When it comes to brain health, the right medication and experience can make all the difference. That’s where pharmacists like Kelsey Schwander, PharmD, who focus on neurology come in. As the clinical pharmacist at the Marcus Institute for Brain Health — a non-profit that treats veterans, first responders and some active military with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries — Dr. Schwander is part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to helping patients recover from brain injuries. Her role is vital—she provides comprehensive medication assessments and recommendations tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Neurology pharmacy is one of the more than 100 career options available to PharmDs. It combines science, ever-evolving medications and — in Schwander's case, medicinal cannabis— to bring a unique patient-centered approach to those recovering from brain injury.
"I always knew I wanted to connect with people and patients to help them. Pharmacy really opens up a lot of doors to seeing patients one-on-one. In a community pharmacy setting this can be done, but it is also applicable across many more practice environments. I realized I could be in a specialty setting like this where I meet with patients, interview them and get to know them really well and build those long-lasting relationships."
Schwander is an Assistant Professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where she teaches pharmacy and graduate students, serves as the Residency Program Director for PGY1 Community-Based Residencies, and precepts neurology pharmacy fellows at MIBH. In addition, she is also the founder of BHealth Consulting and a certified expert in Clinical Cannabinoid Medicine. She also co-authored a textbook called "Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Primer". She’s passionate about educating patients and healthcare providers on the use of medical cannabis. Her work bridges the gap between emerging research and practical application, while helping others understand how cannabinoids can support neurological recovery and overall wellness.
"When patients are using cannabis, a lot of times they're treating multiple symptoms," Schwander said. "However, in a traumatic brain injury, cannabis is sometimes not the most optimal therapy for them. So, I work to educate them on their cannabis use and just having those candid and open conversations with patients can be huge for them."
In addition to her clinical, academic and consulting work, Schwander partners with pharmacies and pharmacists to develop clinical programs to help improve public health. Her approach is rooted in innovation, education, and a deep commitment to patient care. "I think what I enjoy most is just working with my patients," Schwander said. "I get to see a really unique set of patients and a lot of them have never sat down with a pharmacist and had an appointment where we discuss their medications and supplements. I can't tell you how many times patients have said 'Thank you so much. No one has ever explained it to me like you have.'"
Neurology pharmacy is just one of the specialties that you can pursue with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Learn more about Pharmacy Careers here.