Pharmacy alum ready to make a difference in the U.S. Air Force

Passionate about improving care for service members, their families and veterans, Dr. Caleigh Wallace is taking the next step in her pharmacy career in the United States Air Force.

A native of Killen, Alabama and a member of the Harrison College of Pharmacy Class of 2025, Wallace entered Officer Training School (OTS) following her graduation from Auburn University in May. Graduating from OTS on Nov. 7, she will head to her first duty station at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base as part of the 59th Medical Wing, the Air Force’s largest medical wing.

“I am looking forward to the different training opportunities that the Air Force has to offer,” Wallace said. “Putting on the uniform to serve those who serve our country is a privilege. I am proud to be part of the 1 percent.”

Wallace’s interest in pharmacy started in high school when she heard a pharmacist speak at a career day event. Already having an interest in health care, that event lit her passion for pharmacy and started her on a path that led to the Plains.

Combining that passion with the military came a few years later. During her second year, she looked into options within the military and her interest grew. Coupled with feedback from friends who had served, she decided to apply for the Officer Training School Board at the beginning of her fourth year, and was selected as a pharmacist halfway through the year.

“I had friends in pharmacy school that serve or have served who enlightened me on what a career in the military looks like,” Wallace said. “I was able to work with Dr. Lynn Stevenson (HCOP’s Executive Director of Experiential Education) on getting an APPE set up at Maxwell Air Force Base to further explore my interest.

“Dr. Hicks was my preceptor at Maxwell AFB and her rotation showed me what a career as a pharmacist may look like in the military.”

Dr. Hicks is Dr. Brittany Hicks, a member of the HCOP Class of 2013 and a staff pharmacist at Maxwell Air Force Base since 2022. For Hicks, who is the child of a Naval officer and remembers getting medications filled on base as a child, she is committed to serving others and preparing the next generation of pharmacists.

“As a preceptor, I mentor the next generation of pharmacists, helping students understand the deeper meaning of their work,” Hicks said. “I try to show them that being a pharmacist here isn’t just about dispensing medications, it’s about service, teamwork and purpose. I tell them to stay curious, uphold integrity and recognize that every patient interaction is an opportunity to make a difference.”

For Wallace, the rotation gave a glimpse to what life as a military pharmacist is like and how she can make a difference in the lives of so many people.

“My rotation with Dr. Hicks allowed me to explore my interest further and I was able to see pharmacy operations at the outpatient pharmacy at Maxwell AFB,” said Wallace. “Her rotation provided insight to what a pharmacist in the military does, and she was also able to connect me with active duty personnel, including pharmacists, that work in the medical group on base.”

For Hicks, having Wallace around the pharmacy represented the first time in a several years for Maxwell Air Force Base to take on a pharmacy student for rotations. After seeing her in action, she has no doubt she will be a success in her Air Force career.

“Caleigh my very first student as a preceptor and she made that transition easy and enjoyable,” Hicks said. “She is a quick learner, self-sufficient and full of integrity, she is strong-minded and unafraid to take on new challenges. From day one, I could tell she had what it takes — her confidence and professionalism truly stood out.”

Seeing Wallace go through the transition of pharmacy student to Air Force officer, Hicks was particularly thankful to everyone at Maxwell Air Force Base that made an impact.

“I want to shout out my team for their role in shaping the environment for Caleigh,” Hicks said. “Our active-duty pharmacists and technicians are always willing to share their experiences and support students. Together, we are helping to build the next generation of military pharmacists.”