Alumni Spotlight: Savannah Ivanoff - Improving health outcomes through clinical pharmacy
by Jessica Degnan |
Savannah Ivanoff, an alumna of UAA's Division of Population Health Sciences, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2021, completing the pre-professional track designed to prepare students for clinical graduate programs. She fondly remembers UAA as a supportive environment that allowed her to stay connected to her heritage while pursuing her passion for healthcare. Now a Doctor of Pharmacy student at Washington State University’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, she will graduate in spring 2025. Inspired by her Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native roots, Savannah is committed to improving health outcomes through clinical pharmacy. This fall, she is excited to begin her PGY1 pharmacy residency at the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native Medical Center where she will continue to grow, refine her skills, and give back to the community that shaped her.
Name: Savannah Ivanoff
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, 2021, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ
Doctor of Pharmacy, 2025, Washington State University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Unit you graduated from: Division of Population Health Sciences
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
Current location: Vancouver, WA
Place of employment: Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native Tribal Health Consortium
Job title: PGY1 Pharmacy Resident 2025-2026
How long have you worked at this organization and/or been in this position?:
I am currently a fourth year pharmacy student at Washington State University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and will be graduating with my Doctor of Pharmacy in the spring of 2025. I have been involved with the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native Medical Center (ANMC) as a pharmacy intern and have gained valuable experience in inpatient pharmacy. In the fall of 2025, I will begin a PGY1 pharmacy residency at ANMC with the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native Tribal Health Consortium.
Please describe your duties and responsibilities in your current role.:
As a pharmacy resident, I will complete various learning experiences in internal medicine, critical care, pediatrics, infectious disease, and other specialized areas. This residency will provide advanced training in clinical pharmacy, allowing me to enhance my skills in patient care, medication management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I will also participate in research and quality improvement projects. Completing a pharmacy residency will help me develop the expertise and experience needed to excel as a clinical pharmacist.
Why is your work important? What impact does your work have on individuals and communities? What do you love about your job?:
As a pharmacy student, resident, and future pharmacist, I play an essential role in interprofessional collaboration to optimize patient care through medication management. As medication experts, we provide thoughtful recommendations by understanding pathophysiology, pharmacology, and treatment regimens to ensure safe and effective therapy. This work directly impacts individuals by improving health outcomes and minimizing medication-related issues. I chose to complete a residency with ANMC because I have always been interested in clinical pharmacy and wanted to give back to my Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native community in a meaningful way. As a pharmacist and healthcare professional, I am committed to being a lifelong learner, continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care for my patients.
What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did your experience at UAA College of Health help shape your goals?:
I have always been interested in healthcare, but my experience visiting my family in my father's hometown of Unalakleet, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, first opened my eyes to the important role pharmacists play in rural communities. While shadowing pharmacists at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks and later working as a pharmacy technician at ANMC during my undergraduate studies, I saw a clear need for their expertise in improving patient care and medication management. My time at UAA College of Health further shaped my goals, as I focused much of my time and projects on mental health issues within the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native population. This experience deepened my commitment to serving this community and motivated me to succeed in pharmacy school.
Why did you choose to attend UAA?:
I chose to attend UAA because I love the community, and completing my undergraduate studies in my hometown was important to me, as it gave me the opportunity to remain connected to my family and Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native culture. It allowed me to stay connected to my roots and the people I care about. UAA offered a supportive environment that helped me grow both academically and personally. The experience at UAA strengthened my commitment to serving the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native community and further fueled my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare.
What was your personal and/or professional journey that led you to your current career?:
I am Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native, and throughout my life, I have witnessed the effects of addiction, domestic violence, and suicide on the health of the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native people. Multiple factors impact these outcomes, including trauma, poverty, access to health care, and inadequate education. These experiences have driven me to pursue a career in healthcare, with the goal of serving the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native community and becoming a role model for others. I have always wanted to give back to my community, and I believe the best way to do this is by working in the health field, where I can have a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Who influenced you most during your time at UAA?:
Kristin Stoepler, my professor for Introduction to Population Health Sciences, strongly influenced my time as a student and in my journey toward my career. She provided a great environment for learning that encouraged me to strive for excellence. Even since graduating from UAA in 2021, she has been one of my main supporters in pharmacy school, offering guidance and encouragement along the way. Her support has been invaluable as I continue to pursue my goals.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at UAA and are looking to build a successful career in healthcare?:
My advice to current students is to enjoy the experience and always step outside of your comfort zone. Take advantage of the various opportunities at UAA, such as participating in different organizations and networking events, to broaden your experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors, advisors, and peers for guidance and support. Building connections and gaining diverse experiences will help you grow both personally and professionally as you work toward a successful career in healthcare.