06/01/2026
Micaiah Whitaker is a Rockstar pharmacy student at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. I had the pleasure of teaching her in her 3rd year. I was so impressed with her that I asked her to serve as a student board member for the Oakland County Pharmacists Association. We could not be more proud of this well deserved spotlight! Congratulations!
Meet your May Member Spotlight: Micaiah Witaker
🥼Describe your current role and what a typical day looks like for you:
I am a student pharmacist at Wayne State University, where much of my day is dedicated to studying, staying organized and managing a carefully-planned calendar to balance academic and professional responsibilities. I am heavily involved in student leadership and organizational planning, serving as a student board member of the Oakland County Pharmacists Association, vice president of the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International, and president of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA). These roles involve coordinating events by collaborating with community partners.
In addition, I work part-time as a pharmacy intern at CVS Pharmacy, where I administer immunizations, provide patient counseling under the supervision of a pharmacist, and assist with prescription processing – including ordering, typing, filling and dispensing.
💡What inspired you to become an MPA member, and what keeps you engaged?
I became an MPA member after Mike Nabolsi generously provided my class with a paid membership, which gave me the opportunity to explore the organization without hesitation. Once I completed most of my pharmacotherapy modules, I decided to actively engage and make the most of my membership. Pharmacy Day at the Capitol in 2025 was a pivotal moment that inspired me to dive into MPA’s opportunities and connect with my local association, OCPA. Since then, I have regularly attended monthly meetings, which have allowed me to stay informed about current events, policy discussions and professional opportunities, while also building meaningful relationships with pharmacists across the state who share a passion for advancing the profession.
🎉What recent accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been leading and expanding Wayne State University SNPhA Wellness Clinics throughout Detroit. Through these efforts, I was honored to receive both the individual and chapter-level Social Determinants of Health Impact Grant from the SNPhA, recognizing our collaboration with Henry Ford Health Pharmacy Advantage. These clinics address critical health needs in underserved communities by providing blood pressure, A1C, glucose and lipid panel screenings, as well as vaccinations and counseling.
As an African American woman, I have seen firsthand within my own family how prevalent chronic conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes can be. In a city where more than 75% of the population is African American, many residents face significant barriers to care, including lack of insurance, transportation and health literacy – challenges that are often compounded for individuals experiencing homelessness or recovering from domestic violence. Our Wellness Clinics bridge these gaps by meeting patients where they are and delivering accessible preventive care that empowers individuals to take control of their cardiovascular health and overall well-being. These initiatives also provide Wayne State student pharmacists with meaningful hands-on experience in point-of-care testing, patient counseling and community engagement, helping prepare them to enter the profession with confidence and cultural competence.
During PDAC in 2025, I further advocated for the profession by sharing my perspective as a student pharmacist and highlighting the essential role pharmacists play in bridging gaps within America’s overburdened healthcare system. I discussed the importance of medication therapy management and how pharmacists can support patients when physician follow-up is limited, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. My team also advocated for expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice and provider status through legislative changes at both the state and federal levels. These experiences solidified my belief that advocacy is critical to the future of pharmacy.
Lastly, I am proud of my advocacy and leadership efforts at the state level. In December 2025, I had the honor of representing Wayne State pharmacy students and serving as co-chair of the OCPA/WCPA Legislative Dinner. We networked with legislators, shared the real-world challenges facing pharmacists today and discussed opportunities for legislative support. We were grateful to have state Reps. Brenda Carter and Mai Xiong in attendance.
📝Share an impact story on how you directly affected a patient's outcome:
I saw firsthand how preventive care and pharmacist intervention can truly impact a patient’s life during a wellness clinic at an African American Men’s Health Fair in August. While volunteering at a consultation desk alongside pharmacists and physicians, I spoke with a gentleman whose blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol levels and family history of diabetes immediately raised concern. He mentioned that he wasn’t taking any medications and hadn’t seen his primary care physician in years.
Seeing multiple uncontrolled risk factors at once immediately raised concern for me. I immediately walked him over to the A1C testing area. His results showed findings serious enough to require prompt follow-up with a physician. Although surprised, he agreed to seek medical care afterward.
What made this moment especially meaningful was learning that he appeared to be the sole provider for a family of seven who depended on him to stay healthy. That interaction reminded me that through education, preventive screenings and timely intervention, pharmacists can catch health concerns early and sometimes be the turning point that encourages someone to take control of their health.
📈How has MPA supported you in your professional growth or helped you achieve these accomplishments?
PDAC was particularly influential in inspiring my interest in policy and legislation. These areas directly shape the future of pharmacy practice. Through MPA, I have met passionate pharmacists and mentors who have supported my growth and encouraged my involvement. The organization has also helped make community outreach initiatives, such as the Wellness Clinics, possible by fostering collaboration, providing resources and connecting students with professionals who are equally committed to improving patient care and advancing the profession.
✍️What advice would you share with fellow pharmacists, student pharmacists, or pharmacy technicians in Michigan?
Take the initiative and get involved early. Even if you consider yourself an introvert, like myself, attending MPA meetings and professional events can be incredibly rewarding. The sooner you step outside your comfort zone, the more connections you make, the more wisdom you gain and the clearer your career path can become. While school provides a strong foundation, it cannot prepare you for every challenge you will face in practice. Engaging in advocacy, policy discussions and volunteer work helps bridge that gap and better prepares you for the realities of the profession. It may feel intimidating at first, but just like committing your life to Jesus, it gets easier as soon as you take the first step.
