October is American Pharmacists Month, so we are shining our Faculty Spotlight on the sole pharmacist in the Department of Anesthesia: Lee Kral, PharmD.

Q: What is your hometown?

A: I was born and raised in Cresco, Iowa. 

Q: How or when did you become interested in science and/or medicine?

A: I had an awesome chemistry teacher in high school who made science fun. I mean, who wouldn't love playing with fire and making a volcano? The fascination just grew from there.

Q: What attracted you to pharmacology in particular?

A: Actually, pharmacology chose me. I seemed to have a knack for organic chemistry and didn't like blood and body fluids. I passed out twice in biology lab doing animal dissections, so it was pharmacy for me!

Q: What attracted you to academic medicine?

A: I tried retail pharmacy and it just wasn't a good fit. I've always been drawn to the endless questions to be answered and the collaboration, both academically and clinically. I always told my father (who was a high school teacher) that I would never teach, but he must have rubbed off on me because I teach all the time now and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Q: How or why did you choose to join the faculty at the University of Iowa?

A: I bleed black and gold. There was no other choice really.

Q: Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?

A: So many from pharmacy and medicine, and every colleague along the way. Dr. Jannet Carmichael was an early influence in Pharmacy and Dr. Tim Brennan when I entered the world of academic pain medicine.

Q: What's your favorite thing about being in academic medicine?

A: I have to choose? The young people and the patients. They always keep me on my toes and there is a new challenge every day.

Q: What are some of your outside (personal) interests?

A: Keeping up with my kids and friends, reading, traveling, exploring new wines and new restaurants.