Faculty Profile
Meet Dr. Kelly Gable, Your Advocate for Wellbeing in Healthcare
Professor and Psychiatric Pharmacy Specialist
Dr. Kelly Gable is a pioneering force in the integration of mental health education within pharmacy practice. As one of the first faculty members across the country to incorporate Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) into the PharmD curriculum, Dr. Gable has transformed the educational landscape by making MHFA a graduation requirement. This initiative ensures that every student not only graduates with a certification but also possesses the confidence and skills to recognize and assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
In addition to enhancing the core curriculum, Dr. Gable has created a new psychiatric specialization for PharmD students, providing a dedicated pathway for those passionate about psychiatric pharmacy. This specialization--the first of its kind in the nation--empowers students to immerse themselves in the nuances of mental health, ultimately preparing them to make significant contributions in this critical field.
Dr. Gable also played a pivotal role in establishing unique Psychiatric Pharmacy billing codes through the Missouri Department of Mental Health. This advocacy for interdisciplinary provider status is instrumental in expanding access to mental health services, particularly for underrepresented communities. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience as a psychiatric pharmacist, Dr. Gable has collaborated extensively with psychiatry to improve mental health service access. She currently practices guiding patients and other providers to improve use of medications in treatment of mental health disorders at Family Cares Health Center in St. Louis, IL. This commitment to serving underrepresented communities has informed both their practice and teaching philosophy.
Dr. Gable is among the few pharmacists in the nation to hold the distinction of being a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Drawing on this expertise, Dr. Gable developed the required Patient-Centered Communications course, infusing it with the spirit and principles of motivational interviewing to enhance student interactions with patients.
Recognizing the importance of well-being in academic environments, Dr. Gable has been a strong advocate for the establishment of a Director of Well-being and Resilience position within the School of Pharmacy. This initiative prioritizes the mental health and resilience of students, faculty, and staff, fostering a supportive and thriving community. She has been invited to speak across the country on this model to support wellness in pharmacy education and how these principles can be employed in practice.
Dr. Gable’s leadership and advocacy extends to national organizations, currently serving as Chair of the Psychiatric Specialty Council for the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) and as a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. Through these roles, Dr. Gable continues to advocate for the advancement of psychiatric pharmacy and the role of pharmacists in mental health care. Her innovative contributions and unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy are vital assets to SIUE School of Pharmacy and the field of pharmacy as a whole.
