Jennifer Gatsos Walter
Community Health Network,
Clinical Oncology Pharmacist

Chemistry B.S., 1999
Doctor of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 2003

Following graduation from high school, I had an interest in pursuing a career in the medical field. I decided to attend Indiana State with hopes of obtaining a degree which would provide me a solid background. My decision to pursue a major in chemistry with a minor in life sciences has proven to be a wise one. Not only did I receive education in the classroom but I saw chemistry in action elsewhere. During my years at ISU, I was active in ACS/SA including activities such as chemistry week demonstrations for children, touring Anheiser Busch in St Louis, and attending a meeting at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago.

A highlight of my time as an ISU student was my semester studying abroad in Turku, Finland. Words cannot begin to describe all I experienced living and studying as a university student in a foreign land. Although my coursework included biochemistry, the majority of my classes focused on humanities such as Finnish language, art, and women's studies. Studying abroad allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.

After leaving ISU I headed to pharmacy school at Purdue University. I got off to a great start by being granted exemption from biochemistry courses due to my previous work at ISU. It goes without saying my chemistry degree provided an excellent foundation for my understanding of pharmaceuticals. I pursued a postgraduate residency in pharmacy practice at Crozer Keystone Health System in Upland, PA. This year of intensive training allowed me to explore the plethora of clinical areas where pharmacists can make an impact. From Crozer I moved to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia where opportunities arose for me to further my interest in oncology.

Currently, I am employed by Community Health Network in Indianapolis. My practice site is an outpatient infusion center where patients receive chemotherapy and related drugs. As the sole pharmacist I have a variety of responsibilities, such as reviewing medication orders, admixing intravenous chemotherapy, counseling patients, and serving as a drug information specialist for nurses and physicians.

Each day as a pharmacist I am challenged to provide quality services to my customers. In addition, new oncology drugs are constantly being approved by the FDA of which I must keep abreast. I enjoy my chosen profession where I can use my skill sets to improve patient care.