Dr. Marlene Battle (’97) has joined the Arkansas Pharmacists Association in the newly created role of Health Equity Coordinator. Battle's role was created in an effort to provide a meaningful impact in health disparities and social determinants of health across Arkansas. As Health Equity Coordinator, she will help direct programs to benefit Arkansas’s most underserved and vulnerable populations and will work in tandem with the Arkansas Department of Health Equity to further the state’s goals and objectives.
Dr. Battle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and a Master of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy where she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy. During her career as a pharmacist, Dr. Battle has gained experience in hospital, specialty, and retail pharmacy, including leadership positions with Walgreens and Fred’s Pharmacies. Before joining the APA, she was the Pharmacy Manager for D&D Pharmacy, LLC located within the Arkansas Diagnostic Center and has been on the forefront of administering COVID-19 vaccines within the community as well as educating the public about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr. Battle remains active in the community and with professional organizations, serving as the Pharmacy Representative for the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association and a member of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2019, Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed her to serve a seven-year term on the ASMSA Board of Visitors for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, of which she is an alum.
A native of Eudora, Arkansas, she is married to Hayward Battle Jr. The couple are the parents of six children (two boys and four girls) and currently make their home in Benton, Ark.
What does your new role as Health Equity Coordinator with the Arkansas Pharmacists Association entail?
This is a newly created role to provide a meaningful impact in health disparities and social determinants of health across Arkansas. As Health Equity Coordinator, I will help direct programs to benefit Arkansas’ most underserved and vulnerable populations and will work in tandem with the Arkansas Department of Health Equity to further the state’s goals and objectives. Some of my responsibilities include coordinating vaccine access to underserved patients through community clinics and school vaccination programs, assisting pharmacies to expand COVID-19 local testing programs, providing education to address vaccine hesitancy, expanding the number of pharmacies participating in the Vaccines for Children Program, and assisting with pharmacy internships for underrepresented minority students.
What profession or careers had you considered during your formative years at ASMSA? How did your classes at ASMSA help prepare you for your undergraduate coursework?
I have always loved science and developed an interest in medicine through a personal experience during my adolescent years. Attending school at ASMSA solidified this interest through some shadowing opportunities with a general surgeon. At the time, I knew I wanted to become a doctor. I made a personal discovery that my hands probably weren’t steady enough to become a general surgeon so becoming a pharmacist became my focus. Some of the classes offered at ASMSA were college-level courses which were very helpful during my undergraduate years, especially my freshman year. During my time at ASMSA I can remember taking courses such as AP Chemistry, Medical Physics, Biology and participating in science fairs. These classes in combination with hands-on experiences were a great foundation for my success at undergraduate and graduate levels.
What advice would you give students to help prepare them for a possible career in the field?
My advice is to find a mentor in the field and to gain as much hands-on experience as you can through shadowing or internship opportunities. Also, start early and look at entrance requirements and required courses for programs of interest. Never give up and always follow through with your dreams and goals. If you choose to do a career in pharmacy, then pursue it wholeheartedly until you achieve it. I did not take the traditional route to pursuing a career in pharmacy and am proof that if being a pharmacist is your goal, you can work hard and achieve it.
Looking back in retrospect, what are your most memorable moments from your time at ASMSA?
With a smile on my face, my most memorable moments are the friendships and bonds that were formed with students/staff. I lived on the 6th floor for both years. It was never a dull moment. Also, I was able to conduct research with Dr. Beverly Lyn-Cook at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) for a science fair project, and my teammate and I won 1st place in the Biochemistry category.
How does your experience of being a student at a residential high school impact your role on the ASMSA Board of Visitors?
It allows me to give first-hand insight on some of the challenges that students may face while attending a residential high school. Although times have changed, some of the same core challenges still exist.
Many students who attend residential high schools like ASMSA say that they easily transition to college because of their experience. Was this the case for you?
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with this. It was a smooth transition overall for me from high school to college. ASMSA not only prepares you for the next level academically, but it also provides you with a sense of independence. The residential experience is very similar as to what a student can expect in college from living in dorms to the degree of coursework.
By Robert Bryant Jr., Coordinator for Alumni and Community Relations