Focus on Fellows With Erica Tolle, PharmD

Meet Erica Tolle, PharmD, the newest academic fellow at the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy!

An academic fellowship is a post-graduate training program designed to prepare pharmacists for a career in academia. There are numerous types of fellowships that differ in emphasis such as research, teaching or industry, although all have a common goal of providing specific skills not typically emphasized in the PharmD curriculum or residency program. In general, fellowships are one to three years in length and are associated with an academic institution or pharmaceutical company.

In her own words:
 
What are your responsibilities?

My responsibilities are fivefold. First, I teach students in the college of pharmacy and on APPE rotations in addition to residents practicing in community settings. Second, I practice at a Federally Qualified Health Care Center (FQHC) during which I spend most of my time treating patients with diabetes. Third, I complete longitudinal projects with college administration focusing on assessment, curriculum and the community residency program. Fourth, I complete research pertinent to academia. Lastly, I participate in UC's Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) program in which I will teach classes and workshops to prepare me for a career in an academic setting.
 
What is your background?

I am from Springfield, Ohio and attended pharmacy school at Ohio Northern University. After receiving my PharmD, I completed a community pharmacy residency through the University of Iowa at Towncrest Pharmacy. After completion of my one year residency, I accepted my current position as academic fellow.
 
What is your area of interest?

My areas of interest include mentoring students and residents in addition to community pharmacy practice. I have been lucky enough to have wonderful mentors that have helped to develop my passions, educate me on the profession of pharmacy and continuously push me out of my comfort zone. I hope to serve students and residents in the same way by providing them with unique opportunities and a professional camaraderie. Serving patients in the community setting has been my passion since high school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and to form bonds with my patients.