Pharmacist Spotlight: Shivani Mehta, PharmD

Please tell us a bit about your career and what you do now.

I’m currently the director of clinical services at Baya Pharmacy in Lake City, Florida, where I oversee a wide range of programs, from chronic disease management, test and treat services, and obesity management to the development and operation of a US Pharmacopeia (USP)–compliant sterile compounding facility. I oversee the design, management, and operation of a USP <797>–compliant sterile compounding facility at Baya Pharmacy, ensuring we provide critical medications that bridge gaps in patient care and expand access to essential therapies. I ensure that all sterile compounding procedures, including the preparation of high-risk medications, are carried out in compliance with guidelines, utilizing specialized equipment such as laminar flow hoods, automated compounding devices, and rigorous quality assurance protocols to ensure the safety and efficacy of each preparation. This work not only expands patient access to essential therapies but also strengthens the role of independent community pharmacies as full-service care providers. I work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and health care systems to deliver patient-centered, data-driven care, often serving as the first point of access for individuals who might not otherwise seek medical attention.

What sparked your interest in pharmacy?

My father is a pharmacist, and from a young age, I admired the way he connected with patients—not just through medications, but through compassion, trust, and genuine care. That inspired me to pursue pharmacy as a way to combine science, precision, and meaningful service. I was drawn to the versatility of the field: Pharmacists can play roles in education, prevention, clinical decision-making, and community health. Over time, I realized that pharmacy offers a unique opportunity to meet people where they are and make a measurable difference in their health journeys.

What aspects of the profession do you find the most rewarding?

Being able to compound customized medications is incredibly meaningful. We’ve created life-changing solutions for patients who otherwise had no therapeutic options. The ability to truly impact patient lives through personalized, accessible care is very important to me. Whether it’s helping someone manage a chronic illness, improving medication adherence, or creating programs that allow patients to stay healthier at home, the work we do directly changes outcomes. Knowing that we’re bridging gaps in the health care system and making care more human-centered keeps me passionate about this field. There’s something powerful about listening to your community and being able to say, “We can help with that,” and then actually building the solution. It’s also incredibly rewarding to mentor other pharmacists and students who are excited to push pharmacy forward.

Where do you see the role of the pharmacist in the future?

Pharmacists are stepping into a new era of health care—one where we’re no longer just dispensers but providers who diagnose, treat, and manage care longitudinally. I believe the future lies in hyper-local, accessible care models driven by pharmacists who know their communities and have the tools to act on that knowledge. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, pharmacists will also be able to leverage data-driven insights for personalized medication services, predictive care, and improved decision-making. AI can help pharmacists enhance their roles by offering advanced tools for medication therapy management and patient care optimization. From preventive care to personalized medication services, pharmacists are well positioned to lead that change, especially as health care becomes more decentralized and patient focused.