Kevin Stack, PharmD ’14, was interviewed by Lawton Rowan, an honors student studying pharmacy.
Kevin Stack became a pharmacist to serve others and make a meaningful impact. Rather than following a traditional retail pathway, he was drawn to roles that allowed him to build long-term relationships with patients, particularly veterans.
After graduating from Ohio Northern University with his PharmD, Kevin completed a PGY-1 residency in ambulatory care at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in Michigan. While he had considered retail pharmacy, the opportunity to serve veterans ultimately guided his decision. During his residency, Kevin completed several block rotations, including anticoagulation management, which helped define his clinical interests.
Following his residency, he remained within the VA system, continuing his work in anticoagulation and primary care at a clinic near Grand Rapids, Mich. In September 2016, Kevin transitioned to the New Philadelphia VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, allowing him to practice closer to family.
At the New Philadelphia clinic, which serves approximately 3,200 patients, Kevin provides direct patient care across all his Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACTs). His work focuses on chronic disease management, including diabetes and gout. He meets with patients both in person and virtually, working closely with providers to support patient-centered care. His weekday schedule and mail-order–based system allow for continuity and accessibility in care.
What Kevin values most is the personal connection he builds with patients.
“I feel like I truly have an impact on patient care,” he explains. “There are no quotas or cash-flow pressures. What I deal with each day doesn’t compare to what these veterans have gone through.”
Outside of work, family remains central to Kevin’s life. He and his wife were married in 2018 in Bolivar, Ohio. Together, they are raising four children. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, running, hiking, and kayaking.
Reflecting on his time at ONU, Kevin credits the University’s close-knit environment for shaping his professional development. He appreciated the smaller campus, fewer distractions, and collaborative culture of the 0–6 pharmacy program. Faculty members were approachable and consistently focused on student success, he said.
The Honors Program further enhanced his experience by encouraging broader thinking and professional growth beyond the classroom. Through interdisciplinary coursework and leadership opportunities, Kevin developed stronger communication skills and confidence, qualities that continue to support his clinical practice.
During his time at ONU, he was actively involved across campus. He ran cross country during his first professional year and participated in organizations such as APHA, CPFI, and Circle K International, where he served as treasurer. He also gained experience in pharmacogenomics, competed nationally in Clinical Skills competitions, and served as a secondary editor for Pharmacy and Wellness (PAW) Review.
One of the most valuable academic experiences was his capstone project. Through medication therapy management initiatives, Kevin participated in health fairs, brown bag events, and patient education presentations, all which prepared him for clinical practice and provided a meaningful addition to his professional resumé.
Although he does not consider himself a natural networker, his time at ONU encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone. Through his Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations, alumni connections, and relationships with faculty and peers, Kevin learned the importance of professional initiative.
His advice to current students is straightforward: take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
“Try to get your feet wet,” he says. “Just go for it when time allows.”
That mindset guided Kevin through his first APPE rotation with the Indian Health Service in Montana and continues to shape his patient-centered approach to pharmacy today.