Pharmacy Alumni Spotlight: Tyler Vest, PharmD '16

As a North Carolina native, Tyler was drawn to the UC College of Pharmacy for its excellent reputation and was inspired by Dean Neil MacKinnon’s leadership in creating a forward-facing strategic plan. He was impressed by the robust clinical curriculum and countless rotation opportunities within Cincinnati. During his time at UC, he gained valuable leadership experiences through student involvement, serving as a founding member of the UC student chapter of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). Through mentor relationships with Dr. Marianne Ivey and Dr. Teresa Cavanaugh, he ultimately decided to pursue hospital administration. “The faculty sincerely invested in me and created a bond that will last a lifetime,” said Tyler.

After graduating from UC, he was matched with his top residency program choice at the University of North Carolina Medical Center (UNCMC). He completed the Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency Program at the UNCMC and concurrently completed a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Specialization in Health-System Pharmacy Administration at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Upon completion in the summer of 2018, Tyler took on his current role at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where he oversees inpatient pharmacy operations and the emergency medicine pharmacy services.

Tyler also shares his enthusiasm and expertise as a volunteer with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). He rose up through volunteer positions with ASHP, serving on the ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum and ASHP New Practitioners Forum Advisory Groups as both a member and Chair. Tyler recently finished a term as Vice-Chair of the New Practitioners Forum Executive Committee and began his term as Chair in June 2019.

Reflecting upon his experiences so far, Tyler shares advice for current UC Pharmacy students. “Identify skills where you excel and make strides to stand out within your area of interest. Participate in research, get involved and form meaningful relationships with faculty and mentors. Don’t be afraid to commit.”

To share your alumni story and tell us what makes you #BoldlyBearcat, visit https://200.uc.edu/share-your-story.html.