Meet Somer Slappey: A Clinical Pharmacy Leader and Ohio State Online Grad

A passion for problem solving drew Somer Slappey, PharmD, to a career in clinical pharmacy. Now, the brand new graduate of The Ohio State University’s online Master of Science in Health-System Pharmacy Administration (sometimes referred to as the Master of Science in Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership, or MS HSPAL) is working to improve patient outcomes and mentor future pharmacists at her hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. 

The online MS HSPAL program trains pharmacists to coordinate and evaluate pharmaceutical care in organized health care settings. This master’s degree in pharmacy provides education in management, business operations and leadership, alongside advanced pharmacy training. 

Somer was excited by the program’s focus on leadership development within the specific context of pharmacy administration. As a dedicated clinical pharmacist with aspirations of making a broader impact as a clinical coordinator at her institution, Somer knew Ohio State’s online pharmacy leadership program was right for her. 

But first, a career pivot…

Years ago, as a pharmacy student figuring out what she would do with a pharmacy degree, Somer was certain she would become a retail pharmacist. But all that changed when she discovered a love for clinical pharmacy during her residency. Although her career path shifted within the span of a month, Somer says it makes sense when she considers what she enjoyed as a child. 

“I came across an old report card where my teacher commented that I really thrived in an environment where there was a problem and I had to come up with a way to solve it. And it is so true today that that is what I love about my job,” she shared. 

“It’s such a fulfilling thing for me that the result of my problem solving can be a huge benefit to a patient, whether it’s a clinical outcome, a financial outcome, or just a more positive experience.” 

Improving patient outcomes

As a working professional, Somer says the online MS HSPAL coursework came alive for her, as she drew connections between lectures and her work at the hospital. During a financial course within the pharmacy program, Somer took the opportunity to speak with her hospital’s finance team to learn more about their buying process and to understand what was happening with drug shortages around the country. 

For another course, Somer led a quality improvement project that had an incredible impact on her patients. Her goal? Improve medication acquisition for patients who were donating organs. This medication would keep them comfortable, especially in the last hour of life. 

After dedicating four months to the project, Somer and her team were able to make this critical medication more readily available to patients, easing their experience and improving the process for their nurses. 

“Instead of a couple minutes delay obtaining that medication – which is significant in that last hour of life – it’s immediate,” Somer said. “It has just been so rewarding, knowing that we can keep the patient and their family comfortable in that last hour.” 

Online classes, IRL connections

For Somer, the live discussions with her classmates were one of the best parts of the MS HSPAL program. The immediate back-and-forth with her fellow pharmacists helped her get more out of the material. It also led to in-person connections with classmates and faculty at an alumni event in New Orleans for the Latiolais Leadership Program, and, eventually, at commencement in Columbus. 

In particular, Somer says she really appreciated program director Lisa Mostafavifar’s energy and passion for the program. When Lisa reached out about a quality improvement project of her own, Somer didn’t hesitate to share her experiences. 

“Lisa has reached out to me several times to hear my feedback on the MS HSPAL program,” Somer said. “And the feedback she’s received, I’m seeing her actually implement. It shows that she listens.” 

Somer also forged a connection with classmate Kate Hawkins, a resident at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.  

“Throughout the coursework, Kate was just so engaged both in discussion boards and live class discussions,” Somer said. “Those were our primary interactions, until I came to Ohio for graduation, and she invited me to a tour of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.” 

While on campus, Somer also toured Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center. Touring these large hospitals, each with very different practice environments, was eye opening, as was hearing about her classmates’ own varying experiences at their institutions. 

“I wouldn’t have gotten that perspective just within my health system,” Somer said. “The more exposure and experience you get, the more learning opportunities that you have. It helps you open your eyes to new opportunities, and you can bring that back to where you’re at.” 

Becoming a pharmacy leader

Back home in Florida, Somer serves as a preceptor for local pharmacy students and residents, which allows her to engage with her love of teaching and solidify her own leadership style.  

Reflecting on her own experience as a student in the online MS HSPAL program, Somer says involvement is everything.  

“This program is here because of those that went before us. So many people have put so much time and effort into developing this program – to giving feedback, pouring their careers into pharmacy administration and advancing the profession,” she said.  “I can’t say enough about becoming involved with those around you. Listen to them, look at their leadership styles, and make it authentically yours.” 

Interested in learning more about our online master’s degree in pharmacy and leadership? Contact our enrollment team today to get started.