Stephen 'Eric' Grayson

Biography

Stephen Grayson, PharmD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice in Harlingen, Texas, finds it most rewarding to observe a student discover, document and then resolve a significant intervention with the physician. 

“When students intervene, on behalf of a patient, to improve a patient’s care or prevent harm … everyone wins,” he said. “That’s a real thrill.”  

When students practice with him, he wants students to walk away with how to care for the patient, not just do the job.

“Secondly, they need to walk away with an understanding that practicing in our profession requires a culture of dedication to the patient which requires a discipline for self-learning,” Grayson said.    

He said the mission of the college is best served through ownership of being a professional. 

“If my students learn to incorporate the things that the college calls core values (Care, Compassion, Competence, Community, and Collaboration) into their own practice of pharmacy, I believe the mission will be served,” he said. “I try to be a good example of someone who is doing this.”    

He contributes a considerable amount of experience in the profession. He has practiced in multiple settings, including hospital, community, management, administration, home infusion, hospice care, ambulatory infusion, oncology, and of course, clinical practice. 

“I’m not really sure if that is unique in any way because the college faculty has extensive clinical experience but what I am sure of, is the students respond with considerable excitement when they have the opportunity to learn from someone with an extensive background in the profession,” he said.  

Grayson is certain that the profession of pharmacy is headed for change. 

“I believe medication therapy management, or MTM, services are likely to be the next big influence on the profession,” he said. “Beyond that, it’s a guessing game. We will not know where the profession is heading until we get the Affordable Care Act behind us (one way or the other).”   

Grayson has both a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree (PharmD) in pharmacy. His achievements are primarily from working in the profession and are related to his work experience. 

“Most of the different areas of practice that I’ve been involved with were projects or programs I was able to take part in creating and then growing to maturity,” he said. “Additionally, I had the opportunity to achieve management or administrative level experience in most of these areas. That experience has provided me with an understanding of the clinical, business, and ‘people’ side of things. I think that may be the most special thing I bring to my current role. I also have the distinct privilege of being able to practice and teach in my home town.”