Meg Franklin's pharmacy journey began on an unlikely note. A music major playing trombone in the Carolina Band, she suddenly found herself drawn to her roommateʼs pharmacy coursework.
Through determination and encouragement from her father, John Arant, ʼ67 pharmacy, Franklin changed her major and discovered her true calling. After earning her Pharm.D. in 2000, she completed a pharmacy practice residency and worked as a clinical pharmacist before returning to USC to earn her Ph.D. in 2007.
“I think I had always been interested in outcomes research, but I just didn't recognize it for what it was,” Franklin explains.
Her curiosity about measuring patient outcomes and improving practice eventually drew her back to USCʼs renowned graduate program under Gene Reeder's mentorship.
I wouldn't be where I am right now without Carolina. It always has a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful.
Today, Franklin serves as CEO of Franklin Pharmaceutical Consulting, which she established in 2010. Her company specializes in health economics and outcomes research across diverse therapeutic areas, from oncology to rare diseases. What began as part-time consulting while teaching at Presbyterian College evolved into a thriving business after the arrival of triplets necessitated a career pivot.
“My four kids think I'm nuts because they say I work too much,” Franklin laughs. “But I love what I do. I wouldn't do this if I didn't.”
Franklinʼs success spans multiple roles—as an Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy diplomat to editorial board member of the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy. Her work involves creating formulary dossiers, conducting database studies, and providing strategic consulting to pharmaceutical companies.
The foundation for this success, she emphasizes, traces directly to USC. “I wouldn't be where I am right now without Carolina,” Franklin says. “It always has a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful.”
Topics: Alumni, Graduate Programs, Clinical Pharmacy & Outcomes Sciences