CU Pharmacy Alumnus’ Professional Journey Makes a Meaningful Impact in Patient Care

What are you currently doing as a pharmacy professional and how did you progress to where you are today?

Jacob Beyer, PharmD '14

I am currently working as a clinical pharmacist in the medical ICU at Denver Health. I completed two years of residency through the University of Colorado Hospital system and have been working in critical care ever since in various positions.

What is different about the person you are today compared to the person you were while in school?

During school I was focused on my education, career progression and figuring out how to be financially viable. Now I have a family and every decision I make has a more complicated but rewarding result.

What has been a defining moment for you as a seasoned professional?

I don't know that I've had a defining moment, but being a research mentor on projects that have led to publications is a pretty rewarding experience. That experience definitely gives you the perception of a tangible goal being accomplished.

What inspired you to attend the CU Pharmacy program and what was your experience while in the program?

I attended CU pharmacy school because I was excited about the idea of change from my undergraduate experience. The fact that the campus had a much more professional focus and feel about it was a unique thing that stood out. Living in Denver was also an attractive aspect. My experiences within the program were meeting my wife, making life-long friends, and developing professional relationships with professors that were instrumental in my career development.

What is your proudest moment and your favorite thing about working in the pharmacy profession, and how are you making a difference in your career?

I've enjoyed precepting learners at all levels, and receiving a couple of preceptor awards has provided positive affirmation. It's my way of giving back to the profession. I genuinely enjoy seeing people succeed and I'm happy to meet people wherever they are at in their career aspirations.

What sage advice would you pass on to current and future students that was helpful for you in preparing for the job market?

Be open-minded about where your career might go. The things you are doing now aren't going to guarantee a specific type of position but do what you can to create options for yourself. There is a good chance that what you end up valuing in your career a decade from now is different than what you currently have in mind.