U.S. Navy veteran Logan Howard is a third-year student pharmacist at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. Howard served as a Navy corpsman from 2014 to 2020 and was stationed in several places including Guam, Greece and Virginia. Howard is a native of Des Moines, Iowa.
What is your military background? What was your role in the Navy, and what motivated you to serve?
I served as a Navy corpsmen, where I gained experience in a variety of practice settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and field medicine. One of the most rewarding experiences I had while serving was going on a humanitarian mission to Central and South America, as well as deploying to New York City aboard one of the hospital ships during COVID. I was inspired to serve by my 2 grandfathers, who both served in the Army, and I wanted to continue their legacy of dedication and service to others.
What led you to pursue a career in pharmacy after your military service and why did you choose WVU for pharmacy school?
One of the things I loved most about being a corpsman was the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and work in diverse healthcare settings. I found that pharmacists share a similar versatility, being the medication experts, yet their knowledge and impact extend across many areas of patient care. This blend of clinical expertise and adaptability is what inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy. I chose WVU because of its strong emphasis on patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and its commitment to serving rural and underserved communities.
How has your experience in the Navy shaped the way you approach your studies or your future career as a pharmacist?
My experience as a Navy corpsman taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of teamwork in delivering effective patient care. Working in diverse and high-pressure environments helped me develop strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which I now apply to my studies. Most importantly, my time in the Navy strengthened my commitment to serving others — a value that continues to guide me as I pursue a career in pharmacy
Are there any parallels between your military training and the skills needed in pharmacy school or in patient care?
What does being a veteran mean to you as you continue your education and prepare for a career in healthcare?
Being a veteran means continuing a lifelong commitment to service, to give back, uplift others, and make a positive impact on the people around me. The values I learned in the military, such as integrity, teamwork, and dedication, continue to guide me as I pursue my education and prepare for a career in healthcare. For me, it’s about carrying that same spirit of service into my work as a pharmacist and striving to make a difference in the lives of my patients and community.
Have you found a sense of community or support at the WVU School of Pharmacy as a student veteran?
Yes, I’ve found a great sense of community and support at the WVU School of Pharmacy. The faculty and staff are very understanding of the unique experiences and challenges that student veterans face, and there are resources and peers who make it easy to feel connected. Being part of a community that values collaboration and supporting one another has made my transition into pharmacy school much smoother and more rewarding.
What advice would you give to other veterans who are considering returning to school — especially those thinking about pharmacy?
I’d tell other veterans that returning to school takes some adjustment, so give yourself time to adapt and be patient. At the same time, your military experience gives you a unique set of skills (discipline, teamwork, problem-solving) that you can bring into the classroom and patient care. There are also so many ways to make a difference, whether it’s supporting your peers, contributing your perspective, or finding new ways to serve others through pharmacy. Your experience is an asset, and it can help you stand out and make an impact.
Looking ahead, what are your career goals after graduation, and how do you hope to continue serving others through pharmacy?
After graduation, I hope to pursue a career either in the pharmaceutical industry or as a clinical pharmacist with the VA. My goal is to use my skills and knowledge to improve medication management and patient outcomes, particularly for veterans. I am passionate about advocating for better access to healthcare and resources for veterans and their families, and I hope to contribute to initiatives that reduce barriers to care and promote overall well-being.