Derrick Calhoun

COMING TO ST. JUDE 

I was born in Memphis and a large portion of my family lives here as well. I attended college at the University of Miami for two years, and I felt like everything in Miami moved so fast. Soon after college, I found myself back in Memphis because it feels like home and the city moves at a good pace. Now, I live in Downtown Memphis and enjoy everything the city offers. From the businesses and events right outside my front door to the nature trails in Shelby Forest, Memphis has something for everyone.  

At St. Jude, I am building a substantial career. Honestly, when I applied for my first position at St. Jude, I didn’t expect to get a call. Though I was shocked when the recruiter called me, I was so excited.  

I started as a level one pharmacy technician and now I’m a certified pharmacy technician specialist. I am more involved on the clinical operations side, so St. Jude has opened different avenues with much more experience with technology. For example, I am learning to work with IT, and my team encourages me to take classes on different subjects, like compounding, so I can continue learning and growing.  

I find myself in the middle of innovation rather than the sidelines, and I’m on four committees in the pharmacy. It makes me feel like I’m right there in the center of making decisions with the team. 

A GREAT PLACE FOR CHILDREN  

My son and daughter have attended both private and public schools in Memphis and had enjoyable experiences at each school. My son is currently in college and my daughter is in elementary school. Beyond schools, there are so many places for families. For example, the newly renovated Tom Lee Park in Downtown, Shelby Farms, or Overton Park in Midtown are great places for the whole family. No matter where you are, there is always something to do. 

I love walking to the farmers market near the Powerhouse Theater or catching a movie. Also, there are so many kid-friendly places to eat.  

We have a rich culture of diversity here that I haven’t seen anywhere else, and it is affordable for families compared to other large cities.  

MEMPHIS CITY LIFE  

I have an excellent work/life balance. When I’m not working, it’s never hard to find something to do. I can leave work or walk out of my downtown home to attend a Grizzlies basketball game with my season tickets. Then, we have Redbirds baseball at AutoZone Park—there’s so much to do! 

To build onto diversity, there are all kinds of heritage festivals that occur in and around Memphis, including Italian Festival, Africa in April, and Food Truck Festival, to name a few. I also like barbecue festivals, but I really enjoy the World Championship Hot Wing Contest and Festival.  

If something is happening in Memphis, I’m probably there. I stay busy.  

When you’re a part of something, it encourages you to push forward, and it feels like I’m making a difference. It’s great to be part of something as significant as the St. Jude mission and to live in a city that is welcoming and entertaining. 

MEMPHIS FAVORITES 

Restaurants in Memphis 

• Any local eatery on Main Street 

Nature 

• Shelby Farms 

Things to Do 

• Grizzlies basketball 
• Live music anywhere downtown (just follow your ears) 
• Hot Wing Fest 
• Playhouse on the Square 
• Hattiloo Theatre