatric clinical pharmacist.
Their stories reflect the determination and leadership that women bring to the pharmacy profession, highlighting their indispensable contributions to the future of health care.
A Career of Reinvention
Growing up in rural Iowa, Laurie Willhite developed a love for chemistry early and dreamed of a career that would allow her to help others. Pharmacy offered the perfect blend of science and service.
While a student at the UI College of Pharmacy, Willhite worked in its former Poison and Drug Information Center, which sparked her interest in toxicology.
“I loved learning about toxicology and the unique role of pharmacists in that space,” she said. “Every call was an opportunity to quickly gather information and independently make an assessment and plan. The hospital cases were incredible learning experiences with a high degree of autonomy to provide recommendations to health care professionals in emergency departments.”
After graduating with her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Willhite pursued a Geriatrics Pharmacotherapy Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. There, she and her director conducted research on hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. At the time, her plan was to join the faculty at a college of pharmacy and build a career in research and teaching. However, her fellowship experience shifted that vision.
“I loved interacting with the women in our study, and the writing, speaking and teaching aspects were a great fit, too,” Willhite said. “But I learned that having research as my primary focus wasn’t going to make me happy.”
After completing her fellowship, Willhite accepted a position as a general clinical specialist in a large hospital system, where she took on a wide range of clinical responsibilities and committee work.
“I said ‘yes’ to nearly every opportunity to work with pharmacy, nursing, and provider colleagues, and I took notes on how different people were able to accomplish things,” she said. “Sometimes the learning curve was steep.”
Willhite’s career continued to expand into many areas, from working with the Minnesota Poison Control System to serving as a medication therapy management (MTM) pharmacist in Ambulatory Care. Today, she holds the position of medication safety officer at Hennepin Healthcare.
Over the years, she has worked as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital’s psychiatric inpatient unit and as an MTM pharmacist helping chronic pain patients. Her dedication to opioid stewardship and harm reduction has been particularly impactful, leading to her role as co-medical director of a pain clinic and chair of the board for the Steve Rummler Hope Network, an organization dedicated to naloxone distribution. Willhite is also a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable in your work and personal life. Without discomfort and challenge, it’s difficult to grow.” -- Laurie Willhite
For Willhite, the ability to explore different roles as a pharmacist has allowed her to grow and evolve with the profession.
“I’ve been fortunate to have leaders who inspired and encouraged me,” she said. “Many of these pharmacists and other leaders have been women. Sometimes I chafed at the limitations I had in a particular position and knew I needed something else.”
She added, “I’m proud of growing as a person throughout my career and reinventing my work based on my passion, ability, and the patient-care needs within my health system.”
On Women Pharmacist Day, Willhite offers advice for aspiring women pharmacists based on the lessons she’s learned throughout her career.
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable in your work and personal life,” she said. “Without discomfort and challenge, it’s difficult to grow.”
She also encourages women to foster relationships with colleagues both inside and outside of pharmacy and to mentor girls and women in their communities.
“Find ways to distinguish yourself by pursuing additional credentials and working hard on something you’re passionate about,” Willhite said. “Be confident, stand your ground, and take credit for your work. Be visible, show up, and lean in.”
A Future Pediatric Pharmacist in the Making
Stephanie Ekufu, a current PharmD student, discovered her passion for pharmacy in high school.
Like Willhite, Ekufu’s interest in chemistry led her to explore a career in health care, and pharmacy offered the right mix of science and patient care.
“I want to be involved in a process that helps patients better understand their medications and help them better understand how taking certain medications can help them improve their health and wellness,” she said.
Now, Ekufu is pursuing her goal of becoming a pediatric clinical pharmacist, driven by her desire to work with children.
In addition to her studies, the UI College of Pharmacy has provided Ekufu with ample opportunities for leadership and growth. She is currently the president of Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the Pharmacy Leadership Society, and is involved in the Pediatric Pharmacy Association, University of Iowa Mobile Clinic, and the Student National Pharmaceutical Association.
Ekufu’s proudest achievement to date is her personal growth.
“Walking into pharmacy school, I was extremely shy and timid,” she said. “I’m not going to say I’m the most outgoing person right now as I am still very introverted, but I allowed myself to be involved in student organizations and had so many opportunities to gain certain experiences that helped me branch out more to other people. I have enhanced my communication skills, time management skills, built a manageable work-school-life balance, and gained some new personal skills as well.”
Her advice for those undecided about their career path is to follow what they’re interested in.
“If there’s a class you really liked taking in high school or in your undergraduate courses, research different career paths that relate to that,” Ekufu said. “Branch out as well. Go to career fairs, or if there’s a student organization that is having career-related workshops, attend those. For example, there are pre-health student organizations tailored to undergraduate students that talk about the different fields of health care.”
The stories of Willhite and Ekufu represent the continued legacy of women transforming the pharmacy profession. Through Willhite’s dedication to advancing medication safety and opioid stewardship, and Ekufu’s determination to advocate for children’s health, these women are living examples of how pharmacists can be leaders, educators, and advocates for change.