Cory Jenks

Cory Jenks, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist, improv comedian, author, and speaker whose career integrates medicine and performance. Jenks earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina and completed a postgraduate residency at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System. He has worked as a retail pharmacist, outpatient clinical pharmacist, and inpatient clinical pharmacist. In his current role as an ambulatory care clinical pharmacy specialist, Jenks focuses on lifestyle interventions in chronic disease management. He holds board certifications in Pharmacotherapy and Ambulatory Care.

Jenks began exploring improv comedy after attending his first class, which introduced him to the concept of "Yes, and." In addition to his pharmacy career, Jenks has coached, taught, performed, and managed the comedy school at Tucson Improv Movement Theater. His dual experience as a clinician and comedian informs his approach to healthcare communication, emphasizing adaptability, empathy, and human connection.

Through ImprovRX, Jenks provides public speaking, curriculum development consulting, and workshops for healthcare professionals. He teaches how improv comedy techniques can enhance communication and empathy in healthcare settings. Jenks has delivered keynote sessions and workshops for organizations such as the National Pharmacy Technician Association at CPhT LIVE. He also co-hosts the "Diabetes Remission Roadmap" podcast.

Jenks is the author of two books. "Permission to Care: Building a Healthcare Culture that Thrives in Chaos" addresses the challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers and offers strategies for improving patient care. His second book, "I Guess I'm a Dad Now," shares lessons from parenting through a comedic perspective. Jenks uses humor and insight to make complex healthcare and human experiences accessible to a broad audience.