As a recent graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy with a doctorate, Tori Wiley’s passion for improving patient and public health is shown through her dedication to the field of pharmacy. She chose her path as a pharmacist after discovering the pharmacist’s role in helping patients understand medication. Dr. Wiley desired to engage in vital health discussions with patients to bridge communication gaps in healthcare.

“I saw my loved ones taking medications, but we never had conversations about health. I wanted to understand what pharmacy was all about to have those conversations with my loved ones and people in my community,” said Dr. Wiley.

Through Dr. Wiley’s commitment to pharmacy, she’s gained advanced experience and strengthened her understanding of pharmacy’s significance to healthcare.

“Pharmacists have a distinct role in the community because they are often the first person patients see and have access to,” said Dr. Wiley. “Pharmacists serve as drug information experts. Pharmacy is an opportunity to advocate for those who may not know much about medication and health.”

She shared what pharmacy means to her and its crucial impact on communal health.

“Pharmacists are so important because their main role is to make sure medication is safe and appropriate for our patients,” said Dr. Wiley. “We make sure the patient’s medication is the best choice for their current complaint, co-existing conditions, socioeconomic status, and their own preferences. We’re often the last point of contact before patients are given medicine, so the pharmacists must ensure patients get the care they need.”

For Dr. Wiley, pharmacy is also vital to combating health disparities throughout communities. As underserved populations experience disproportionate access to medicine and healthcare, pharmacy is essential to health equity.

“We play a role in making sure patients are prioritized and that every person is getting the care they deserve,” said Dr. Wiley.

As a pharmacy student, Dr. Wiley chose Xavier as the university’s prestigious College of Pharmacy program was highly recommended, and its mission aligned with what she wanted in a program. Her favorite classes at Xavier were therapeutic courses, as she enjoyed learning the different aspects of medication management.

“The therapeutic courses fully dive into drug therapy. At a minimum, we learn how diseases and illnesses present, the evidence-based medicine to understand the differences in available treatments, how the medication works in the body, and how to create appropriate treatment plans for our patients,” said Dr. Wiley. “Therapeutics brings physiology, chemistry, and medication management together. It’s necessary to know the what, why, where, when, and how medications work to create safe and appropriate medication therapy plans for patients.”

Dr. Wiley is thankful for Xavier’s COP, as its resources advanced her academic progression. As a student, Dr. Wiley was a member of various Xavier pharmacy associations on campus. She also participated in health fairs with Xavier’s Center for Health and Wellness, directly interacting with patients to understand their needs. She’s also received hands-on experience through the COP’s clinical rotations, which allow students first-hand exposure to clinical knowledge and patient interactions as well as reinforce what is taught in classrooms.

“We had quality professors at Xavier that care about our learning and professional development. It was amazing to have access to very knowledgeable, reputable clinical professors who are also pharmacists,” said Dr. Wiley.

Dr. Wiley also had several research opportunities in part to the COP. She went on an international trip to Malta, where she presented research focusing on racial, gender, and age disparities and their association with coronary heart disease.

“I would not have had this opportunity had I not come to Xavier and the College of Pharmacy. This program really supports its students. It allowed me to interact with other professionals, solve problems, and has pushed me to be more of a clinical thinker,” said Dr. Wiley.

She also felt support from the connections she’s made at Xavier. Dr. Wiley shared that Xavier’s student organizations, professional networks, and tutoring centers create networking opportunities that foster student success.

“Xavier’s offices play a role in making sure we have what we need to succeed. We have the support to dream big and to create goals for ourselves post-graduation,” said Dr. Wiley.

As a clinical pharmacist, Dr. Wiley hopes to eliminate health disparities and equip patients with necessary, sufficient health information to achieve optimal health. She aspires to be an agent in the community who ensures patients are empowered and feel their voices are heard. In the future, Dr. Wiley envisions herself working in an ambulatory setting as her dream career emphasizes direct patient care.

“What I hope to achieve long-term is to change patients’ lives for the better and to be a trusted pharmacist who brings forth a positive impact in the community and pharmacy profession,” said Dr. Wiley.

Dr. Wiley graduated in May with her doctorate in pharmacy. Upon graduation, Dr. Wiley was awarded several honors, including the Bowl of Hygeia, which is a prestigious award that recognizes one finalist for “exemplifying the highest ideals of professionalism, a commitment to academic excellence, exceptional leadership, esprit de corps, and outstanding service to the college, the profession of pharmacy, and the community throughout her years in the College of Pharmacy.”

She is grateful for this award, which reflects her determination and service throughout her academic journey. She credits Xavier’s COP for fostering a productive learning environment and the many professional development opportunities that have equipped her with the skills necessary to be her best self, a better leader, and a successful pharmacist worthy of that award. She shared that she received a quality education and depth of clinical knowledge from Xavier and felt prepared to continue her new journey as a 2023-2024 Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) Ambulatory Care Resident at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Dr. Wiley encourages aspiring COP students to continuously set new goals for themselves and achieve even greater heights.

“As you achieve one goal, don’t stop there. See how you can go higher next year by setting another expectation,” said Dr. Wiley. “Don’t be afraid to dream big. Push yourself to grow because that brings out the best in you.”

Dr. Wiley also advises current COP students to seek mentors, who can provide invaluable experience and guidance. Dr. Wiley was privileged to work under her mentor, Dr. Lakeisha Williams, a clinical associate professor in Xavier’s College of Pharmacy. Thanks to Dr. Williams, Dr. Wiley feels she has gained knowledge in and out of the classroom. Dr. Wiley emphasized mentors can help students navigate their career goals, but it’s essential for students to also forge their own path.

“Create the path you want for yourself. Look for what stands out to your passions, values, and where you believe you will be truly fulfilled, and simply, do not give up on yourself. Continue working and believing, and eventually, the results will show,” said Dr. Wiley.