Her Story
About Cara
Cara Hannawald serves as a Medical Science Liaison in the pharmaceutical industry, where she specializes in multiple sclerosis therapies and attends conferences such as ENMS and CMSC. She has been a pharmacist since 2011, beginning with six years in retail and long-term care pharmacy, followed by prior authorization work at United Healthcare and pharmaceutical sales before her recent promotion. Cara earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree through the KU Pharmacy Program after completing two years of undergraduate studies and participating in an eight-week study abroad rotation in Australia. She is a member of the Kansas Pharmacists Association and attributes her professional success to the emphasis her parents, both teachers, placed on education, motivation, and effort. In addition to her career, Cara maintains an Instagram account centered on motherhood, lifestyle, and fitness, and she values kindness, doing one's best, and maximizing time in both her work and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely say my parents. They were both teachers, my dad was a coach. They always told me how valuable your education is, and motivation, and trying your best. I've always been motivated and wanted to do well, and that's driven me professionally.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Even just as I've gotten older, just authentically be yourself. I know it's so hard, like, in your 20s, or right out of high school, you're really still trying to find yourself, and that's okay. So just try new experiences, see what you like and don't like, and just authentically be you, and that'll make you the happiest, instead of trying to be something you're not.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenge is just getting time with the providers, because they're all MS specialists, and they're all very busy. I would love to do more with my Instagram, but it's hard to find that time as a mom and full-time working mom.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness is the most important thing. Also, just doing your very best, even if it doesn't mean straight A's or being the head of your company, as long as you're putting all of your effort towards what you're doing, and then maximizing your time.
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