How did you get your start in pharmacy? 

I grew up in a Hispanic household, surrounded by culture and family. When I was 13 years old, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. From that point on, I knew I wanted to build a career in the medical field. 

When I turned 17, I began working at Walgreens as a beauty advisor. The pharmacist there took an interest in me. She told me that starting as a pharmacy technician trainee was a way to get started on the medical path. It was also a way for me to translate my grandmother’s new therapies and medications so that my family could understand. 

After working in the pharmacy for six years, I discovered a passion for the role pharmacists play in patient therapy. I want to be an accessible medical resource for patients. I’m currently in pharmacy school with the University of the Incarnate Word here in San Antonio, Texas. 

I’m focusing on school full time, but I’m still working as a senior pharmacy technician at Walgreens on the weekends.

What surprised you most about working in pharmacy?

I didn’t expect to get to know so many patients as individuals. I knew that many patients have a good relationship with their doctors. I didn’t realize how much they also depend on people in the pharmacy as their healthcare providers. 

We not only know their medication histories, but also their allergies and even how lifestyle factors play a role in how they take their medications. A big one is socioeconomic status. You don’t want to tell a mom of three that a single medication costs $500 for just one month. You want to explain the options—to help her find out if there’s another equivalent, less expensive therapy.

If a medication is taking a long time to be filled, it’s most likely because the pharmacist and pharmacy technician are being thorough—to make sure that the treatment is affordable and safe.

Compassion and care are two qualities that are essential for any healthcare worker.

What drives you to go above and beyond to help your customers?

I make everything personal. I would want the same level of care I provide to be given to me or to my family. So, when I’m helping a patient, I try to give the same type of respect and compassion that my loved ones deserve.

Growing up, I saw how hard it could be for my mom and my grandmother to communicate in America while learning English as a second language. The compassion that I saw providers give us was really helpful and eye opening to see the difference it can make in that language barrier.

Compassion and care are two qualities that are essential for any healthcare worker. They help patients know how much you care, that they aren’t bothering you when they ask questions or need further assistance with medication therapies. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

My Walgreens is right next to several assisted living facilities. It’s rewarding to see how the elderly patients progress after months of working with them on their medications. One woman was in rehab after being in the hospital and had to take several medications. Then, you see her out taking her daily walks and really growing in her recovery.

My favorite patient is a woman about my mom’s age who is the caretaker for three older people, with several health conditions. I’ve been working with her for about four years to help manage all those medications. It’s so rewarding to see how much she appreciates, not only how much I do for her, but how much the whole Walgreens staff does for her.

I love how much of an interest she and other patients take in our personal lives, too. She’s always been motivating me to go to pharmacy school, and making sure that we, as technicians, are continuing our education. Having patients support me into pharmacy school is so special.

What does this award mean to you?

This award to me means that my patients and colleagues in the pharmacy recognize and appreciate the care I give them. The impact I have on patients’ lives makes a difference right now as a pharmacy technician and as a future pharmacist.