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WMSHP Member Spotlight:

CAPT Lillie D. Golson

CAPT Lillie D. Golson has been a Labeling Review Team Leader in FDA's Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) since 2002. She began her tenure in OGD in 1995 as a labeling reviewer after transferring from Saint Elizabeths Hospital. In addition to her team leader responsibilities, CAPT Golson represents OGD on a number of committees including serving as an FDA representative to the USP Expert Committee on Nomenclature and Labeling, and as a member of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's Medication Guide Working Group. CAPT Golson also was an FDA/OGD Panelist for the Public Hearing on Use of Medication Guides to Distribute Drug Risk Information to Patients, and is currently a member of the FDA's Opioid REMS Working Group.

Q:Why did you choose pharmacy profession?
I had a wonderful role model as a child. Always wanted to grow up to be a pharmacist like her, even before I knew what a pharmacist was or did!
Q:In what ways has being a pharmacist changed you as a person?
I think being a pharmacist has caused me to be more compassionate. It is really quite humbling to know that people put so much trust in us as a profession. I try to do my best not to betray that trust.
Q:What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Helping people understand how to correctly take their medications. It troubles me that less time is spent on counseling and patients are now expected to figure out everything about their medications through all the written information stuffed into their bags. I know that I personally understand and retain information better when it is explained to me and I‘m provided written material to refer to. I try to extend the same courtesy to my patients.
Q:Is there one resource you can‘t live without?
The Internet. Now that I‘ve learned to navigate it, can‘t imagine trying to function without it.
Q:What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Well, I would have to say Jesus Christ. I truly don‘t know how I could make it without Him in my life.
Q:How do you spend your free time?
Currently, since I‘m a student and work two jobs, I don‘t have free time. But after graduation next year, I hope to resume traveling the world, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures.
Q:What is your favourite childhood memory?
Traveling down South to the country to visit my grandparents
Q:What is the book that changed your life?
The Bible. This one book provides guidance on every aspect of my life.
Q:Which living person do you most admire?
There are many. It would have to be someone who succeeds against the odds. I‘ll have to think about this one.
Q:What is your greatest extravagance?
Staying in luxurious hotels when traveling.
Q:What medications do you always carry with you?
None.
Q:If you were a drug, what drug would you be and why?
A love potion. If we showed more love to one another, most of the social ills of the world would be cured.
Q:What advice would you offer to a pharmacist just starting out?
Get involved in the profession. Try to stay current with the many changes. I didn‘t do that and that‘s why I‘m back in school at this tender age.
Q:What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
It‘s not about me. Joy and happiness comes when doing for others.