When Ashley Peekstok reflects on her career, it was her father who inspired her to pursue a focus in healthcare. Now a Pharmacy Coordinator for Procurement and Drug Shortage Mitigation at Duke Health, Ashley’s following in his career footsteps—creating meaningful change and helping patients receive the care they need.

“Watching my father help one patient after another showed me the profound impact a pharmacist can have on people’s lives,” Ashley said. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps and make that same meaningful difference in my own way.”

Ashley joined Duke Health in 2019, after 10 years in retail pharmacy. She called the switch to Duke Health a pivotal time in her career journey.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with supportive pharmacy leadership, who provided mentorship and advocacy that helped me grow professionally,” Ashley said. “Beyond career growth, Duke has also helped me refine my work-life balance by fostering a supportive environment that values both professional success and personal well-being.”

Her early years at Duke Health were spent at Duke Home Infusion, a role that eventually connected Ashley with the Pharmacy Storeroom team, which was working on managing drug shortages—an issue that would spark her interest. When an opportunity arose to join the Pharmacy Storeroom team in December 2021, Ashley jumped at the chance. This new role allowed her to combine her passion for patient care with her ability to problem solve, especially during critical times like drug shortages.

“What I find most rewarding about healthcare is ensuring patients have access to the medications they need, even in the face of challenges like drug shortages,” she said. “Managing shortages requires problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity to find solutions that minimize the impact on patient care. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work helps providers continue delivering safe and effective treatment, even when supply chain issues arise. Being able to make a difference in this way is what drives me every day.”

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