Hark the Sound: Scott Savage’s Workout Playlist

Looking for some motivation for your exercise routine? Scott Savage has the prescription with this curated playlist.

Story by Ryan McDaniel | Published January 3, 2023

Hark the Sound is a series exploring music playlists curated by faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Is one of your goals for the new year to get into an exercise routine? You are not alone. Exercise and living healthier are perennially the top resolutions for most Americans. Whether your aim is to hit the gym more, go for more runs, or squeeze in regular workouts at home, having a good music playlist can be key to staying motivated.

With that in mind, we present a workout playlist curated by our very own Scott Savage, Executive Vice Dean and Chief Operating Officer at the School.

Scott is also an alumnus of the School, having graduated with a PharmD in 2002. Since that time, he has served in leadership and management roles in academic medical centers. Most recently, he worked as the Regional Director of Pharmacy for UNC Medical Center, it’s associated campuses in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, NC, and Chatham Hospital in Siler City, NC.

Since moving into his new role in 2019, Scott has worn many hats. In addition to being the School’s COO, he is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education in the Practice Advancement and Clinical Education (PACE) division, a course coordinator within the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Health System Administration, and the Chief Financial Officer for the Eshelman Institute for Innovation. At times, he has also had to fill other roles on an interim basis, including as Director of Marketing & Communications and as Director of Facilities.

With all these duties to cover, Scott’s running regimen helps him relieve stress and helps keep him disciplined. “Running is the ‘physical’ aspect that I believe helps build a purposeful life when combined with emotional, mental, and spiritual work,” he says.

Scott started running regularly in his early 30s, after a long-time friend and avid runner pushed him to get back to it. “Going through a life and career changing moment in my late twenties, running served as a means to reconnect with myself as I was trying to learn how to live life on life’s terms,” Scott recalls. “Over the years, running has taken me into multiple long distance events that I have completed solo or with others. It has taken me to places outdoors I would have never visited, and across cities within the US and abroad.”

Looking ahead to 2023, Scott says, “I am more mindful that my mood follows some form of daily action across my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual journey.” May his playlist serve you well in your own journey this year!