Alumni Spotlight: Erin Raney '96

Erin Raney, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, BC-ADM, has spent her career advancing pharmacy practice through education, leadership, and a commitment to developing the next generation of clinicians. As a professor of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University College of Pharmacy in Glendale, Arizona, she brings more than two decades of experience as an ambulatory care pharmacist, with expertise in cardiometabolic disease management and gender-based care.

After earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in 1996, Raney completed both PGY1 and PGY2 primary care residency training at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. Her clinical foundation has shaped a career dedicated not only to patient care but also to preparing pharmacy learners for meaningful and impactful practice.

At Midwestern University, Raney has played a central role in student development. She has co-directed a leadership development program for more than a decade and oversees a longitudinal professional development course series designed to foster the personal and professional growth of pharmacy students throughout their education.

As a certified professional coach, Raney incorporates emotional intelligence and strengths-based assessment into her teaching and mentoring, helping students, residents, and colleagues build self-awareness, resilience, and leadership skills. Her dedication to lifelong learning extends to faculty and clinician development, where she has helped design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for pharmacy preceptors and residents.

This work inspired the creation of the Habits of Preceptors Project, an innovative assessment tool that supports clinician educators in strengthening their teaching practices and professional growth. Through her scholarship and service, Raney continues to explore new approaches to continuous professional development that elevate pharmacy education and practice.

An active member of the Arizona Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmacists Association, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Raney remains deeply engaged in advancing the profession through education, collaboration, and leadership.

Q & A

Were there any particular professors or mentors who had a lasting impact on you? 

• I was fortunate to have many outstanding pharmacy role models and mentors throughout pharmacy school. One mentor who had a particularly lasting impact was Tom Reed, owner of Jones United Drug, an independent pharmacy located near the UofA campus. During pharmacy school I worked there as an intern with his daughter Dana Reed Kane, my friend and classmate. Tom treated every patient as if they were a member of his own family. I observed the profound impact of his consistent acts of empathy, respect, and humility on their healthcare experiences. I carried those lessons with me into my clinical practice in family medicine, where strong patient relationships required building trust and connection.
   

What were some of the most memorable experiences during your time at the College of Pharmacy? 

• Some of my most memorable experiences center on the friendships developed during the program. Whether we were taking a break to grab lunch, studying for an upcoming exam, planning student organization activities, or supporting each other through life's challenges,  those relationships became an essential support network that extended well beyond pharmacy school into our professional careers.
   

What skills do you believe are essential for success as a pharmacist? 

• I believe one of the most important skills for pharmacists today is adaptability. Healthcare is evolving rapidly, with new medications, technologies, regulations, and workplace challenges emerging daily. Pharmacists must be flexible and willing to continuously learn in order to provide the best patient care. 
   
  Additionally, while a strong foundation in clinical knowledge is essential, recognizing the limits of one's own knowledge and when to seek guidance and collaboration is key. No pharmacist can know everything, and I believe the ability to ask questions, consult colleagues, and utilize available resources is the sign of a true professional.
   

If you could give one piece of advice to current pharmacy students, what would it be?

• Don't try to navigate pharmacy school on your own. The pharmacy profession is filled with generous and supportive pharmacists who are eager to share their knowledge, experiences, and guidance. Building relationships and seeking mentorship are habits that will benefit you throughout your career and provide a strong network of support that extends far beyond graduation.
   

How do you stay passionate about pharmacy after years in the field?

• As a faculty member, I am continually energized by the opportunity to watch pharmacy students grow into confident professionals. It is incredibly rewarding to see them build upon their unique strengths, develop their skills, and find their best path within our profession. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives allow me to experience those opportunities alongside them and are a continual source of inspiration.