Allyson Sudduth is from Madison, Virginia. She will be graduating with an Area of Emphasis in Geriatric Pharmacy.
Why did you pursue a career in pharmacy?
My mother, a nurse, motivated me to pursue a career in pharmacy. Throughout my childhood, I tagged along for many visits to the hospital where she worked and heard countless stories about patient interactions. Healthcare has always felt like a natural path for me to pursue. Although I didn't want to be as hands-on with physical ailments, I still valued building relationships with patients, making pharmacy feel like the perfect fit.
Why did you choose West Virginia University for Pharmacy School?
I wanted to complete my undergraduate and pharmacy studies at the same university, so I picked WVU during my senior year of high school. Coming from a small town, I loved that WVU was a bigger college that still offered the class size of a smaller school in the major-specific classes. The mountaineer pride and friendliness are felt throughout the campus, and I knew this would be an environment that would nurture me as I proceeded through my education.
How has your experience at the WVU School of Pharmacy prepared you for your future career?
Throughout school, I have been drawn to ambulatory care rather than acute care, focusing on managing chronic conditions while building relationships with patients. WVU's curriculum incorporated many simulations to practice these interactions with standardized patients, which made me feel even more comfortable going into my APPE rotations, where I practiced these skills with real patients. These experiences have been invaluable, allowing me to focus on expanding my clinical knowledge and providing better care to patients.
What is your favorite memory from the WVU School of Pharmacy?
My favorite memory from my time at the WVU School of Pharmacy is the Apothecary Ball. As a member of APhA, I helped plan the event, so seeing it come to fruition was nice. It also allowed me to take a break from studying and working and have a fun night with my classmates.
Is there a professor/staff member at the School of Pharmacy who has significantly influenced your journey?
Dr. Simpkins made a significant impact on my journey in her encouragement to pursue residency. Throughout my rotation with her, she was always interested in learning more about me and providing support in any way she could to help me continue to grow.
What will you miss the most about the School of Pharmacy?
I will miss being in the same place as my friends and West Virginia, which has become my second home.
What is a fun or surprising fact about you that most people might not know?
Although I'm from Virginia, my hometown's mascot is the Mountaineer, so I truly live by the motto "Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer."