Leadership Networking Partners

Leadership Networking Partners (LNPs) are a vital part of the student learning experience in the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy's Leadership Instruction.  In their first semester of the Leading Change course, students are connected with a recognized leader in pharmacy practice.  LNPs commit to attending two breakfast networking events each term and to two additional one-on-one meetings with their student partner.  LNPs are asked to share their leadership experiences with students, insights into how the material we cover in class is applied in the world of pharmacy practice, and opportunities for students to learn how leadership is applied within their organizations. 

For students continuing with the second semester of the course, the LNP-student partnership continues.  Activities at one-on-one meetings may include structured activities that include readings and reflective questions that complement content covered in class or activities determined by the LNP-student team that are pertinent to the LNP’s practice.

Student Testimonials

“I have participated in mentoring programs in the past, but the LNP experience was different. My LNP experience taught me the value of becoming acquainted with other professionals in my field. I was able to learn about the unique career path of my partner and establish a mutually beneficial relationship. Both my partner and I were able to learn from each other’s experiences.  I would consider this experience very valuable. Not only did I learn about my partner, but I also learned more about myself and the type the pharmacist I want to be.” - Rachel Rosha, Class of 2009

“I was invited to an all-pharmacy leadership meeting for my LNP’s organization. I was able to participate in several team-building exercises that generated ideas to enhance and expand upon pharmacy services throughout the organization. I witnessed some of the difficulties in implementing changes that are meant to be consistent across the organization but also fit into the diverse needs of large metro facilities as well as small regional sites.

I also was invited to a buyers' group meeting that featured a key speaker from the Joint Commission, as well as a speaker that covered allocation of blood factors and the many difficulties encountered in accommodating a fluctuating demand with limited resources.

Both experiences were excellent demonstrations of change management in action that gave real-life situations to theories touched on in our class readings, discussions, and on-line assignments, and the LNP experience is a major incentive to continue in the Leadership series.”- Colleen Flaherty, Class of 2009

In addition to their commitment of time, LNPs are also required to complete the Strengthsfinder assessment and to read My Iceberg is Melting.  Many thanks to our LNPs for their continued support. 

Twin Cities

Lowell Anderson, Center for Leading Healthcare Change
Bill Diers, United Hospital
Julie Johnson, Minnesota Pharmacists Association
Kathy Jonsrud, Medco
Scott Knoer, Fairview Health Services
CC Koentopp, Children’s Hospital
Lucy Johnson, Children’s Hospital
Wendy Simonsen, Kemper Drug
Steve Simonsen, Goodrich Pharmacy
Marsha Millonig, Catalyst Enterprises
Carolyn Sieraski, SuperValu
Marilyn Eelkema, HealthPartners
Michelle Okposo, The Center Within
Jill Strykowski, Mercy/Unity Hospitals
Amy Mattila, Wal-Mart

Duluth

Mike Brandt, Globe Drug
Tom Dickson, Cloquet Memorial
Michael Gulseth, SMDC Health System
Corey Jahnke, Walmart
Gina Lemke, St. Luke’s
Keri Naglosky, SuperiorHealth/First Plan
Dianne Witten, SMDC Health System

For further information, please contact Dr. Todd Sorensen, (Twin Cities) or Dr. Andrew Traynor (Duluth).