Dr. David Allen interview
MPhA: What is your background and experience in pharmacy and education? What led you to become a pharmacist?
Allen: I’ve been a pharmacist for 25 years and I’ve been a pharmacy educator for 15 years. I am very passionate about our profession. I believe what we can do for the betterment of our patients is tremendous.
I loved science and math in school. In high school I became fascinated by how drugs work in the body. Also having grown up in a family business (not pharmacy related) I was intrigued by the business of a drug store.
MPhA: How is the transition from Ohio to Mississippi coming along? Being a Kentucky native, are you excited to be returning to the South?
Allen: My transition has been very smooth and an easy one. I will move to Oxford in late December starting at the School on January 1st. Dean Wells has been extraordinarily helpful as have the faculty and staff in both the School of Pharmacy and the University.
I am really excited about being in the SEC again! Ole Miss has such great tradition. The campus is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. I am really looking forward to getting to know folks and becoming immersed in the rich traditions of the School and University.
MPhA: What practice settings have you been in since becoming a pharmacist? How has your knowledge from these experiences helped you with your career in academia?
Allen: I have been fortunate to be exposed to various settings in my career. I practiced full-time in community chain pharmacy and have worked part-time in community independent, hospital and in a community independent pharmacy that hospice was a main focus. All of these experiences have been very beneficial to me in my teaching and being able to relate to practice sites with whom we partner for experiential education.
MPhA: What practice settings of pharmacy do you feel will grow? Based on your knowledge and experience what would be the best decision for a new pharmacist attempting to choose the right practice setting?
Allen: The great thing about pharmacy is the plethora of opportunities and career paths that our profession offers. I recommend to students that they seek as many experiences as possible in multiple settings to get a feel for what is best for them. There are wonderful opportunities in pharmacy and everyone can find the one best suited for them.
MPhA: What have been some of your most rewarding career experiences so far?
Allen: My most rewarding experiences are the successes of those with whom I work. I’ve often said that as dean my two most important activities are: 1) to help people be successful, and 2) to talk about their success. I remember seeing one of my former pharmacy students being recognized as the school alumni of the year in research a few years ago. I was beaming with pride and excited for him. It’s these kind of experiences that make academia and pharmacy so rewarding.
MPhA: What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Favorite Sports teams?
Allen: I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife Loree is the nicest person I’ve ever met and she is so supportive of me and my career. My sons David and Drew are growing into wonderful young men. I am truly blessed.
I am a huge Kentucky basketball fan. Having grown up in Kentucky and graduated from UK (twice!) I follow UK basketball closely year round. I also follow pharmacy news on a daily basis. I have search engines set up to follow especially pharmacy academic news. This really allows me to stay on top of things in our profession. My wife says that my job is actually my hobby – she’s probably right! I also enjoy golf and road cycling but do less of those these days.
MPhA: What are some things you are most excited about in your new role as the Dean of Ole Miss Pharmacy?
Allen: Ole Miss is a very strong program with great times ahead. The people with whom I have interacted are tremendous and I am very excited about working with them on a daily basis. The continued growth and development of the School is amazing as evidenced by the new building in Jackson we will soon occupy and phase 2 of the Thad Cochran
Research Center facility. These new facilities position us to continue to be among the top Schools of Pharmacy in the country and to have tremendous impact in research, education, service and patient care.
MPhA: What challenges do you think you will face as Dean?
Allen: Clearly the economy has been a challenge for schools and colleges of pharmacy. Dean Wells and her team as well as the University administration have done a superb job of navigating troubled waters in this regard. I have a very steep learning curve ahead but I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to lead such a great program with strong tradition. I will work extremely hard to get up to speed quickly and to get to know all stakeholders involved.
MPhA: Have you learned the Ole Miss Fight Song and cheers yet?
Allen: Hotty Toddy! No, not yet but I am eager to learn. I already have three Ole Miss shirts and an Ole Miss tie. Some very kind faculty gave me an Ole Miss lanyard and koozie and an Ole Miss School of Pharmacy key chain which I have already started using. Showing my Ole Miss colors and being a Rebel fan will come easily.
MPhA: Do you have any experience with state associations such as MPhA?
Allen: Yes, I am fortunate to have extensive experience with professional organizations. I have served on the legal affairs committees for OPA and OSHP in Ohio. I have already inquired about similar service opportunities for MPhA and MSHP. When I was in Texas I served as President of TSHP and as Chair of the TSHP Public Affairs Council. I have also been fortunate to work on committees and councils for AACP, APhA, ASHP and ACCP. These opportunities are tremendous in helping me stay on top of things related to pharmacy practice and academic pharmacy. Plus, it allows me to give back to a profession that has given so very much to me.
MPhA would like to welcome Dr. Allen into our community!