³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ Alum ³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ Makes Waves in Pharmacy and Innovation
³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ (³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ) alum Joe Higgins '06, Pharm.D., is doing it all – serving as a pharmacist for Rush University Medical Center, competing in the Chicago River Swim, working on creating a medical device that will be transformative for patients, and building a wellness business in Evergreen Park.
Higgins started his career at ³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ, where he double-majored in biology and chemistry, taking 18-20 credit hours every semester. Uncertain of whether he wanted to go to medical school or pharmacy school, he attended several events to learn from alumni and found that pharmacy resonated more with him. Having grown up in Evergreen Park and graduated from Brother Rice High School, Saint Xavier was the perfect fit for him.
"My older sister went there for nursing, and I was familiar with the University and campus. I liked the small-school feel. It was unique, and I got to know the professors by name, which is something you don't get to do at larger universities. All of my siblings ended up attending ³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ, and I still go visit old professors like Mark Westerhoff and talk to chemistry students," said Higgins.
Higgins found the curriculum at ³Ô¹ÏÁÔÆæ to be rigorous and interdisciplinary, and he appreciated how well-prepared he felt for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and his future as a pharmacist. He credits professors like Sister Crean, with whom he conducted research in the chemistry lab.
"It was intimidating going to labs in a university setting, but Sister Crean was really amazing. I learned a lot about analytical thinking and found that chemistry could be fun. I'll never forget the lab we did on sonifying beer. I had the utmost respect for Sister Crean," said Higgins.
In addition to his studies, Higgins was also involved with Campus Ministry, attending Masses, taking trips, and participating in service projects, like making sandwiches for the Bread Truck for Port Ministries.
After graduating, Higgins attended the University of Illinois Chicago, where he earned a doctorate in pharmacy. While attending school, he worked as a pharmacy technician at Advocate Christ Medical Center, gaining experience in the ICU. Later, he began working at Rush University Medical Center, where he also has teaching opportunities and gives residents and students lectures about pharmacology.
Higgins draws on Saint Xavier's Mercy mission both in his professional career and his daily life.
"The mission really ties in to being in health care. It's nice to realize what you are doing makes a difference, and it gives you direction and value in your life," said Higgins.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Higgins is also working on health-related projects, including the creation of a portable concentrator device for patients who use oxygen, which he believes will be transformative. He's also in the process of building a wellness business in Evergreen Park called Solstice. The space will offer saunas, cold plunges and IV therapy for people who want structured recovery and wellness services.
Outside of his work in health care, Higgins is an avid swimmer who has participated in numerous open-water swim races, even in other countries. In September, he participated in the inaugural Chicago River Swim and won the male wetsuit one-mile division, finishing in 23 minutes and 12 seconds.
Looking to the future, Higgins plans to continue swimming and is excited about his current projects. He looks forward to making a difference in the lives of many.