Jackson Memorial Hospital
Karen Pasternac, PharmD, CPh, MSW
The student had this to say about Dr. Pasternac:
Dr. Karen Pasternac and the team at Jackson Memorial Hospital created a welcoming and supportive learning environment throughout my rotation. Karen was always willing to teach, answer questions, and encourage critical thinking. I was exposed to a variety of clinical experiences that helped strengthen my understanding of hospital pharmacy and patient care. The entire team was invested in my learning and made this a valuable and rewarding experience.
Brief bio or Site description
For more than 34 years, Jackson Health System has been my professional home. I began my journey as a pharmacy technician, completed my PGY1 Pharmacy Residency here, and have been fortunate to grow through many different roles over the years. Today, I serve as the Director of Pharmacy for Jackson Memorial Hospital, Holtz Women’s & Children’s Hospital, and Lynn Rehabilitation Center. What has made Jackson Memorial Hospital such a special place is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients while working alongside an incredible team of healthcare professionals. I have always been passionate about improving patient care, advancing medication safety, and supporting the people who make that care possible. I also believe that one of our greatest strengths is the dedication and talent of those around us. I enjoy encouraging and supporting team members as they grow professionally and develop into future leaders. One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been serving as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents for more than 20 years. I love helping future pharmacists gain confidence, discover their strengths, and find their place within the profession. Watching former students and residents grow into leaders is something I am truly thankful for. I am incredibly grateful for the colleagues, mentors, students, and residents who have been part of my journey. Their impact on my life has been every bit as meaningful as any impact I may have had on theirs.
What is your or your sites philosophy on educating students and/or providing pharmacy services?
Teaching has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. I enjoy helping students gain a broader understanding of pharmacy and all the opportunities the profession has to offer. My goal is to provide a well-rounded experience that allows them to see both the patient care and behind-the scenes work that help make a health system successful. I believe every student is unique and brings different interests, strengths, and goals to their rotation. Taking the time to get to know each learner allows me to create experiences that are meaningful and help them get the most out of their time with us. More than anything, I hope students leave their rotation with greater confidence in themselves and a better understanding of where they see their future in pharmacy. Watching them grow, discover new interests, and develop into future pharmacy professionals is one of the most rewarding parts of being a preceptor.
What is a fun fact about you or the site?
I recently had the opportunity to appear in Ethan Bloom, a film that was shown in theaters. I am also a proud mother of two daughters: one performs with the FSU Flying High Circus, and the other is an enthusiastic cheerleader.