"My goal has been to leave this world a better place than when I entered it."
Posted on: October 22, 2020
For University of South Carolina alumna Julia G. Mims (1974 B.S. pharmacy, 1996 Pharm.D.), education and perseverance were the keys to her dream career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – though “volunteer” is a title she holds equally important on her life's resume.
Tell us about what you do:
I am in charge of the Clinical Pharmacy Program at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital where I have worked for 24 years. I am involved with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, help supervise the Clinical Pharmacists, write policies, evaluate patient medication regimens, teach pharmacist students on clinical rotations, and am involved with accreditation readiness for the pharmacy.
I am also a volunteer. I have served on the Florence County School District #3 School Board for 18 years. I think that education is the key for success in life and it is up to us who are educated to make sure others are educated as well.
I am involved on several local boards - such as Lake City Concert Series, Lake City Community Theater, Lake City Public Library, and Lake City Beautification Committee. As a member of the Lake City Presbyterian Church, I helped get the Lake City Meals on Wheels Program started 33 years ago. My goal has been to leave this world a better place than when I entered it.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a scientist who helped discover a cure for cancer.
How did you get interested in pharmacy?
When I was growing up in Lake City my uncle owned the Corner Drug Store. I was fascinated with all of the bottles of medications. Even though there were not a lot of female pharmacists at the time, my mother and uncle thought it would be a good career for me since I loved science.
Why did you choose the University of South Carolina?
My older brother attended the University of South Carolina. I went to visit him and fell in love with the university. I loved the campus, especially the Horseshoe. I loved the Gamecocks sports teams, especially football and basketball.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is – along with the help of my husband - raising three compassionate, intelligent, and kind daughters who have given me four adorable grandchildren.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I would love to go back to World War II and interact with the women who took the jobs of men that were fighting the war. I would particularly like to have been involved with the women who were spies.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Life has taught me that it isn’t always fair but if you persevere good things can happen to you – And also if you don’t try and sometimes fail, you won’t appreciate when you succeed.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
I would love to have a mix of individuals: Steve Martin, Henry David Thoreau, Michelangelo, Teddy Roosevelt, Johann Sebastian Bach, Michelle Obama, Paul McCartney, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
What is your advice for current students / future pharmacy professionals?
Love what you do and then coming to work every day is a pleasure and not a burden – Also be a positive part of your work team.
What would your superpower be?
Being kind.
Would you like to be featured in the next Q & A with? Email us at alumni@cop.sc.edu.