Featured PILs Ambassador:
Yewande Dayo, PharmD
Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacy Specialist
Who/what inspired you to pursue pharmacy?
I always had a deep interest in healthcare, and I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy after working as a pharmacy technician in college. I enjoyed learning about the medications I dispensed and the collaboration that took place between the pharmacist, physician and the patient to optimize clinical outcomes.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your area of pharmacy practice?
Knowing that my work impacts so many people in a positive way, whether it is patients directly, physicians, or other pharmacists.
At what moment did you realize you were a real pharmacist?
When I made a recommendation to a resident and she quoted me in her note.
Which prominent figure, past or present, leadership style do you admire and why?
Nelson Mandela: he embodied for me the servant leader style of leadership, one who works in the service of his employees, and strives to support and promote their needs and ability to maximize their potential.
What particular aspect of your field/specialization do you foresee drastically changing in the next 5 years?
I am specialized in a field that has come a long way in incorporating pharmacists as an integral part of the team. I foresee a future of expanded roles for infectious disease pharmacists, one that provides more autonomy to meet the increasing need for ID specialists, but also allows for innovation in the approach to antimicrobial stewardship and its impact on global health.
Interview by: Chandler Schexnayder, PharmD, BCPS, CDE.
