WVU School of Pharmacy alumnus goes above and beyond to help mother and newborn

WVU School of Pharmacy alumnus Allen Sexton (BS, ’93) is being celebrated as a hero for his recent actions to assist a mother and her newborn during a medical emergency. Albert Wright, president and CEO of the West Virginia University (WVU) Health System, highlighted Sexton’s heroics in his daily internal email newsletter, The Wright Stuff. Read the original snippet below. 

I often talk about how our employees go the extra mile to ensure the best care for our patients. Last week, Allen Sexton, PharmD, BCPS, clinical pharmacy manager at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center (CCMC), took that phrase literally as his heroic actions helped a mother and her newborn receive medications that gave them the best chance for an optimal outcome.

Last Monday (Nov. 25), Allen received word from the CCMC pharmacy staff that a pregnant mother who was being admitted to deliver her baby would be in need of additional medications that were not in stock at the pharmacy. The CCMC pharmacy team worked with WVU Medicine Children’s pharmacy staff in Morgantown to transfer stock to avoid unnecessary delays. Unfortunately, because of the upcoming holiday, finding a courier proved to be a challenge. Even the best scenario would include a significant delay.

Faced with this situation, Allen took it upon himself to drive from Parkersburg to Morgantown to pick up the medication and back again to ensure timely treatment and the best outcomes for mom and baby. (As an aside, anyone who has driven Route 50 to or from Parkersburg knows that it can be a long, lonely drive, even on the most pleasant day!)

A shout-out to Marc Phillips, PharmD, CPHQ, 340B ACE, assistant director of Pharmacy – Supply Chain and Procurement, for passing along this story and including the happy ending:

“Folks who know Allen will not be surprised to hear that he went above and beyond for patient care, as that’s what he strives to do on a daily basis. Because of Allen, both mom and baby are doing well and enjoyed the holiday.”

I am truly grateful for Allen’s efforts and for exemplifying what WVU Medicine is all about!