Zachary Finney, PharmD
Class of 2008
“I loved being out of the classroom and applying my knowledge to actual patients and other healthcare professionals!” says Class of 2008 alumnus Zach Finney about his rotations as a fourth-year PharmD student.
Finney gained practical pharmacy experience at rotation sites including Flagstaff Medical Center, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Tucson Medical Center, Kino Hospital, University Medical Center Las Vegas and Wolford Hall Medical Center.
“The rotation that completely grabbed me was my pediatric rotation at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska,” he says. “Working with children and being a vital source for medication therapy gave me a sense of instant satisfaction. From talking with parents about their children’s medication to hearing their stories bedside, I gained a new appreciation for patient assessment and patient counseling.
“During this time I was also able to interact with pediatric and family practice residents, which enabled me to present drug information and suggestions during rounds. These suggestions were often addressed immediately and I was able to see the results of my research affect a patient in a positive way.”
His experiences in Alaska helped Finney decide that he really wants to work in a pediatric hospital setting. Before he gets there, he has to make a detour working for the United States Air Force to pay back a scholarship.
Finney is now chief of clinical pharmacy services at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M.
The Flagstaff, Ariz., native loves hunting with his dog, Kadian, fishing, and traveling with his wife, Sami. They are expecting a new addition to their family this July.