Dr. Kelly Sklanka joined Wilkes last fall as assistant professor of pharmacy practice. She was an adjunct faculty member for the Nesbit School of Pharmacy before coming back to her alma mater.
Sklanka is from Old Forge, Pa., and now lives in Wyoming, Pa. with her husband and 10-month-old daughter. She received her doctor of pharmacy degree from the Wilkes University and Nesbit School of Pharmacy in 2018.
“The experience that I had as a student and the impact that the faculty had on me during my time at Wilkes was something that I really can’t even put into words.
“It was just such a wonderful experience, and they really shaped me into the pharmacist and professional that I am today, so I wanted to be able to return the favor to current students and help shape them and guide them in their career,” said Sklanka.
Sklanka explained that the healthcare system can be hard to navigate, especially with making appointments.
“I saw a pharmacist as a provider who was so accessible and ready to help patients and answer questions and make them feel comfortable, that was something that I wanted to do,” said Sklanka.
While she never imagined her career would lead her to teach pharmacy students, Sklanka explained that she was fortunate enough to have been that type of healthcare provider for patients.
“I was very accessible and helped make them feel comfortable in navigating the healthcare system, taking their medications and really taking control of their own health.”
This semester, Sklanka is teaching in a pharmacy care lab, where third year pharmacy students learn motivational interviewing. Additionally, Sklanka is also teaching in the foundations for pharmacy practice class.
“I think in pharmacy, it’s really unique because I have the opportunity to work with students both in the classroom and then out in pharmacy practice,” said Sklanka.
Her favorite part about teaching is getting to see her students interact with patients, or examining their charts and making connections to what they have learned in the classroom.
During her time at Wilkes, Sklanka hopes to create relationships with her current students through mentorship, just like she had with her past professors.
“I kind of hope that I can have that same relationship with current students that I serve as a mentor to them and help them decide what they want to do with their career and maybe shape the way that they practice and care for patients based on things that I’ve learned myself,“ said Sklanka.
Sklanka participated in the New York City Marathon. This was also done as part of fundraising for Allied Services, which has a special place in her heart as her grandmother had gone to allied care after she had a stroke.
“It kind of was some additional motivation that I needed to conquer the task of running a full marathon, but also was just really an important way to raise awareness for the wonderful things that allied services have done and kind of give back in that way,” said Sklanka.
In the next few years, Sklanka is contemplating on pursuing an additional degree, including her masters in either health informatics or business administration. She also has a goal to become board certified in ambulatory care.
Sklanka offers some advice to students, encouraging them to keep an open mind about the different courses they are taking, whether they are relevant to their major or not.