In the Continuous Pursuit of Knowledge

Pharmacist Sarah Kenyon is celebrating earning her degree along with other local students. What makes her different? The British-born Kenyon already has a pharmacy degree and has been dispensing medications at Murphy Medical Center for the past six years.

Kenyon was recently awarded a Doctor of Pharmacy, known as a Pharm. D. degree from the University of Georgia in Athens. This prestigious degree is the culmination of three hard years of studying and taking classes both online and in person.

“I decided to go back to school about three years ago,” Kenyon said. Although Kenyon had one degree from England, and was fully licensed to practice here, she wanted to go back for her doctorate in pharmacy. Licensing regulations had changed nationally and now all graduating pharmacists have doctorates. Pharmacists graduating prior to the change were “grandfathered in”. That wasn’t enough for Sarah; she was determined to earn her own US doctorate.

 “I am proud of Sarah Kenyon’s dedication and determination in obtaining her doctorate. It is another example of the commitment our staff has towards excellence in their work.

Kenyon, along with the other MMC pharmacists, dispense about 2,000 medication doses a day to the inpatient and outpatient units, OR, employees and nursing home residents. Working together as a closely knit team, Kenyon and others oversee the work of pharmacy techs, mix IV fluids and specialized compounds and dispense prescriptions. Everyday a pharmacist reviews each patient’s medication orders. The pharmacy team is watchful for drug interactions, individual dosage requirements and patient responses. They assist physicians in calculating correct medication dosages. Nursing staff members can call with any medication questions. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about their medications.

“It’s still hard to believe that I don’t have to go home and study each night,” Kenyon said laughing. There’s a lot more to Kenyon than studying.  Twenty-five years ago she met her Army husband, Murl Tackett at a county and western dance night in Germany. They traveled together throughout Europe and North America coming to the mountains to whitewater raft more than 20 years ago.  They ended up buying mountain property with the plans to retire later.

But obviously they haven’t retired. Physically fit and active, Kenyon teaches aerobics at the PARC (Peachtree Athletic and Rehabilitation Center).  But as Kenyon says, “It’s not all about me, it’s about the beagles.”  She has two “incredibly spoiled beagles, Smith and Indiana.” Kenyon laughs, “They were born to be waited on.” Pictures of the pair easily identify Kenyon’s desk at work.

 “I’ve worked in both small and large hospitals,” Kenyon said. “Murphy Medical Center is just the right size for me; large enough to be interesting and small enough to be friendly.”
While nothing changes in Kenyon’s daily work, she is proud of her new degree and continuing on with business as usual.
Ms. Kenyon joins the MMC Pharmacists, Manager Angie Moss, Assistant Manager Kim Shepherd, Rachel Snow and David Byers.

Murphy Medical Center Pharmacy Manager Angie Moss, left,
shares a laugh with Pharmacist Sarah Kenyon, right during
a celebration of Kenyon earning her Pharm. D. degree.