2014 Future Pharmacist of the Year

Future Pharmacist of the Year

Despite Laura Vollmer’s long list of achievements, it is her passion and tireless work ethic for the many diverse areas of pharmacy that set her apart as a future leader of the profession.

“Laura’s genuine passion for learning and pharmacy are characteristics that cannot be captured on her CV,” her nomination read. “Her passion and excitement are contagious.”

The 2015 PharmD candidate of Drake University has demonstrated her excitement for the field through internships in diverse sectors of pharmacy. Vollmer advocated for the profession as a public policy and legislative intern for US Representative John Forbes at the Iowa State Capital, advocated for patients as a community pharmacy intern at Hy-Vee Pharmacy, gained insight into pharmacy associations as an executive association management intern for the Iowa Pharmacy Association, and learned about business and management as an executive community pharmacy intern at Target Pharmacy.

She currently works as a graduate research assistant at the university and serves as the president of the school’s American Society of Health-System Pharmacists student chapter.

“In each of the positions Laura filled, she not only met the requirements but also was instrumental in creating new programs and setting a higher standard for excellence,” her nominator wrote.

In the spring of 2013, Vollmer followed her passion to El Paraiso, Honduras, where she completed a medical service trip. There, she helped to set up and operate medical clinics in underprivileged communities, dispensed medications, and counseled patients. She also advised medical students on medication preferences and dosing.

“As I have interacted with Laura, her leadership and dedication to the profession and community as a whole have consistently impressed me,” her nominator wrote.