ASTCT Women’s History Month Spotlight: Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD

For Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, the field of hematology-oncology is deeply personal. Having lost loved ones to cancer, she was drawn to a career where she could make a meaningful difference in patient care.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, ASTCT is proud to highlight the inspiring journeys of women making a profound impact in transplantation and cellular therapy. This spotlight features Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

For Shigle, the field of hematology-oncology is deeply personal. Having lost loved ones to cancer, she was drawn to a career where she could make a meaningful difference in patient care. Through clinical pharmacy, she found her calling — combining her passion for transplantation, infectious disease and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes for patients. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, the mentors who shaped her path and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

1. What inspired you to enter the transplantation and cellular therapy field?

Like many who go into hematology-oncology, I chose this field because it hits close to home. I have had many family members who have unfortunately lost their battle with cancer. Once I discovered the niche of clinical pharmacy and the impact I could have on patient care, I knew it was an area I was interested in.

During student rotations, I also found a love for infectious disease. It was then through my first year of pharmacy residency, I had the opportunity to spend time on the hematology floor at UPMC Shadyside/Hillman Cancer Center, where I realized this field was the best of both worlds. The complex chemotherapy, medication regimens, acuity and supportive care that came with managing these patients drew me in.

I was fortunate to complete a second-year residency at UPMC Shadyside, where I learned from dedicated pharmacy preceptors and supportive physicians, midlevel providers and nurses who continued to ignite my passion for transplant. My goal became to find a job, ideally in SCT, and I could not be more grateful to have been hired at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I am inspired every day and hope to continue contributing to this field.

2. How do you inspire others?

I try to inspire others by leading through example. I not only have a passion for the area of stem cell transplant and cellular therapy but also for highlighting the integral role of the clinical pharmacist.

Big picture — I look for opportunities where pharmacists can provide a unique perspective to a help guide and optimize patient care with a multidisciplinary team. I also try to leverage my bedside efforts and knowledge to lead initiatives that translate to improved patient outcomes beyond my individual reach, such as through integration of pharmacists into clinical research and involvement with organizations on a national level.

Becoming a member of ASTCT has been an incredibly influential part of my career. I am inspired by all the woman at large, and more specifically, by members of the Pharmacy SIG. Since the inception of this special interest group, I have been inspired by leaders of our profession, and as a result, I hope to inspire others through my involvement as well.

3. What does it mean to be a woman in this field?

It’s truly an honor and something I do not take for granted. I think being a woman in this field today is a testament to the hardworking, intelligent, dedicated women who have navigated this field before me. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge some of the women who inspire me every day to continue to put my best foot forward.

I have been extremely lucky to have a wonderful mentor in Alison Gulbis, PharmD, since starting at MD Anderson. She is an incredible advocate for our patients and for the profession of clinical pharmacy. I have also been fortunate to work with Dr. Elizabeth Shpall, who, in my opinion, is the personification of what it is to be a successful woman in the medical field. I have learned an immense amount through her leadership of the SCT department and cannot thank her enough for her continued collaboration and respect for clinical pharmacy.

Finally, I am grateful for all the fantastic clinical pharmacy specialists I have had the privilege to work with throughout my residency and career, especially those who I started on this journey with 10 years ago — Whitney Wallis, Vi Doan and Kayleigh Marx. I am in constant awe of their dedication to our profession and passion for learning and improving patient care.

4. Who are your heroes in real life?

I have been blessed to be surrounded by many wonderful women my entire life who, in different ways embody what it is to be a hero, but my number one hero is my mother.

She has selflessly prioritized my sister and me and always made us feel like we could do anything we set our minds to. At this stage of life, I have a deeper respect, love and admiration for how hard she (and my dad) worked to help give us countless opportunities and adventures!

5. What is your greatest achievement?

I don’t think I have a single greatest achievement yet, though I have been fortunate to have many different opportunities thus far that I am very proud of professionally. Perhaps my greatest achievement is having many small successes.

Chairing both ASTCT Pharmacy SIG’s program planning committee and steering committee have been career highlights. In addition, working with the ID SIG to help contribute to two new guidelines was an exciting challenge and achievement. Lastly, it was an honor to receive the ASTCT Pharmacy SIG’s Clinical Excellence Award last year in San Antonio among my colleagues and peers. It has only added fuel to the fire to continue my growth and contribution to the SCT field and clinical pharmacy profession.

6. What advice would you give your younger self?

Hmmm, that’s a tough one! I would say: Be ready to be a lifelong learner, and don’t be afraid of change. You never know what exciting new challenges and opportunities will come your way.

Lastly, I would tell myself not to lose my grit — keep working hard, try your best and always be kind.