Kalista McGuire: Choosing Pharmacy
From pre-med to oncology pharmacist — discover a flexible, patient-centered career in pharmacy.
🔗 Explore Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy: https://cedar.to/Programs
What does it look like to change direction in healthcare and find the right fit? In this conversation, Dr. Alita Chen, associate dean in Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy, interviews 2022 graduate Dr. Calista Maguire about her journey from biology pre-med student to oncology infusion center pharmacist.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction with Dr. Alita Chen and Dr. Calista Maguire
0:19 From biology pre-med to medical school
0:56 Rethinking career goals and discovering pharmacy
1:27 Working as an oncology infusion center pharmacist
1:49 Why pharmacy over medicine
2:21 Patient interaction in pharmacy careers
3:36 Transitioning from medical school to pharmacy school
4:14 Support from faculty, mentors, and preceptors
4:43 Advice for students considering switching to pharmacy
5:34 Shaping a pharmacy career around family life
6:51 Closing reflections on Dr. Maguire’s journey
After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology and beginning medical school, Dr. Maguire reevaluated her path while starting a family. Through mentorship and prayer, she discovered pharmacy as a dynamic and flexible profession. She shares how pharmacists serve as medication experts, directly interact with patients in settings like ambulatory care and oncology, and contribute to research and medical literature.
Dr. Maguire also addresses common misconceptions about pharmacy, highlights the importance of shadowing pharmacists, and explains how the flexibility of the profession allows her to balance patient care with family life. Throughout pharmacy school, she experienced strong faculty support, mentorship, and a Christ-centered learning environment that prepared her for career success.
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In this Cedarville University School of Pharmacy interview, Dr. Calista Maguire shares her journey from pre-med and medical school to becoming an oncology infusion center pharmacist. Learn how pharmacy offers flexibility, direct patient care, mentorship, and the opportunity to balance career and family while making a meaningful impact in healthcare.