Name and credentials: Karen Petros, PharmD 
Title and department: Surgical ICU Pharmacist, Inpatient Pharmacy
Hospital: J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
Years of service: 24
Q: Why did you choose to spend most (if not all) of your career at WVU Medicine?
A: “I’ve spent over half of my career at WVU Medicine, and before that, I spent time at Duke and the University of Tennessee. As a native West Virginian, I wanted to come back home and help develop pharmacy programs here. I’ve stayed because it’s been so rewarding to watch our department grow – especially as clinical services have expanded – and to know I’ve been part of shaping that progress over the years.”
Q: What changes have you witnessed during your time with the organization?
A: “When I started, I was only the third clinical pharmacist here, and I was hired specifically as a surgery pharmacist. Since then, we’ve developed so many specialty-focused services, which has really broadened the impact pharmacists have on patient care. I’ve also seen us tackle the same problems multiple times, refining and improving how we do things each time. It’s been exciting to see the department grow and evolve over the years.”
Q: What are you most proud of and why?
A: “I’m proud of the expansion of our clinical services and the relationships we’ve built with other disciplines. I had the chance to help develop the trauma pharmacist position, be a part of the growth of the antimicrobial P&T subcommittee, and I’ve also served as adjunct faculty at the School of Pharmacy. Over the course of my career, I’ve precepted over 2,000 pharmacy learners, which has been an incredible way to contribute to the future of the profession.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at WVU Medicine?
A: “Keep the patient at the center of everything you do. Always think about how you can work with others, especially outside the pharmacy department, to do what’s best for the patient. If you keep that focus, everything else will fall into place.”