Episode 51 | Innovation with Heart - Shannon Yarosz

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole welcomes Dr. Shannon Yarosz, pharmacist, educator, and innovator, for a conversation about her journey from patient care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to her new role as faculty at Cedarville University. Known for her award-winning work building patient-centered medication programs and her dual master’s degrees in clinical research and translational pharmacology, Shannon brings both expertise and empathy to every role she takes on. This episode also marks an exciting milestone: Dr. Yarosz will be joining DISRxUPT as a new co-host!

Career Journey & Calling

• From microbiology roots to PharmD at The Ohio State University
• Building programs at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, including medication delivery initiatives
• Receiving the Employee of the Year award for her impact across the health system
• Discovering a calling to academia and teaching through precepting and mentoring students

Innovation & Research

• Translating research into real-world practice improvements
• Pursuing dual master’s degrees while balancing family and career
• The importance of identifying needs and testing innovative solutions in everyday practice
• A passion for neurology and clinical research that continues to shape her vision

Faith & Purpose

• How faith guided her career decisions and brought her full circle to academia
• The opportunity to integrate faith and teaching at Cedarville University
• Finding joy and perspective through volunteering with Make-A-Wish and Awana

Advice for Students & Young Pharmacists

• Don’t limit yourself—look for unmet needs wherever you are
• Take small steps: ask questions, propose solutions, and build relationships
• Recognize that innovation can grow out of everyday problem-solving

Looking Ahead
Dr. Yarosz shares her excitement to co-host DISRxUPT, bringing encouragement, positivity, and a passion for people to conversations about pharmacy innovation, research, and the changing landscape of healthcare.

About the Guest: Dr. Shannon Yarosz is assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University. She previously served at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University Student Health Center, where she developed innovative medication programs, advanced research initiatives, and mentored pharmacy students. She holds a PharmD and dual master’s degrees in clinical research and translational pharmacology.

Host: Justin Cole, Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation
Episode Length: 32 minutes
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Episode Number: 51