PRECEPTOR SPOTLIGHT: Meet Steven Kennedy, PharmD, BCPS

What do you want other preceptors to know about you? (Introduce yourself)

Since 2013, I have been the inpatient cardiology clinical pharmacy specialist at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. After earning my PharmD from UW Madison, I completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Zablocki VA. I attained board certification in pharmacotherapy (BCPS) while working as a staff pharmacist at the Zablocki VA.

What rotations do you precept?

I am the primary preceptor for the inpatient cardiology rotation at the Zablocki VA. This is a required rotation for PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice residents and PGY-2 Internal Medicine Pharmacy residents at our institution. Additionally, the inpatient cardiology rotation is available as an elective rotation for APPE and IPPE students at Concordia, MCW, and UW-Madison schools of pharmacy.

Why did you choose pharmacy?

My interest has always been in the biochemical basis of human diseases and the role of medications in treating them. A career in pharmacy was the natural next step in pursuing this interest. My APPE rotations and PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency opened my eyes to the value clinical pharmacists provide in direct patient care. These experiences inspired me to become a clinical pharmacist. I truly enjoy daily interactions with patients and members of the inpatient cardiology service at the Zablocki VA and find it gratifying to be regarded by other professionals as a trusted expert in the safe and appropriate prescribing of medications.

Why did you become a preceptor?

Teaching has always been a strong interest of mine and becoming a preceptor has afforded me the opportunity to give back to the profession by teaching pharmacy residents and students. I enjoy helping residents and students with experiential application of clinical knowledge and problem solving to improve patient outcomes. I also have a strong interest in practice-based research. Becoming a preceptor has enabled me to pursue this interest through regular involvement as a mentor and co-investigator with pharmacy resident research projects.