Celebrating National Pharmacists Day A Spotlight on Melinda Joyce

Each year, January 12 marks National Pharmacists Day—a day to honor the important role pharmacists play in optimizing patient care, enhancing safety, and improving quality of life. Pharmacists skillfully combine clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach, ensuring that individuals receive the right medications and know how to use them safely. They often play a key role in the health care system, far beyond dispensing medications. By working alongside other healthcare professionals, pharmacists serve as an essential link between prescribers and patients.

We sat down with 1983 University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) alumna Melinda Joyce, PharmD, FAPhA, FACHE. With more than four decades of experience, Joyce retired from Med Center Health in July 2021—only to find herself “failing retirement.” She soon stepped into her current role as executive director of the Western Kentucky Heart and Lung Research Foundation, guiding the research efforts of medical students, residents, and fellows in Bowling Green, Kentucky, while keeping pharmacy and pharmacists front and center in patient care.

Joyce recently shared her insights, memories, and a glimpse into her remarkable career.

Q: What inspired you to pursue pharmacy as a career?

A: I really only ever wanted to be a pharmacist. My brother worked in a community pharmacy, and I was fascinated by all the bottles. I wanted to know what those medications were for and how they worked.

Q: What’s the one piece of advice you always give to aspiring pharmacists?

A: Never pass up an opportunity. You may think it’s something you’re not interested in but approach it with an open mind. You may be surprised by what you discover.

Q: What’s your favorite pharmacy-related myth to bust?

A: I am passionate about the importance of vaccinations. The biggest myth I encounter is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu or that vaccines cause autism.

Q: If you could invent a new medication, what would it do?

A: There are so many diseases I’d love to see eradicated, but I think I’d want a medication that reverses dementia, with no side effects.

Q: Favorite memory from your time at the University of Kentucky?

A: Definitely the friendships and connections I made. Many of my closest friends today are people I met in pharmacy school, and I built a nationwide network by participating in state and national pharmacy organizations. Of course, I also made time for some extracurricular adventures with my classmates—let’s just say we found creative ways to balance all that hard work with plenty of fun. Some of those stories might be better left behind campus doors!

Q: Is UK a basketball or football school?

A: Although I enjoy both sports, I’d say UK is a basketball school!

Q: One thing you learned at UK that still guides you today?

A: Never stop learning and never stop giving back to your profession. My time at UK laid the foundation, and I continue to build on it. Use what you learn to support your patients and your profession.

Q: If pharmacy wasn’t your calling, what would you be doing?

A: I would probably be a teacher—but being a DJ playing classic rock would be great fun, too.

Q: What’s the most exciting place your career in pharmacy has taken you?

A: It is quite a thrill to present as a national speaker—whether at a pharmacy or nursing conference—to hundreds of attendees.

Q: If you could spend a day with any pharmacist in history, who would it be and why?

A: Hubert Humphrey. He was an early entrepreneur in community pharmacy and a prominent political figure during the turbulent 1960s.

Q: Most underrated item at the pharmacy counter?

A: An ink pen that actually writes!

Q: How many pill bottles do you think you’ve opened in your lifetime?

A: According to my carpal tunnel syndrome, far too many! But most of my career has been devoted to other pharmacy activities. I’m grateful for having the chance to serve in so many different areas of pharmacy practice.

Pharmacists hold a vital position in America’s healthcare landscape and are consistently counted among the most trusted professionals—a distinction earned through centuries of dedicated service. The next time you stop by the pharmacy for a prescription refill, roll up your sleeve for a flu shot, or find relief for those pesky seasonal allergies, take a moment to appreciate the pharmacist behind the counter. Whether in a hospital or at a neighborhood drugstore, pharmacists provide indispensable expertise that benefits everyone’s daily health. This January 12, consider saying “thank you” in person or use #NationalPharmacistDay to recognize their commitment.