Faculty and Staff Biography

Challen-Laura

Laura Challen

Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice
Pharmacy Practice

314.446.8512

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin

Pharmacy Practice Residency with an Emphasis in Managed Care at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy/ Harvard Vanguard

Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston

Specialty

Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, Chronic Disease State Management, Medication Affordability

Current Research

Various influences on Health and Education Outcomes:

  • Francis B, Challen L. The Impact of a Pharmacist-driven Weight Loss Service: A Follow-Up Study Design.  Research in progress.

  • Watson R, Challen L, Smith C, Crannage E. Examination of the effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants in comparison to warfarin in patients with class III obesity.  Research in progress.

  • Challen L, Profirovic J, Forinash A. Impact of transitioning to an online course during a pandemic on student performance in a required course. Research in progress.

  • Profirovic J, Challen L, Forinash A. The effect of providing credit/no credit grade option on student performance in a required course.  Research in progress.

Current Courses, Activities, and Scholarly Interest

Current Courses:  Co-coordinator of the Integrated Pharmacotherapy Endocrinology and Pulmonology courses.  Various lectures in other courses.

Activities: Precepting pharmacy students and residents

Scholarly Interests: Influences on health outcomes; Implementing new pharmacist services

Vita Highlights

Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist

Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist

Interesting Facts

I truly enjoy teaching and practicing ambulatory care pharmacy.  My practice site is at the JFK clinic of Mercy Hospital St. Louis where I assist patients with their chronic diseases (such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma/COPD, Weight Management, etc).  I also specialize in choosing the most affordable medication based on a patient's insurance status.

I currently live in St. Louis with my husband and 3 sons.  We enjoy exploring all of the great kid friendly activities that St. Louis has to offer.