Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Monica Krishnan.
Hi Dr. Krishnan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Dr. Monica Krishnan, Pharm.D, and I am a Clinical Pharmacist with over 22 years of experience. I began my career at UCLA Inpatient Pharmacy as an Inpatient Pharmacist. Over the past 22 years, I have worked in so many different areas of Pharmacy. From Hospital to Outpatient, to Hospice to Behavior Health. I have had the honor to experience so many amazing areas of health care. In 2005 I left UCLA Medical Center as I was expecting my first baby with my husband. From 2005-2009, I began working part-time as an Outpatient Pharmacist at Horton and Converse as well as Del Amo Behavioral Health Hospital.
In 2011, My world turned upside down. My husband passed away after a 2-year battle with brain cancer. Our babies were only 3 &5. I moved to a town near my parents, so they could help me with my two daughters. For the next several years I worked for an independent pharmacy called Saugus Drugs which became my work home for the next several years. In 2018 I joined my current position with the Walmart Health and Wellness team. In 2018, I had the opportunity to be invited to my first podcast interview on a podcast called SMASHING THE STIGMA. I had the opportunity to share my story on my GRIEF and DEPRESSION JOURNEY. This podcast opened my eyes to my true passion in the area of Mental Health. Over the next two years, I began working on projects and speaking engagements where I shared my journey.
In 2020, I was invited by the Pharmacy Podcast Network to help create the Pharmacist focused on Mental Health Series. In 2021, I was invited by Remedy Health Media to join the team as a Medical writer for a platform called PSYCOMPRO, in which I helped create a column called a Dose of Mental Health. This Column allows me to take real cases of Mental Health patients and share it from a pharmacist’s point of view.
You can find me on Instagram @drmonicapharmd where I share work as a Mental Health and Grief advocate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth ride at all. Battling depression was definitely one of the hardest things. But it allowed me to connect with my patients at a more deeper level.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
This year I created a Dose of Wisdom. A Series of Videos, Affirmation cards to share on life topics. I am so proud of myself for not giving up, not giving up when I hit rock bottom after my husband died. Not giving up when two babies relied on me both parenterally and financially.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I have always been a California girl. After 9 years of being on the East Coast for college, I knew coming back to California was not a question. This city is like no other, from the beautiful beaches to the breathtaking cities, up and down the California coast.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: drmonicapharmd
