"The more I learned about community pharmacy, the more I knew it was the place for me." Zoe Ayers, '21

October is American Pharmacists Month, and we're celebrating the pharmacists who make a difference in their communities every day. Meet Zoe Ayers, Pharm.D. '21,  pharmacy manager and a District Leader Emerging Leader with CVS Health, who is putting her Gamecock education to work on the front lines of patient care.

How did you originally get interested in pharmacy as a profession? 

I originally became interested in pharmacy because I liked the idea of being in health care and loved that pharmacies were in local communities/residential areas, which would mean minimal commute and did not involve sitting behind a desk all day. The 
more I learned about community pharmacy, the more I knew it was the place for me  - for many reasons beyond the two most important to middle school-aged Zoe!

What class or professor do you remember the most and why? 

I had so many great professors throughout pharmacy school, but there is something truly impactful about Kathy Quarles Moore. Mrs. Kathy has a way of connecting with every student in the room as if they are the only one there and has continued to cheer 
me on in my career beyond the classroom!

What activities were you involved with in school?

In pharmacy school I was involved in a number of pharmacy organizations including APhA, CPFI, NCPA, PLS, PDC and COP Ambassadors. The leadership opportunities these involvements provided me have helped shape me into the pharmacy manager 
I am today.

Tell us about what you do:

As the pharmacy manager of CVS 7012, I have the privilege of serving patients in the community where I have lived in my entire life. This not only includes filling their prescriptions and keeping them up to date on their vaccinations but also being a friendly face in their run of errands and a trusted part of their health care team, able to answer questions about their medications. As a District Leader Emerging Leader, I have the opportunity to learn many aspects that go into managing multiple pharmacy locations to help prepare me for future career opportunities - a perfect example that we never stop learning!

What is your advice for current students / future pharmacy professionals?

If I could give one piece of advice to pharmacy students, it would be to get involved in several organizations and take on a leadership role in at least one! The opportunity to practice your leadership skills will help grow you as a future pharmacist in a way no class can.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy being involved in my community, including volunteering as a tour guide with Historic Columbia, serving on the board of the Methodist Student Network at USC, and being involved in many activities at my church. When I don’t have somewhere scheduled to be, you can find me at home trying my hand at any number of crafts. My current favorites include sewing, baking sourdough, crochet and watercolor painting Christmas cards!