Paige Carson

Paige’s Story

Dr. Carson received her Pharm.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed a Specialty residency in Primary Care with University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy and Coastal Medical, Inc. She has witnessed tremendous growth in opportunities for pharmacists to practice in the ambulatory care setting over the last 15 years. The practice settings for ambulatory care practice have expanded and assisted her in pursuing novel practice models and settings. Dr. Carson truly enjoys making a difference in patients’ healthcare and teaching others is a passion of hers. Utilization of her CDE and board certification has enhanced confidence in Dr. Carson’s decision-making by both providers and patients. She is also extremely fortunate to work in a state which recognizes clinical pharmacists as providers when entered into agreements with supervising physicians. Having her CPP is important as it allows for Dr. Carson to practice at the top of her license and advocate for other pharmacists to do the same.

Dr. Carson serves on the Clinical Practice Advancement Section Advisory Group for Ambulatory Care Practitioners. In addition, she reviews CVs for pharmacy students through ASHP and has recently served as a student and resident poster mentor.

Facility

Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) is a large, non-profit network consisting of hospitals, medical practices, freestanding emergency centers, and pharmacies. CHS has over 900 care locations and employs 60,000 workers. The mission of Carolinas HealthCare System is to create and operate a comprehensive system to provide healthcare and related services, including education and research opportunities, for the benefit of the people they serve.

Significant Projects

Dr. Carson’s current position incorporates two roles. She serves as the residency program director for the accredited PGY1 program in the Ambulatory Care setting. Secondly, she leads the pharmacist participation in the Care Management program. The Care Management program is an inter-disciplinary program designed to provide population health services to patients who need it most and teach them to better self-manage their chronic diseases.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

“Take advantage of every opportunity offered you. It may not be related to your initial short-term goal, but you never know where you will be practicing in the long-term and the importance of these opportunities and relationships. I also recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and volunteering for project participation in other areas of practice. Ambulatory care practice is now part of the healthcare continuum and experience in the widened horizon is important.”

Involvement in ASHP

“I have been in ASHP since I was a pharmacy student. ASHP has growing ambulatory care practice support and is substantially involved in residency practice.”

ASHP’s Value to Members

“ASHP offers opportunities for involvement at all levels of practice from student to new practitioner to seasoned pharmacist provider. I have enjoyed participating in various roles and SAGs, even when I couldn’t attend the Midyear meeting. The value of board certification support resource and applicable CE activities are also a bonus which I have applied to my practice and conversations with leaders within my organization.”

“Involvement with pharmacy residencies necessitates membership in ASHP as so many resources are developed through ASHP. I have found the value of ASHP to grow as my years of practice have increased. I believe significant opportunities exist for all members to participate, no matter the service line in which you work. I just wish I could attend all of the annual meetings.”