Kelly Rogers, PharmD, BCCP, FCCP, FACC
Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science
Q: When did you join the faculty here at UTHSC and what drew you here?
A: I joined UTHSC originally as an adjunct professor back in 2002 when my husband and I moved back to Memphis and I was working at Baptist Hospital. My husband is Dave Rogers and he joined the faculty in 2001. In 2006, Shannon Finks and I transitioned to full-time faculty as part of a job share. I really wanted to get back into academia.
Q: When did you know you wanted to become a pharmacist?
A: As a kid, I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, I was really drawn to the biological sciences. I remember I was in health class in seventh grade and learned all the bones in the body. When I was 16, I was looking for a job so I could buy a car and my friend who was working at Fred’s Pharmacy told me they needed a new technician. So I started working there and I was blown away. So shortly after I started working there, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
Q: What was it like getting a job after you graduated from pharmacy school?
A: After I did residency training, Dave and I went to Mississippi so he could finish his training. Finding my ideal job took some time, it wasn’t just waiting for me to jump into so I had to put in some time to get what I really wanted. The job that I got kind of fell into my lap because I hadn’t intended to go into academia or cardiology. The position was open and Dave’s mentor in Mississippi encouraged me to apply.
Q: What advice would you give a student currently in pharmacy school?
A: If they are interested in post-graduate training I have a lot of advice on things they can do to stand out among the masses. They should get involved in research with faculty, try to present posters and get as many leadership opportunities as they can. Students should also work to get to know the faculty. We are here for the students and everyone I know wants to see them succeed, so take advantage of that.
Q: Who has influenced you most in your life?
A: I think that would have to be my husband. Sharing a profession, we have insights into each other’s jobs. Having him as a partner in both my life and my profession puts him at the top.
Q: What is one place in the world you want to travel to?
A: Right now on my bucket list is Italy. I haven’t been there yet and I really want to see Italy. I want to go to Rome. Really all of those western European countries appeal to me. I love the architecture. I can just walk around and take picture of the buildings. I love to take pictures of doors, just really old European doors. I just love the ancientness of Europe. 