CPNP Foundation, from time to time, recognizes donors who exemplify the values of the Foundation as reflected in their sustained support, dedication to evidence-based care, and commitment to meeting the needs of patients living with psychiatric and neurologic disorders and their families. We feature Dr. LaGenia Bailey in this issue of Kaleidoscope. The CPNP Foundation Board of Directors sincerely thanks Dr. Bailey for her ongoing commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
Dr. Bailey is Director – Medical Science Liaison – Great Lakes Region, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She has held this position for two years. Her first position in neuropsychiatric pharmacy was as a faculty member at University of Illinois College of Pharmacy where she was promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor. Her practice site was the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, where she worked in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, Coordinated the Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia Program, Research Program, Movement Disorders Clinic, and Psychopharm Consultation and Liaison Team. She also taught in the Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program at University of Illinois College of Pharmacy.
When asked what led her to pursue neuropsychiatric pharmacy as a career, she responded that as a student she particularly enjoyed medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and interacting with patients and their families. Good progress was being made at the time in development of new psychotherapeutic agents. She stated, “I really wanted to make a difference and to ensure the proper utilization of medications in the treatment of serious mental illnesses. As a clinical practitioner, my impact was in a small number of patients, whereas in industry, I cover all the psychiatric practitioners in 5 states, and address medical information questions and research and development issues. I find these interactions very rewarding.”
She stated she was also motivated to pursue neuropsychiatric pharmacy to try to ensure that other families did not have to suffer as her family did. Dr. Bailey expanded, “My brother received a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia when I was 14 years old, and he was 24. He died at the age of 28 in a state hospital. I remember how much he suffered and how my family suffered along with him. Two cousins also have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. One is doing very well on his medication. We are two years apart and grew up together. It is wonderful to have him text me jokes and be able to see him holding a teaching job and volunteering at the local food pantry. The new medicines make a difference. I’m glad to have been a part of his recovery both as family support and helping to bring new medicines to market and ensure their proper utilization.”
When asked about what initially prompted her to donate to the CPNP Foundation, she responded, “The members of CPNP are family to me. It is amazing to walk into a room at a professional meeting and see people you’ve known for 30 years. It is always a pleasure to be part of this wonderful group of pharmacists. Initially, Judy Curtis, now my colleague at Sunovion, called me and said that she would like me to make a donation. The vision statement of the Foundation is ‘The CPNP Foundation envisions a world in which individuals with psychiatric and neurologic disorders receive optimal treatment, live free of stigma, and achieve their full potential.’ When I first read that statement, my internal response was, “Nuff said. I knew these were likeminded souls. The Foundation has a commitment to focus on the needs of the patients and families we serve. It allows the CPNP members to walk the talk and make a larger difference than they otherwise could.” She explained that she continues to support the Foundation because, “Donations are important in giving back to those we serve. I have been fortunate in my life, and I like to share the abundance. In my mind it is the right thing to do. I support the CPNP Foundation, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the Pranic Healing Foundation, and other organizations in my community. As organizations, all of these groups support our mission as health care providers and bring a level of integrity to our mission – the mission to reduce the suffering of those who live with, struggle with, and recover from mental illness.”
Dr. Bailey concluded her interview in saying, “I live by a motto ‘Enjoy Life-Live Bold-Be of Love.’ CPNP Foundation embodies these concepts and commits to enhancing the lives of others. Thank you so much for the opportunity to support such a great organization.”