Her formative years spent at Discount Drug Mart provided Sarah with invaluable insights into the intricate landscape of health care. It was here that her affinity for working with older adults took root, nurtured by the daily interactions with older patrons seeking guidance and support for their health needs. This initial spark propelled Sarah toward a career dedicated to geriatric care.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Dr. Vordenberg pursued her undergraduate studies at The University of Akron. During this time, her aspirations crystallized, leading her to apply to Northeast Ohio Medical University for pharmacy school. Drawn by the institution’s location and new (at the time) pharmacy school, Dr. Vordenberg became part of the second cohort of students admitted to the College of Pharmacy. She relished the opportunity to be a part of something new and transformative.

“I just found NEOMED to be a really warm and welcoming environment that felt very comfortable,” she reminisced, reflecting on her initial impressions. For Dr. Vordenberg, it was not only the academic rigor that left an impression but also the deep connections forged with faculty and peers alike.

“I appreciated being in a setting where there were both pharmacy and medical students. It was fascinating to be side by side in class as well as to collaborate on projects together” she said.

During her time at NEOMED, her passion for working with older adults was further solidified as she encountered diverse patient populations and health care environments. Immersed in various clinical settings, these experiences not only established her resolve to specialize in geriatric care but also provided a rich foundation for her future career in pharmacy. The wealth of knowledge she acquired served as the cornerstone of her aspirations, shaping her path toward making a meaningful impact in the field.

From classroom to community

After earning both a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2012 and a Master of Public Health degree in 2013 from NEOMED, where she notably became the first graduate of the College of Graduate Studies, Dr. Vordenberg embarked on a transformative journey within the field of pharmacy. Her first stop was a community pharmacy residency with Ohio Northern University, where she honed the pharmacy and public health skills acquired at NEOMED, focusing on patient care, educating pharmacy students and applying research methodologies.

In 2013, Dr. Vordenberg made the pivotal decision to join the faculty at the University of Michigan as a clinical assistant professor, where she has remained for over a decade. These days, she is associate chair and clinical associate professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy where she divides her time between teaching, research, and community engagement. One of the highlights of her work is her involvement with first-year pharmacy students.

“It’s really fun to work with them during that a formative time as they begin the transition from being a layperson to a pharmacist,” she enthused.

From teaching classes on outpatient pharmacy skills to facilitating discussions on over-the-counter medications, Dr. Vordenberg’s dedication to her students is palpable.

It extends beyond the classroom.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Vordenberg is deeply engaged in creating opportunities for student pharmacists to engage in public health opportunities. Her clinical practice involves working with low-income apartment buildings in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she provides essential education and health screenings to community members in need, alongside pharmacy students and other health care professionals. In addition, she coordinates pharmacy student and resident involvement in the University of Michigan Student Run Free Clinic. Her passion for engaging students in volunteer opportunities at a free clinic started when she was a pharmacy student and volunteered weekly at Open M in Akron, Ohio. These roles speak to her commitment to serving the underserved and addressing health disparities in her community.

However, Dr. Vordenberg’s most profound impact lies in her scholarship and research endeavors. Her research, cited hundreds of times, seamlessly merges her pharmacy expertise with her fervor for public health. One primary focus revolves around understanding and engaging older adults in the intricate realm of medication deprescribing, a topic that lies at the intersection of pharmacy and public health. As part of her scholarship, she seeks to communicate information to patients through consumer-friendly publications such as the JAMA Patient Pages.

“My pharmacy training has helped me look at how patients make medication decisions from the perspective of a pharmacist… but my public health degree has helped me think about other factors that matter,” she explained, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of her work.

As Dr. Vordenberg reflects on her journey, she holds a profound sense of gratitude for the support and mentorship she received during her time at NEOMED, which continues to shape her career. “The faculty were fantastic,” she enthused. “I have been able to stay in contact with several faculty after leaving NEOMED, just periodically touch base to see how they’re doing or get some advice as my career has progressed. I appreciate that I was able to develop those relationships when I was a student and have been able to lean back on them throughout career.” In addition, she recently joined the NEOMED Alumni Association Board of Directors, which has given her the opportunity to re-connect and further engage with her alma mater.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring pharmacists and public health professionals alike.

As Dr. Vordenberg continues to make a difference in the lives of her students, patients and community members, her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion and education in shaping a brighter future for all.

From her humble beginnings in Northeast Ohio to her impactful role at the University of Michigan, Sarah Vordenberg’s journey is a reminder that the path to success is often paved with passion, purpose and unwavering dedication.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Vordenberg, Pharm.D., M.P.H.