PharmCast is the official podcast of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Hosted by Dean Kelly Smith, the show features conversations with the leaders, alumni, faculty, and students shaping pharmacy and pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. Each episode explores their personal journeys, professional insights, and the ideas driving the future of healthcare—creating space for connection, curiosity, and community within the PharmDawg community.
Exploring Career Paths in Pharmacy With Dr. Caroline Kicklighter
What does it take to build a career in a field that is constantly changing? For Dr. Caroline Kicklighter, it starts with being willing to embrace what comes next.
A two-time graduate of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Caroline began her UGA journey as a music major before finding her way to pharmacy. Today, she serves as Senior Director and Medical Lead at Kardigan, a biopharmaceutical company developing cardiovascular therapies. Her career has included leadership roles with Kaiser Permanente, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Pfizer and Novartis, where she worked across medical affairs, health economics and evidence-based medicine.
In this episode of PharmCast, Caroline talks about the experiences that have shaped her career and the importance of staying adaptable, embracing change, continuing to learn and being open to feedback as a leader. She also looks ahead at the future of pharmacy, including the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and shares advice for students exploring the many career paths available in the profession.
4 Jun 2026
Pharmacy, Technology, and Entrepreneurship with Dr. David Pope
In this episode of PharmCast, Dean Kelly Smith sits down with Dr. David Pope (linkedin.com/in/david-pope-73297622), a 2004 graduate of the UGA College of Pharmacy and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Xifin, a leading provider of pharmacy and laboratory medical billing and clinical documentation technology. Dr. Pope reflects on his time as a pharmacy student, shares the experiences that shaped his career, and discusses his path from pharmacist to healthcare technology leader. He also offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in advancing patient care and pharmacy practice. Whether you're a student, practitioner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation provides wisdom and practical advice for navigating today's dynamic healthcare landscape.
30 Apr 2026
AI and the Future of Healthcare
In this special episode of PharmCast, recorded live at the Healthcare 5.0 Conference at the University of Georgia, Dean Kelly Smith shares insights from on-site interviews with leaders across healthcare, science, and industry on how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of care.
Featuring Dr. Jesse Michael Hostetter (UGA College of Veterinary Medicine), Dr. Marshall Shepherd (UGA College of Arts and Sciences), Dr. Anita Patel (Walgreens), Dr. Matthew Schmidt (UGA College of Pharmacy), and Dr. Michael Fulford (UGA College of Pharmacy), this episode explores how AI, immersive technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration are influencing pharmacy practice and the broader healthcare landscape.
From clinical decision-making to population health and the One Health approach, these conversations highlight how pharmacists and healthcare professionals can adapt, collaborate, and lead in a more connected, technology-driven future.
2 Apr 2026
From PharmD to Presidency
In this special episode of PharmCast, guest host Breagh MacKinnon, a second-year PharmD student at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy (https://rx.uga.edu/), sits down with her dad, Dr. Neil MacKinnon (https://www.cmich.edu/about/university-leadership/office-president/presidents-biography), a pharmacist by training and the president of Central Michigan University (https://www.cmich.edu/).
Together, they explore Dr. MacKinnon’s journey through pharmacy, from his early career to leadership in higher education, and the experiences that have shaped his path along the way. The conversation also offers insight into the values, mentorship, and motivation that continue to guide his work.
As the roles briefly reverse, Dr. MacKinnon turns the conversation to Breagh, reflecting on her own path in pharmacy and what lies ahead.
Blending personal perspective with professional insight, this episode highlights the many directions a pharmacy education can take and the connections that shape the journey.
5 Mar 2026
Before We Begin: Meet Your Host
In the first episode of PharmCast, we’re turning the mic toward our host. Instead of leading the conversation, Kelly M. Smith, dean of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, sits down with one of our PharmD students for a special “Meet the Host” episode.
Together, they explore Dean Smith’s journey into pharmacy, her path to leadership in higher education, and what inspired the relaunch of PharmCast. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the vision for the show and what future episodes will bring to students, alumni, faculty, and the broader #PharmDawg community.
Tune in to meet the voice behind the mic and discover the stories, insights, and conversations that will shape PharmCast.
26 Feb 2026
Trailer
PharmCast is back. In this trailer episode, Dean Kelly Smith welcomes listeners and shares what to expect from the UGA College of Pharmacy (https://rx.uga.edu/)’s official podcast. From personal journeys to professional insights, PharmCast explores the people and ideas advancing pharmacy, science, and healthcare. Join us as we begin this new chapter!
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