Mary Worthington has been a faculty member at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy since 1995, serving in roles from assistant professor to her current position as professor of pharmacy practice. She is also the residency program director for the PGY2 pediatric pharmacy residency, a role she has held since 2022.
With a passion for pediatric pharmacotherapy, Worthington contributes to experiential education as a clinical pediatric pharmacist preceptor at Children’s of Alabama. In the didactic setting, she teaches portions of the curriculum related to pediatric pharmacotherapy, upper respiratory tract infections, ADHD and asthma.
Worthington earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio State University, where she also completed her bachelor's degree in pharmacy. She completed residencies in hospital pharmacy at Columbus Children’s Hospital and in pediatric pharmacotherapy at the University of Tennessee. She is board-certified in pharmacotherapy (BCPS) and pediatric pharmacotherapy (BCPPS).
She is an active member of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association and has been involved in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
Degrees and Certifications
- PharmD, Ohio State University
- BS, pharmacy, Ohio State University
- Hospital Pharmacy Residency, Columbus Children's Hospital
- Pediatric Pharmacotherapy and Home Care Residency, The University of Tennessee Memphis
- Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Board of Pharmacy Specialties
- Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Board of Pharmacy Specialties
Expertise
Pediatric pharmacy, asthma management, pharmacy education
Awards and Honors
- Scholar Award, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 2023
- Fellow, Pediatric Pharmacy Association, 2019
- Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 2014
Publications
- Buckner EB, Thurston LA, Keith A, Marshall L, Johnston KC, Worthington M, et al. Virtual Young Teen Asthma & Wellness Camp: an online, interprofessional curriculum for teens with asthma. J Interprofessional Educ & Pract. 2024 (6): 35: 100695.
- Thomas MC, Adunlin G, Roberts MZ, Beall JW, Covington EW, Worthington MA, Kyle JA. Structured incremental measurement of directed and objective simulation experiences- pilot (SIM DOSE-P). Pharmacy Education. 2022;22 (1): 276-86.
- Covington EW, Kyle JA, Prince VT, Roberts MZ, Worthington MA, Kyle JA. Impact of a novel preceptor collaborative advanced pharmacy practice experience curriculum on student-perceived ability and confidence. Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2021;13(8): 1053-60.
- Cox C, Todd T, Lubsch L, Klein K, Prescott B, Knoderer C, Johnson P, Meyers R, Cole J, Larochelle J, Worthington M, Smith K. Joint statement on pediatric education at schools of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmacy Education. February 2020, ajpe7892; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7892
- Worthington M. Cerebral palsy. In: Caballero S, Nahata M, eds. Pediatric Pharmacotherapy, 2nd Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy. 2020.
Presentations
- General Pediatrics II. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association. BCPPS Review Course. Chicago, IL. September 2023.Ask the Experts. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association. Virtual Student Organization Presidents’ Retreat. August 2023.Lessons We ae Learning: Virtual Pharmacy Practice Experiences. ALSHP Summer Meeting 2021. Pensacola Beach, FL. June 2021.
- Virtual Teen Asthma and Wellness Camp. Alabama Association of Schoool Nurses Annual Meeting. Auburn, AL. June 2021.
- Utilizing a Novel Collaborative Educational Model to Enhance Experiential Training. AACP’s Virtual Pharmacy Education 2020. July 2020.
- Collaborating with your “Big Kids” Colleagues. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association. Fall Conference. Lexington, KY. September 2019.
- Let’s Go Nuts: A Food Allergy Update for Pharmacists. McWhorter School of Pharmacy Continuing Education Program. Birmingham, AL. November 2015.
Research
Active learning and simulation in pediatric pharmacy education
Involvement
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Pediatric Special Interest Group,
- Pediatric Pharmacy Association
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Pediatric Practice Research Network
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- Alabama Society of Health-System Pharmacists
