Mizzou’s Veterinary Health Center offers an in-house pharmacy for quick, safe medication access, supporting both veterinarians and clients. There, pharmacist Jamie Prashek combines her expertise in pharmacology with a passion for animal health and enhancing patient care.

Published 3/10/25
Story contact: Nicholas Childress, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu
Photos by Karen Clifford

Jamie Prashek, PharmD, once spent her days caring for otters and polar bears at the Kansas City Zoo, ensuring they were well-fed, active and thriving. But something pulled her toward a different kind of care — one that required lab coats instead of khakis. Trading in her zookeeper uniform for a pharmacist’s white coat, she found a new way to help animals — by ensuring they receive the precise medications they need, exactly when they need them.

She transitioned from the zoo to pharmacy school, eventually returning to Columbia for a residency at MU Health Care, which would lead her to an opportunity at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Today, Prashek is an essential part of the Veterinary Health Center (VHC), where her pharmacy expertise plays a crucial role in animal care. The VHC pharmacy is not your typical dispensary; it’s a fast-paced, critical hub where medications are delivered quickly, accurately and, in many cases, specially compounded for patients in need.

“Every second counts when a pet is in crisis,” Prashek said. “For critical care cases, we’re here to ensure they get the medications they need right away — whether they’re being discharged or staying with us for further treatment.”

This is where the VHC pharmacy stands apart. While many practices rely on external pharmacies, often facing delays, the in-house pharmacy provides immediate access to medication. Whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a cat in need of emergency care, the VHC ensures that patients receive essential treatments without the wait.

And it’s not just about speed — there’s also a focus on personalization.

“For medications that aren’t commercially available, we have the ability to compound them in-house,” Prashek said. “This allows us to tailor dosages to meet individual patient needs, without the delays of sending prescriptions to an outside pharmacy and waiting for shipment.”

Prashek and her team are a trusted resource for the VHC’s veterinarians —working closely together to ensure each animal gets the safest and most effective treatments possible.

“Veterinarians have a lot to focus on when diagnosing and treating patients,” Prashek said. “My team is here to help by answering questions about medications, so they can make the best decisions for these animals.”

Whether it’s a critical care patient requiring immediate treatment, or a pet that needs a custom-compounded medication, having an in-house pharmacy at the VHC makes all the difference. This ability to provide quick access to essential drugs gives pet owners peace of mind, knowing their animals are getting the care they deserve, without delay.

For Prashek, this blend of expertise in pharmacy and love for animals makes every day fulfilling. “It’s rewarding to know we’re making a difference in patient care,” she said. “Whether it’s a life-saving dose for a dog in critical condition or a customized prescription for a senior cat, I’m proud to be part of that process.”

From her days caring for animals in a zoo to now playing a pivotal role in animal health at Mizzou, Jamie Prashek’s passion has always been clear: improving the lives of animals through expert care and personalized attention.