I am NCPA

PHARMACY: Pharmacist and director of clinical
services, Baya Pharmacy, Lake City, Fla.

EDUCATION: University of Florida College of
Pharmacy, 2022.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO PHARMACY: Born in India and raised in Canada, before relocating to Florida in 2011, Shivani had the opportunity to observe diverse health care systems and conditions in different countries. “These experiences highlighted the critical need for effective health care and the pivotal role pharmacists play in improving patient outcomes.”

Shivani’s interest in pharmacy started early on with her father, who is a pharmacist, because she admired the dedication and care he showed in his profession. “Beyond my father’s influence, I’ve always had a passion for health care. I was particularly drawn to pharmacy because it allows me to have a direct and positive impact on patient health and well-being. I aspire to contribute to public health by ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.”

COMMITTED TO EXPANDING SERVICES: Established around 40 years ago, Baya Pharmacy includes two retail pharmacies, one long-term care pharmacy, a medical supply store, and an urgent care facility. “One of the aspects I love most about Baya Pharmacy is its continuous growth – this dynamic environment provides me with both motivation and autonomy within the pharmacy and as a health care professional.”

Shivani began volunteering at Baya in September 2020, managing the COVID-19 testing clinic every weekend. That experience paved the way for her to complete one of her APPE rotations there in July 2021, and after graduation, she joined the team full-time. In her time with Baya thus far, Shivani has established a clinical services department, developed an obesity management program (which now has approximately 1,000 patients), implemented LTC-at home services, created a health equity program, and most recently, designed and oversaw the buildout and management of a sterile compounding cleanroom.

THE KEY IS IN THE COMMUNITY: Shivani defines an effective community pharmacist as a health care professional who plays a crucial role in promoting patient health and well-being within the community. “Key attributes include clinical expertise, patient-centered care, accessibility for the community, collaboration with other health care professionals, adaptability and innovation with new services, and last but certainly not the least, advocacy for the profession as a whole.” Together, these qualities significantly contribute to the community’s health, she says. Pharmacists can play a huge role in helping patients maintain good health through medication management, chronic disease management, preventative care, and personalized care, to name a few.

A LEAP OF FAITH: “Embracing a unique pharmacy approach is perfectly acceptable. Continue evolving within your pharmacy — some steps may require a leap of faith, but they can be worth it.” Shivani notes that to remain successful and be an important part of your community, pharmacists need to listen to their community’s needs and innovate to address their problems. A great way to do that is to optimize business practices to ensure sustainability and growth by exploring new revenue streams. And don’t forget, she says, “Advocate! Advocate! Advocate!”

INDEPENDENTS’ POTENTIAL IS BOUNDLESS: Shivani is passionate about everything when it comes to community pharmacy, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. For her, the direct and positive effect she’s made on her patients’ lives and propelling the business to new heights have been her motivation. It began with pharmacists gaining the ability to conduct COVID-19 testing, which for Baya Pharmacy evolved into test-and-treat, allowing them to establish a one-stop-shop pharmacy. Shivani now does both chronic disease and obesity management. “While our retail pharmacy remains crucial, the potential for independent pharmacies is boundless – it simply requires innovation, adaptation, and resilience. My goal is to inspire fellow pharmacists nationwide to pursue similar advancements.”

NCPA’S VALUE:  Shivani has been a member of NCPA since she was a student and attending the annual convention is one of her yearly highlights. “It provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues nationwide and expand my network. From the educational sessions to meeting new vendors and engaging in conversations during breaks, this experience has allowed me to stay informed about industry trends, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional relationships.”