Kyle Mays

His Story

 

Dr. Mays earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 2011. Afterwards, he completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency at OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in 2011 and a PGY2 pediatric pharmacy residency at the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in 2012.

After completing his residency programs, Dr. Mays started his career as a pediatric clinical pharmacist at the Children's Hospital of Illinois (CHOI). He remained with CHOI for several years before taking on a new position as a pediatric clinical pharmacist in the pediatric intensive care unit at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Mays serves as the Residency Program Director for the PGY1 pharmacy residency program at Cardinal Glennon and functions as a clinical coordinator for the clinical pharmacy group. Dr. Mays currently works at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

Overview of Facility/Health System

A leading academic medical center, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital staffed by the SLUCare Physician Group of Saint Louis University School of Medicine providing pediatric care to communities throughout Illinois, Missouri and beyond. At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, we care for children and offer services beyond that support the overall well-being of our patients. We are committed not only to healing children today, but finding new ways to help them stay healthy in the future. With more than 200 specialists in more than 60 medical and surgical sub-specialties, (including neonatology, cardiology, fetal surgery and cancer care), our physicians, surgeons and nurses are regarded as some of the leading pediatric experts in the country. Through our doors, you’ll find state-of-the-art clinical facilities such as our Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 

 

What type of significant projects have you been involved in recently?

Dr. Mays is currently involved with the Pediatric Trials Network (PTN) which is an alliance of clinical research sites cooperating in the design and conduct of pediatric clinical trials. PTN research provides evidence for optimal dosing of commonly used medications in infants and children. Currently, Dr. Mays is evaluating the pharmacokinetics of hydromorphone in the pediatric population and the opioid sparing effects of dexmedetomidine in critically ill pediatric patients.

Additionally, Dr. Mays is working with the pediatric critical care division on implementing the ABCDEF Bundle as part of the ICU Liberation initiative supported by the Society of Critical Care Medicine. 

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

The most important piece of advice I can give a new practitioner or student interested in pediatrics is to identify a mentor and continually seek mentorship and advice from this person. This person will become invaluable to you as you navigate this specialty and grow professionally.

The other piece of advice I would highly recommend is to always remain curious. As you enter your specialty of choice, realize that you will constantly encounter new disease states, treatment recommendations, and medical oddities. Take a moment out of your day to learn something new. This will help you grow professionally throughout your career. 

What is your current involvement with ASHP?

I am currently a member of ASHP's Section Advisory Group on Pediatrics where I help identify and develop tools, programs, and resources to enhance the ability of members to meet patient needs within the pediatric population. I am also a practitioner surveyor for PGY1 pharmacy residency programs. 

Why did you become involved in ASHP?

I became involved with ASHP for several reasons including mentorship, professional growth, networking, and professional advocacy. 

Value of ASHP

ASHP provides hospital-based pharmacists with a place to learn and share knowledge with other pharmacists from across the nation. It also serves as a hub for networking and building professional relationships with pharmacists in similar health systems and/or specialty.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

From resource guidelines to policy positions, residency accreditation to professional certificate programs, continuing education to board certification resources, and drug shortage management strategies are only a few of the benefits ASHP provides. Additionally, ASHP is the voice of our profession at the local, state, and national level. ASHP's advocacy efforts are truly exceptional.