Non-traditional career path lands Varanasi in Top 50 list

Well, that didn’t take long. Swathi Varanasi ’19 has already become a highly influential pharmacist, recognized last week with a 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy Award by the Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN).

The network launched the program in 2021 to recognize people who’ve made their mark through innovation, momentum, and distinction throughout the pharmacy profession.

“The people on this list are extraordinary and are an example of how pharmacy is drastically transforming to become more customized and patient focused,” said Todd Eury, PPN CEO. “We hope these award winners will inspire others throughout the pharmacy profession and healthcare to keep innovating.”

Varansi is certainly innovative. The MUSC College of Pharmacy Class of 2019 graduate is:

• co-founder and resident of the PGY1 Integrative Health Pharmacy Residency program specializing in nutrition, pharmacogenomics and medical cannabis, the first integrative medicine pharmacy practice residency program in the country
• training at an independent natural pharmacy and interprofessional HIV clinic as well as teaching and leading clinical research projects on medical cannabis
• co-founder of an online school providing educational resources and online courses for healthcare professionals, Integrative Health 101

“As a pharmacist who forged an unconventional role in integrative health and wellness, it means so much to be recognized,” she posted after the award was announced. “That’s one of the incredible things about pharmacists and many healthcare professionals in general—even though we may pursue different paths, we have mutual respect for everyone’s decisions to serve patients in ways that play to our strengths.”