By Lauren Chris, Regional Associate Media Director of the South
Dr. Robin M. Li, Pharm.D., BCACP, NBC-HWC (she/her), has dedicated over two decades to advancing pharmacy practice and education, particularly in the realm of chronic pain management. As a Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Director at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Dr. Li’s journey is one of passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to patient care.
Graduating from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1996 and obtaining her PharmD from the University of Kansas in 2000, Dr. Li began her career at UF-Jacksonville (Shands) as a Pharmacy Practitioner. It was here that she established a pioneering pharmacist-run pain clinic in collaboration with primary care physicians, quickly enrolling 200 patients. “The clinic allows pharmacists to assist in managing medication for chronic pain,” Dr. Li recalls, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care in a multidisciplinary setting.
Her passion for teaching emerged while serving as a facilitator for the College of Pharmacy, leading her to join the faculty in 2009. Dr. Li believes that education is a two-way street: “I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me,” she says. This mindset enriches her teaching approach, allowing her to mentor pharmacy students and residents effectively. Further, her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom; she serves on the advisory board for the Biomedical Program at Beachside High School, guiding high school students interested in healthcare.
In her dual role as a clinical pharmacist and educator, Dr. Li emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care. “The patient is the expert of their own life,” she explains, underscoring her commitment to empowering patients through education about pain management. Her interest in Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) exemplifies this approach; PNE is a therapeutic approach that teaches patients about the science of pain, aiming to reduce fear and improve coping strategies. By helping patients understand the “whys” behind their pain, Dr. Li believes they can gain better control over their experience and quality of life. “Once we get through this part, patients seem more open to improving their movement, which can help reduce overall deconditioning,” she shares, highlighting how PNE can foster motivation for physical rehabilitation.
When reflecting on her daily life, Dr. Li describes her routine as dynamic and fulfilling. “Hold on tight!” she laughs, detailing her Mondays that start as early as 6:30 a.m. for patient prep. She sees patients from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., serves as a faculty advisor during lunch, and teaches afternoon classes. Her Tuesdays involve PAMI (Pain Assessment and Management Initiative) team meetings and collaborations with faculty and students, while Wednesdays are filled with patient visits in the morning and teaching responsibilities in the afternoon. “Thursday and Friday are usually dedicated to teaching, COP (College of Pharmacy) activities, and numerous meetings via Zoom,” she notes, illustrating the busy but rewarding nature of her work.
Dr. Li’s career has been shaped by challenges that have driven her continuous growth. She reflects on the demanding experience of opening her initial pain clinic on a particularly hectic Friday afternoon. With many attending physicians unavailable, delays in obtaining signatures for prescriptions disrupted the clinic’s operations. “I had to quickly adapt and reorganize patient appointments to ensure more attending physicians were accessible,” she recalls. Through these early challenges, Dr. Li demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ultimately streamlining operations and enhancing clinic efficiency. This experience laid a strong foundation for the clinic’s success and further refined her skills as a resourceful and effective pharmacist.
Moreover, she harbors a dream to start a clinic focused on patient autonomy, where patients can earn credits for holistic treatments like acupuncture, which often remain financially out of reach. “This clinic would focus on healing, personal growth, and the theme will be ‘get busy living again,’” she shares. This aspiration reflects her deep commitment to enhancing patient care beyond traditional pharmacy practices.
Dr. Li finds immense joy in her personal life as well. “My family is my heart and soul,” she expresses. With twin boys who are 16 and already successful in their own pursuits, Dr. Li takes pride in their individuality and shared passion for helping others. “These three ‘guys’ give me never-ending joy, no matter what is happening, good times or bad.” Her husband of 20 years is not only her partner but also her best friend, providing unwavering support.
For those aspiring to enter the field of pharmacy and neuroscience, Dr. Li offers this advice: “Never give up. Find that one thing you love and build on it.” Her journey exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated professionals can have on both education and patient care.
For more information about Dr. Robin M. Li and her work with the PAMI team, you can visit the PAMI website here.
Have somebody awesome you want to spotlight? Get in touch with us! DM us on our socials:
Instagram: @NuRhoPsi
X: @NuRhoPsiHQ
E-mail: NuRhoPsiMedia@gmail.com
Discover more from Nu Rho Psi
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
