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With the May 2020 completion of her doctor of pharmacy degree, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) graduate Deja Finley has achieved a childhood dream. Since she was 13, the pharmacist has aspired to “impact the world in a positive way through math and science.”

“Pharmacists are among the most trusted professions, and I knew that it would be a rewarding and personally fulfilling experience to become a pharmacist,” Finley said. “SIUE gave me an insurmountable amount of support even before I became a student, and that level of support remained consistent throughout my schooling. I appreciated the small student-to-faculty ratio, and how faculty and staff learned my name even prior to my admission. Choosing to pursue my PharmD at the School of Pharmacy is undeniably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

The O’Fallon native plans to pursue a career in academia, a goal the SIUE SOP was uniquely positioned to help her achieve.

“SIUE is the only school of pharmacy in the United States that offers a PharmD alongside a specialization in teaching, so I took advantage of that opportunity,” Finley explained. “That gave me a huge advantage and learning experience.”

Finley was an involved student with a passion for serving the underserved. “I was given an overwhelming amount of opportunities to serve, enhance my cultural competence and solidify my moral foundation as a whole,” she noted.

Among the many meaningful ways she built her personal and professional portfolio:

• Serving as a counselor at SIUE’s Healthcare Diversity Camp, helping encourage high school students from marginalized communities to become interested in science-related careers
• Participating in an “eye-opening” population health rotation, which allowed her to gain firsthand experience in the mental health community
• Serving as a student pharmacist on a Native American Reservation in South Dakota for five weeks, offering her insight into the cultural aspects of American Indians and helping her develop an appreciation for their customs
• Contributing to an interprofessional healthcare team in Cobden, a primarily Spanish speaking community, where she strengthened her skills in communicating with interpreters when there was a language barrier
• Creating and implementing an Implicit Bias training with two of her most influential professors, Dr. Lakesha Butler and Dr. Jessica Kerr, a first of its kind project that was presented at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) National Conference in Washington, D.C.
• Volunteering as an Rxcellence instructor, a new SOP initiative that allowed students to create novel pharmacy-related projects and lead them in high school STEM classes
• Serving as the Operation Immunization Executive Chair for SIUE SOP chapter of the APhA-ASP (Academy of Student Pharmacists), where she implemented flu shot clinics in East St. Louis
• Preparing for residency interviews with one of her mentors, Dr. Chris Lynch

Her resume was to be further enhanced by a rotation in Haiti scheduled for the academic year. Despite it being canceled due to Coronavirus-related travel restrictions, Finley notes her instructors made sure to offer her valuable experiences virtually.

“My preceptor, Dr. Kelly Gable, understood how devastating it was for me to have that opportunity taken away, so she went above and beyond to make sure that I had an awesome rotation despite my disappointment,” Finley said.

“I was also forced to do my internal medicine rotation via Zoom because of Coronavirus,” she added. “Dr. Newman and Dr. Arnoldi made sure that we all met graduation requirements despite the public health crisis, and Dr. Vogler precepted me. I learned so much from her on that rotation, and I can’t thank her enough for stepping up to the plate when we needed her.”

According to Finley, one of the most valuable resources anyone can be given is a quality education.

“I had the most amazing experience at SIUE. I met some of my best friends and the most supportive faculty, staff, and mentors,” she emphasized. “I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. I take pride in being a part of the SIUE community, and I can’t wait to have a significant impact on students that come after me, just like others did for me.”

The advice she would leave for current and future students is to find study buddies, let professors help when you are struggling, take advantage of opportunities and join organizations. She underscores the importance of time management, and notes that “pharmacy is a small world, so always make a good impression!”

Next, Finley has secured position as a PGY1 Community Resident and Pharmacy Practice Instructor for the Saint Louis College of Pharmacy. She plans to pursue a PGY2 residency and specialize in ambulatory care. Her long-term career goals include practicing in an ambulatory care setting and becoming a clinical pharmacy practice professor for future pharmacy students, as well as serving as a preceptor.

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy graduate Deja Finley, of O’Fallon.