August 2023 Alumni Spotlight - Leanna Baker, PharmD

Tell me about your current role?

In my current role as a first year Health Outcomes and Market Access fellow at Xcenda, I have had the opportunity to work with various service lines and work types throughout the organization. At Xcenda, the leadership team places tremendous value on providing fellows with high-quality training, offering personalized 1-on-1 networking opportunities with senior executives, and tailoring experiences to prioritize individual interests.

What do you like most about your fellowship?

One of the aspects I like about my role is the diversity of projects and teams that I have the opportunity to work with. Each day presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, which keeps me engaged and motivated. Additionally, I value the accessibility and support provided by my colleagues, which has helped me to continuously develop both personally and professionally.

Describe a little about your background and what lead you to pursue a fellowship program?

During my time in pharmacy school, I had the opportunity to explore various healthcare settings which provided me with a broad perspective on what pharmacists could do and how they could leverage their degree. I also held leadership positions in organizations such as IPhO, AMCP, and APhA where I advocated for guest speakers from different backgrounds to give students a diverse understanding of what it means to be a pharmacist. Additionally, I have worked in multiple healthcare settings including biopharmaceutical industry, marketing consulting, strategic consulting, contract research organizations, hospitals, and local pharmacies.

During my second year of pharmacy school, my research experience was bolstered by the development of a case-based learning program that utilized evidence-based research. The primary objective of this program was to equip students with the confidence to respond to instances of racism, discrimination, and microaggressions. As a result of this research, a manuscript outlining the program's structure, methodologies, and outcomes was produced and integrated into my university's curriculum. This manuscript serves as a valuable resource for other institutions seeking to incorporate similar programs into their curriculums. This experience piqued my curiosity in research design and educational material development.

These experiences allowed me to make an informed decision on pursuing a fellowship. My desire was to pursue a fellowship that would enable me to make meaningful contributions to projects, provide me with robust educational training, stay involved in research and prepare me for my future.

What advice would you give to fourth-year pharmacy students who are interested in managed care residencies?

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the functional area or residency that you are interested in, it is crucial to leverage available resources and network with relevant professionals. Although this process may prove time-consuming, it can ultimately lead to informed decision-making. Scheduling one-on-one meetings with individuals in the field of interest can provide invaluable insight into the role and career opportunities. In preparation for interview season, I participated in mock interviews, practiced with my mentors, obtained multiple perspectives on my CV, tailored my CV to match the specific position I was applying for, and initiated early application preparation to allow ample time for feedback from my mentors.

Do you recommend any additional resources and/or programs to become a competitive applicant for prospective fellowship applicants?

I recommend signing up for any resume/cv review or practice interview available whether it's local or for a national organization. Any feedback you can get will prepare you tremendously.

Briefly describe the fellowship application process. Any tips/tricks to include?

The fellowship application process is an arduous and meticulous endeavor. The most crucial aspect of this process is to remain organized and be yourself. Given the numerous deadlines associated with applying to multiple programs, scheduling interviews, and maintaining academic responsibilities, it is imperative to stay organized to avoid missing any opportunities. As you assemble your application packet and engage in interviews, it is important to present yourself authentically to ensure that your application accurately reflects who you are and what you want.