Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 8/1/2025 12:00:00 AM
Allison Dunn, PharmD, Research Assistant Professor, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
What is your favorite part of being a CPT Editor-in-Training?
My favorite part of being a CPT Editor-in-Training is getting a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into making the journal happen. It has been amazing to see how much thought and effort go into every step (from reviewing submissions to managing peer feedback and making final decisions, etc.). I have gained a real appreciation for the process and how it all comes together to share important research with the community. On top of that, it has been great to work alongside other early-career professionals who share the same excitement for clinical pharmacology and publishing. I have especially enjoyed collaborating with my fellow EIT, Matthjis. It has been a great opportunity to learn from one another and see how our different backgrounds contribute to the editorial process.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
The professional accomplishment I am most proud of is my research faculty appointment at UMB. Taking on this role was a huge step for me, especially since it is not a traditional path for someone with a predominantly clinical background. At the beginning, I dealt with a lot of impostor syndrome—I had to figure out teaching, researching, and grant writing largely on the job. It felt overwhelming at times, but looking back now, I am so proud of how much I have grown into the role. In just two years, I feel like I have transformed into a completely different scientist and professional. It has been a really rewarding journey, and I am grateful for how much I have learned along the way.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Honestly, balancing life and my career has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced. After my first year as faculty, I began focusing on a cancer prevention plan due to a BRCA1 gene mutation I have. I knew there were some important steps I needed to take, and it was a lot to navigate alongside my career. It was a tough year filled with planning, preventative surgeries, and recovery. That being said, I am incredibly fortunate to be part of a department with such wonderful colleagues who gave me the time and support I needed. I cannot imagine managing the mental and physical toll of that experience in any other environment It put a lot into perspective—what real stresses are and how to approach challenges in a more grounded way. It also deepened my appreciation for the patient perspective. I think most people have moments like this, like when starting a family or facing another life-altering experience. For me, it not only shaped how I view my work but also gave me a new level of gratitude for the opportunities I have to contribute to the field.
When I am not working, I love staying active by going to the gym, but I also enjoy hobbies like needlepoint, cross-stitching, and board games with friends. I also really love spending time watching movies (particularly horror) and going to concerts (particularly Ben Folds). More than anything, however, I spend a lot of time with my cats. I have included a picture of me and my first cat, Murphy, when we both graduated from pharmacy school. He has been by my side for so much, and I really love having lazy days with him and my other cat, Ollie.
What was your childhood dream job?
I wanted to be a teacher! So much so that for Christmas one year, I asked for one of those bulk overhead projectors like we had in grade school, where you could write and project. I used to make all my friends play “student,” and I would have fun failing them. I hope I'm much nicer now as an instructor.
Dr Dunn has been a member of ASCPT since 2019.
