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New to the CVM Family: Meet Ashley Bell

Ashley Bell hugs her dog Henry
Ashley Bell, a clinical pharmacist at the NC State Veterinary Hospital, hugs her dog Henry. Photo by John Joyner/NC State Veterinary Medicine

A longtime client of the NC State Veterinary Hospital, Ashley Bell is excited to join the staff as a clinical veterinary pharmacist. When she saw firsthand the level of high-quality, compassionate patient care provided not only in hospital’s specialty services, but also the pharmacy, it inspired her to become part of the Wolfpack and give back to a place that had given her so much. 

What is your background? 

I graduated from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in 2011 and have since worked in several roles, including compounding, medical information, clinical trials and as a clinical veterinary pharmacist. I am also a contributing editor to Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook.

What made you want to work in veterinary medicine? 

Growing up, I was always bringing home stray pets, so I began interacting with veterinarians at a young age. However, my real fascination was with the medications and how they worked as I watched them help patients. Veterinary pharmacy gives me the opportunity to combine these interests.

What will you be doing in your role at the CVM?  

I work alongside several other pharmacists and technicians to make sure the entire hospital has the medications they need for their patients. As a pharmacist, we have many daily tasks, including checking doses, screening for drug interactions, compounding medications, preparing chemotherapy and answering questions from clinicians, students and clients. 

We also have visiting pharmacy students who come to learn more about veterinary pharmacy, a topic not usually covered in pharmacy school. 

What are you most excited about in this role?  

Every day I learn something new. Having the opportunity to continue to learn at a highly respected veterinary school, while also passing on this knowledge to others, is very exciting.

What’s something someone would be surprised to learn about you? 

I enjoy traveling abroad to unique and exotic locations. One time I trekked through the jungle in northern Thailand and learned to make my own cutlery from bamboo.

Do you have any pets? 

I love taking care of all my critters on my farm. I have two rescue dogs named Henry and Kenzie; two off-the-track thoroughbreds named Dynasty, whom I’ve had for 20 years, and Esteban; a miniature donkey named Bean; and four chickens affectionately called Roxanne and the Police.

 

To learn more about the Pharmacy Service, visit their web page.