Colleen Barker, from Northampton, PA, is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Registered Pharmacist (RPh) who has spent over a decade honing her expertise in medical information management, pharmacy informatics, and medical writing. She completed her undergraduate studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, a well-regarded Christ-centered institution, where she earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Psychology.
Colleen graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a consistent member of the Dean’s List. Her commitment to furthering her medical knowledge led her to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, where she earned her PharmD in 2005, graduating with honors and joining the Rho Chi National Pharmacy Honor Society.
Colleen’s career is characterized by her work in medical information management, a role that requires her to collaborate across various disciplines, including legal, regulatory, marketing, and healthcare sectors. Her expertise as a Pharmacy Informaticist has allowed her to leverage information technology to optimize processes related to the documentation and delivery of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that patient care remains the top priority. With her pharmacy training, she also serves as a key liaison between patients and healthcare providers to optimize medication dosages, reduce adverse drug interactions, and enhance safety outcomes.
In 2002, Colleen began her professional journey as a Pharmacy Intern at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania and later at CVS Pharmacy, where she prepared intravenous medications and managed an automated prescription dispensing system. In 2005, she was promoted to staff pharmacist at CVS, supervising a busy pharmacy and a team of technicians. She oversaw many prescriptions, managed insurance claims, and ensured the pharmacy operated by all applicable regulations. During this time, Colleen gained valuable experience in prescription processes, including narcotic prescription management, and trained new pharmacy technicians.
In 2010, Colleen transitioned to a role at Telex-Merck & Co., where she worked as a Medical Team Member. In this capacity, she responded to inquiries regarding Merck’s pharmaceutical products, documented adverse events, and began building her medical writing skills. She further developed her knowledge of scientific communication and product information at companies like Bristol Myers Squibb and Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Her career took a more scientific turn when she joined Merck & Co. as a Senior Scientific Specialist, where she was responsible for reviewing and maintaining the accuracy of promotional materials and ensuring compliance with internal corporate policies.
Colleen is a Senior Medical Information-Respiratory/Oncology Manager at TEVA Pharmaceuticals, NA. In this role, she collaborates with legal, regulatory, marketing, and sales teams to provide medical support for ongoing pharmaceutical activities. She has authored numerous healthcare and promotional documents and maintains a library of standard medical response materials to support her team’s work.
Outside of her career, Colleen is passionate about giving back to the cancer research community, particularly after the loss of her mother to leukemia at the age of 30. She is committed to supporting research and advocating for better treatments for cancer patients.
Despite her professional successes, Colleen remains grounded in her love for nature. She enjoys activities like camping and attending car races with her 19-year-old son. Music also plays a vital role in her life, and she has performed at several events, including weddings and church services.
Colleen Barker’s career and personal life reflect her dedication to her professional work and the well-being of those she cares about. She strives to make a positive difference in both fields.
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Indiana Wesleyan University
Palmer Township, Northampton, Pennsylvania, United States