Living the Pharm Life

Breaking Barriers, Prescribing Change: A Talk with Dr. Dodd

On this episode of Living the Pharm Life, Dr. Melanie Dodd, President of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and proud Purdue Pharmacy alumna talks about her Boilermaker roots, her groundbreaking work in geriatric care, and pharmacy leadership, Dr. Dodd shares her early influences, passion for expanding pharmacist roles in primary care, and vision for the future of the profession. Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or healthcare enthusiast, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few fun surprises.

Empowering Future Pharmacists: Helping Students Find their Passions

If you ask Stephanie Arnett, PharmD, about her passions, you might expect her answer to include something about helping others. You’d be right, but maybe not necessarily in the ways you’d expect. A pharmacist turned academic career professional and mentor, Dr. Arnett dedicates her time to guiding Purdue Pharmacy students as their small steps culminate with next giant leaps into their careers. Originally from Illinois, Dr. Arnett’s career journey began in Kentucky, where she made a profound impact on rural communities with her focus on caring for diabetic patients. As her career evolved, she transitioned into management in retail pharmacy, honing her leadership and mentorship skills—skills that would become the foundation for her next chapter. Today, Dr. Arnett serves as the Director of Student Career Development and Engagement at the Purdue College of Pharmacy. In this role, she does more than just guide students toward career success—she helps them uncover their “why,” encouraging them to explore their passions and preparing them for a future of meaningful impact. Don’t miss this episode of Living the Pharm Life, where Dr. Arnett opens up about her journey, her passion for people, and how she’s empowering the next generation of pharmacy professionals.

From Application to Graduation: Navigating Purdue Pharmacy with Purpose

Throughout this episode of Living the Pharm Life, listeners get a clear picture of what sets Purdue’s pharmacy program apart—its close-knit environment, affordability, and student-centered approach. Maggie Rose, a third-year professional student and President of the Purdue Pharmacy Ambassadors, along with Steve Myszak, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Purdue’s College of Pharmacy each offer valuable advice for prospective students navigating the college selection process, encouraging them to look beyond rankings and focus on fit and support. The conversation focuses on the strong sense of community within the College of Pharmacy, often affectionately referred to as the “Pharmily.” Maggie and Mr. Myszak discuss how the Office of Student Services functions as a central hub, offering academic guidance, emotional support, and personal development resources. These services help students manage the pressures of pharmacy school while feeling connected and supported. Maggie also highlights her leadership role in the Pharmacy Ambassadors and how it has helped her grow both personally and professionally through mentorship, outreach, and community engagement.  Whether you're a prospective student or already deep into your pharmacy journey, this conversation is full of helpful insights and encouragement for making the most of the Purdue experience.

From Chemistry to Community: How a Young Alumna is Redefining Pharmacy Mentorship

In this episode of Living the Pharm Life, guest host Claire Reyes, a fourth year professional student in the Purdue College of Pharmacy, sits down with one of the pharmacy world’s rising stars — Dr. Libby Shelton. Recognized as one of the Pharmacy Podcast Network’s 50 Most Influential Leaders of 2023, Libby shares her inspiring journey from first-generation college student to founder of the influential educational platform, Learn with Libby. Listeners will hear how her early passion for pharmacy and decision to attend Purdue helped shape her personal and professional growth. Libby opens up about the challenges and triumphs of navigating college life, the importance of mentorship, and how she turned personal obstacles into a resource that now supports students across the country. The conversation explores the evolution of Learn with Libby, from its humble beginnings as study guides and social media posts to its current state as a thriving community for academic and professional development. Claire and Libby also reflect on their shared experiences as pharmacy students, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on resilience and self-discovery. The episode wraps with advice for aspiring pharmacy students, insights into Libby’s pharmacy industry career, and a few fun behind-the-scenes moments — including Libby’s early pitch for a college-level podcast that helped inspire this very show. Whether you’re a current student, a health care professional, or simply someone looking for motivation, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and genuine enthusiasm for shaping the future of pharmacy.

Scripts & Songs: Pre-Pharm Student Hits Her Stride

Emme Langefeld, a second-year pre-professional pharmacy student at Purdue and proud member of the Purduettes, shares her experience landing in one of the nation’s top pharmacy programs while continuing to pursue her passion for performance. Emme talks about balancing the rigor of her academic journey with the challenges of applying to the PharmD program—all while navigating life as an out-of-state student from Illinois. She discovered her love for singing back in middle school and has carried that creative passion with her to college. She reflects on how the discipline, teamwork, and confidence she’s developed through music have helped her thrive in the classroom. Emme also offers practical advice for students trying to stay involved on campus without falling behind academically. From insights on the pharmacy application process to favorite musical memories, Emme’s story is a shining example of how Boilermakers make the most of their time at Purdue—both academically and personally.