By Katy Stacy
Public Relations
You could say in Lisa Murphy's case, pharmacy is in her blood. Her grandfather was a pharmacist and her father, store manager of a Walgreens.

At age 15, when she started working at the store, she set her sights on pharmacy as well.

Lisa Murphy, right, works with third-year College of Pharmacy student Gena Hope. Murphy is one of four women selected at MUSC to be honored as part of National Women's History Month for women who exemplify leadership qualities and who make contributions in their fields. This year's theme is, Our History is Our Strength, which Murphy has found to be true through her female heroes.

She looks up to her mother and grandmother. Her mother inspires her because of her selflessness and how she's always looking for new ways to help others. Murphy's grandmother, a nursing home care advocate, taught her the power that one person can have to make changes. She tries to learn something new everyday and that is something that Murphy would like to do as well.

Originally from Rock Hill, third-year pharmacy student Murphy stays busy. As a student involved in several organizations, student mentoring and volunteering at Crisis Ministries, she juggles a hectic schedule.
Murphy said being involved in so many organizations has opened many doors for her. "I think when new students come in it is important that they don't just come to school and leave but to get involved. You have the ability to network and get to know people you would have not met otherwise. Being involved has really made me enjoy my time here at MUSC."

Murphy holds president positions in both the Academy of Students of Pharmacy and Student Interprofessional Society organizations. Murphy has had the opportunity through the leadership society and student interprofessional society to speak at conferences and at Interprofessional Day. She is also vice president of Phi Lambda Sigma leadership society and liaison for the student society of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. She believes the president positions have taught her about delegation and the ability to keep officers motivated.

Murphy is appreciative of the many mentors who have helped her through school and wants to give back. "When I see people that I'm trying to mentor get to where they want to go, it makes me happy. If it's encouraging them to run for an officer position and then they achieve it or helping them study for a test and then they do well, it makes me feel proud that I could help them."

Much of Murphy's motivation comes from her parents. She said growing up they always taught her to remember wherever you go always remember you are representing someone. They told her to always do everything to the best of her ability and bring a good name to whomever or whatever she was representing.
Murphy believes her greatest strength is her work ethic. She tries to always work hard and do everything to the best of her ability. This is something that she believes will help her stay motivated to achieve her goals.

In the future, her goals include completing a residency and working in academia at a university, teaching and mentoring. She wants to work as hard as she can, learn as much as she can, and take advantage of every opportunity.

Liz O'Hara, a third year College of Pharmacy student, said Murphy is one of the most inspiring students she knows.

"Lisa has talked me off several ledges and is always willing to lend an ear in support, a word of advice when needed, and manages to balance a schedule that would rival Dr. Greenberg's. She helps students perfect their presentations, quizzes the first year students at lunch, and is the 'go to' person for both peers and professors."