Sarah Elmer is The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Highlighted Trainee Author for the May 2022 issue. She is a predoctoral trainee pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. Her mentor is Dr. D. Samba Reddy. The JPET article that earned her selection as a Highlighted Trainee Author is titled “Therapeutic Basis of Generic Substitution of Antiseizure Medications” and is available at: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.121.000994. 

Ms. Elmer’s areas of research include clinical outcomes related to generic substitution of antiseizure medications (ASMs). She also has interests in traumatic brain injury and subsequent post-traumatic epilepsy. She is currently working on a project over rescue ASMs, which are administered to patients in seizure emergencies or during repeated acute seizures.

The anticipated impact of Ms. Elmer’s research is expected to influence patient safety by helping to prevent adverse outcomes associated with switching between brand name and generic ASMs. These problems include hospitalizations, injuries, breakthrough seizures, and loss of seizure control. These are high risk and unacceptable situations that have resulted in motor vehicle accidents, missed time at work, and increased visits to hospitals and physicians. Specifically, her research emphasizes the importance of physicians and pharmacists providing proper patient education on what to expect when switching from a brand name to a generic ASM or when switching between generics to increase adherence to medication regimens. 

When not in the lab, Sarah enjoys reading, writing, and finding new places to eat. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.