Tell us about yourself!
Hi there! My name is Jenny McAllister and I am a pharmacist at Sona Pharmacy + Clinic.
Originally from Raleigh, I moved to Asheville almost a year ago with my husband, Rob, and two dogs, a greyhound and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We love the area and enjoy spending our time hiking, checking out local art and music, and exploring Asheville’s lively downtown.
I completed my undergraduate degree at N.C. State University and obtained my Pharm.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill. Needless to say, college football and basketball seasons are interesting times in my household!
Why did you choose to become a pharmacist?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare; however, it wasn’t until I worked at an independent pharmacy in my hometown that I discovered I wanted to go to pharmacy school.
I found I enjoyed working with people and was intrigued by the positive impact a pharmacist could have on the local community.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am an avid crafter. I am especially fond of crochet and I even design my own patterns. Crocheting is my ideal way to relax, and I am perfectly content spending any evening curled up on the couch with a great project and a ball of yarn.
Another fun fact is that I love travelling and experiencing different cultures. I have a list of all of the places I would like to visit in my lifetime. I am slowly working on this list. This past spring my husband and I were lucky enough to visit Prague, Budapest, and Vienna.
What excites you most about the future of pharmacy?
I am thrilled that pharmacists are playing a more active role in patient care!
Besides dispensing medication, pharmacists now provide an increasing number of additional services, including: administering immunizations, conducting wellness screenings, and helping patients prevent and manage chronic diseases.
The pharmacist role will continue to grow, and this is exciting news for everyone involved!
What is your favorite thing about Sona Pharmacy + Clinic?
I love the time I get to spend interacting with our patients and establishing relationships with them. In many cases, pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers, and I appreciate how Sona Pharmacy + Clinic embraces this concept.
The Sona concierge desk (our welcome desk that is always staffed by a pharmacist at the front of the store) is a prime example as it allows me to connect with each person that visits. This unique feature is just one of many ways Sona provides individualized patient care.
The combination of the pharmacy and urgent care is another innovative aspect of Sona. In addition to the convenience factor, this setup makes so much sense; doctors and other providers can communicate directly with pharmacy staff members to ensure continuity of care.
What should readers remember about your blog post?
I am delighted to be a part of a team like Sona that is dedicated to serving healthcare needs in a way that is as pleasant and painless as possible.
I strive to make every patient experience I encounter a positive one, and I look forward to continuing to get to know each and every one of our patients!
