Shanise Patterson, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, director of pharmacy at Methodist Healthcare South Hospital and a graduate of the UTHSC College of Pharmacy, was named a Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professional for 2021 by Cynthia Daniels & Co.
Dr. Patterson grew up in the Memphis area and attended Austin Peay State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She graduated from the UTHSC College of Pharmacy in 2012 and completed her post-graduate training at Methodist South, where she later took a full-time position.
She began working in emergency medicine and was promoted to clinical coordinator and clinical manager before achieving the role of pharmacy director last year.
Dr. Patterson serves as a preceptor for the college, where she said she is able to give back a little of what the college gave her. She said during her time at UTHSC, many preceptors and mentors inspired her and helped her find her passion.
“I would tell student pharmacists that it’s important to do the work,” Dr. Patterson said. “Find your path and your passion, and give back in the way people poured into you.”
Dr. Patterson said she had her eye on the UTHSC College of Pharmacy even in high school because she had a cousin who attended the college. When it came time to choose a pharmacy school, she was drawn to the strong curriculum and hands-on experiences UTHSC provided.
“Memphis was comfortable because it’s home, but this was also the #1 pharmacy school in the state and top 20 in the country,” she said.
The 40 Under 40 award is a nominated award presented to young professionals in Memphis for their professional accomplishments and service to the community. Dr. Patterson said in addition to her work at Methodist South and in professional organizations, she is involved with many community service projects through Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Dr. Patterson has also overseen many vaccinations for COVID-19, and the past year has provided opportunities for her to advocate for vaccinations at local meetings and on radio and television stations.
