Why I do what I do and how my family is central to my success

By: Nicole “Nikki” Salatel, PharmD, Medical Writer

When I reflect on “why” I’m motivated in my profession, my thoughts turn to the reasons “why” I arrived at where I am today and my family immediately comes to mind. Even in the most difficult times, my family stood by my side and gave me the strength to persevere.

I knew at a very young age that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field—as a kindergartener I wanted to be a dentist, then as a middle schooler it changed to doctor, and by high school I decided to go into pharmacy for college.

My parents supported me at every stage. It was important to my father that I become independent, study hard, and reach my full potential. He is the person in my life who reminds me to push toward my goals, no matter what.

My mother is my greatest teacher. She’d be the one to sit at the dinner table with me every night to help me with schoolwork. Whenever I had an exam or test, she’d text me to “check, check, and recheck” my answers. She is a woman like no other and taught me to be strong as well as kind.

Then there is my grandmother. Near the end of my clinical rotations, my grandmother was admitted to the hospital. When I wasn’t working, I was at her bedside. By the time I completed my rotations, I wasn’t just her granddaughter who worked at the hospital, I was her healthcare proxy—entrusted with making critical medical decisions for her.

Despite how hard it was to see her health deteriorate, I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with her. She was so proud to see me pursuing my dreams of becoming a pharmacist. Her love and encouragement, even toward the end of her life, got me through my program. While she couldn’t attend my graduation in person, she read the entire commencement book. Her smile never faltered as she leafed through each page.

Earning my doctor of pharmacy degree meant more than a professional or academic achievement. It symbolized the lengths to which my family went to be there for me and why I do what I do.

To learn more about the work that Nikki and the Peregrine Market Access team do, visit peregrinemarketaccess.com.