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Official Newsjournal of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists

Leadership Profile
Member Spotlight: Natalie Tucker, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP

What is your leadership position within ICHP?
I am Chair-Elect of the New Practitioners Network

Describe your practice site.
I work at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL as the Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist and PGY2 ID Residency Program Director.

Describe a time when you made a difference.
We recently had a pediatric patient with CRE Enterobacter aerogenes bacteremia and acute kidney injury. I worked with our pediatric infectious diseases physicians and PICU pharmacists to research dosing for the new beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors so we could avoid nephrotoxic drugs like aminoglycosides and polymyxins. I ended up ordering ceftazidime/avibactam as this agent had the most data for pediatric use and the organism was susceptible to it.

What pharmacy issues keep you up at night?
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE! One of the reasons I work hard at my job is so that I don’t die from a simple E. coli UTI before I turn 50.

Why is ICHP valuable to you?
ICHP is valuable because of the many CE opportunities in various clinical areas available throughout the year. I also really enjoy the networking with local and statewide pharmacists. This allows me to learn more about pharmacy practice as well as meet people who can serve as additional resources.

Tell us about the first time you joined ICHP.
I first joined ICHP as a PGY2 ID resident at St. John’s Hospital, because I wanted to attend the ICHP Annual Meeting. That year I also gave my first CE presentation to the Sangamiss Society. I have since given a second CE for the Sangamiss Society as well as presented on MRSA nasal swabs at an ICHP Spring meeting.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for making you who you are today in your career?
Special thanks to Scott Bergman and Brandi Strader for making me who I am today in my career. Both were mentors to me during my PGY2 residency at St. John’s Hospital. Scott continues to answer my emails when I have unique clinical questions, while Brandi continues to help guide me in the right direction with implementing policies and protocols.

What advice do you have for a student?
Think about what your perfect job in pharmacy looks like. What skills do you want to use? What clinical areas interest you? What types of people you want to work with? Ask your mentors and preceptors what it takes to get there and do it!

Describe any special interests or hobbies outside of work.
Traveling, baking, weight lifting.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
Cookie dough.