In a recent interview with Pharmacy Times, Shawn Riser Taylor, PharmD, CPP, CDCES, shared insights into her research journey, which has been significantly influenced by her early experiences at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As the professor and chair in the Department of Social Sciences and Outpatient Practice at Wingate University School of Pharmacy in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Taylor emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the impact of thoughtful study design.
Taylor began her research career as a pharmacy resident at the VA in Asheville, North Carolina. Initially focused on efficiency, she quickly learned that quality research requires patience. “Meaningful work does not come from rushing the process,” she noted. This evolving perspective has allowed her to create strategic projects that enhance both patient care and academic settings.
Research Role and Collaboration
As an active member of various research teams, Taylor often serves as the idea generator, drawing from her clinical encounters and classroom experiences. She maintains at least two ongoing research projects, many of which involve pharmacy learners. “I regularly seek support from colleagues in study design and data analysis,” she explained. Her collaborative spirit extends beyond pharmacy, as she engages with a diverse array of co-investigators across different fields, reflecting her broad curiosity.
When asked about how she connects with research teams, Taylor emphasized her interest in various topics rather than a singular research niche. “There hasn’t been a single go-to research group or niche area in my professional career,” she stated. This openness has fostered collaborations that enrich her work and the work of those she mentors.
Mentorship and Notable Achievements
Taylor’s accomplishments as a pharmacy researcher are underscored by her commitment to mentorship. “As a student, I was fortunate to have a mentor who introduced me to research and collaborated with me on my first publication,” she recalled. Now, she finds fulfillment in involving the learners she mentors in her own research initiatives.
One of her notable projects involved a workgroup of pharmacists from the US and Canada who evaluated the integration of well-being within pharmacy schools. In 2022, they developed surveys, distributed them widely, and published their findings in The American Journal of Pharmacy Education in 2023. Taylor describes this project as a landmark achievement, as it was the first to capture the scope of well-being initiatives across North America. “This research has the potential to shape future efforts in this space throughout the academy,” she remarked.
Through her dedication to research and mentorship, Shawn Riser Taylor continues to make meaningful contributions to the pharmacy profession, inspiring the next generation of pharmacists to embrace research and its vital role in improving patient care.
