Alicia Gebbie, CPhT, didn’t always see her future in pharmacy. In fact, the compassionate and dedicated pharmacy technician in Everett, Washington, overcame a challenging start to her career. Following a divorce, Gebbie worked in food service and briefly in a prison kitchen while raising her children as a single parent. Her determination to build a better life for her family led Gebbie to earn her GED and eventually brought her to the pharmacy at Safeway #0474, the same location where her late mother had been store manager for 18 years.

When she first started working there as a cashier, the pharmacy didn’t have a technician training program, but that changed a few years in, when she was able to get her certification. Now, Gebbie’s typical workday is a blend of various responsibilities, including helping customers at the counter, communicating with insurance companies, assisting patients with insurance-related issues, and ordering and counting medications. She also plays a vital role in ensuring patients can afford their prescriptions, often helping them find cost-saving options. Gebbie continues to pursue additional training, including becoming one of the first pharmacy technicians in Washington to earn immunization certification.

It’s a significant workload, but Gebbie’s genuine love for her job is evident in her unwavering commitment to patient care. She believes in treating people the way she would want to be treated and goes above and beyond to ensure her patients receive the care and respect they deserve. “I do what I would want somebody to do for me,” she says.

One of her most heartwarming stories involves helping a patient recovering from substance abuse find hope and achieve sobriety. Gebbie’s consistent support and encouragement played a crucial part in guiding him toward a healthier life.

It all began when the patient entered the pharmacy one day in tears, Gebbie says. He revealed to her that he was determined to seek treatment but faced a significant obstacle: He was living out of his car, and its expired tags made it impossible to park anywhere. Gebbie generously suggested he use one of her parking passes to park in her apartment complex during his recovery journey. He ended up finding another parking option, but Gebbie’s offer provided a sense of calm and helped relieve his anxiety, she says. 

Since then, they have marked milestones—including his first six months of sobriety and his one-year mark—together and continue to honor his progress annually. It’s been three years now, and “every single time he comes in, he’s got a smile on his face,” Gebbie says.

Being named a 2023 Best of the Best pharmacy technician winner is a testament to Gebbie’s outstanding dedication to her patients and her willingness to go the extra mile. Here, she talks about what this all means for her.

What was your path to becoming a pharmacy technician?

I’ve had a lot of jobs, but my longest job has been as a mom. I was a stay-at-home mom for nine years. When I began working outside the home, I didn’t have a high school diploma, so I worked in food service. I was working full-time as a kitchen manager at a restaurant. 

I wanted better for my kids; I wanted better for me. So I studied hard, worked full-time, raised two kids, and got my GED. Then, after I got divorced, I moved back home and was unemployed for eight months before getting hired as a cashier at Safeway. I started working in the pharmacy as an assistant thanks to a friend who knew I’d be a good fit. Before that, pharmacy didn’t even cross my mind as something that would interest me. 

I really loved my job as an assistant. I did start going to college for another field, but as a single mom, I needed to be available for my kids. Plus, I really loved my job as a pharmacy assistant, so I chose to stick with it. My boss told me, “You need to go into a technician training program. You’re really good at your job. You would be a really good technician.” So I did, and here we are.

And do you enjoy the variety of a pharmacist tech role?

Yes, I do. It keeps things from becoming monotonous. That’s why I appreciate this job so much. There’s always something different happening—different situations and different people to interact with. I’m never bored

This job is challenging, and the intricate details of dealing with insurance and the complexity of the process are eye-opening. People often don’t realize why it takes time to get their medications because there are many steps involved in ensuring they receive the right treatment. 

I used to be an impatient customer myself, but now I’ve completely changed. I tell people all the time that they need to be patient and give us the time we need. Rushing us can lead to mistakes, and that’s not something you want when it comes to your medication. You want your medication to be exactly what you need.

What keeps you motivated?

It’s because of my close relationships with patients that I stay. My boss and my patients are what keep me going. I have developed very close relationships with many of my patients because this job is all about caring. If you don’t care, there’s no point. So I genuinely enjoy that aspect of it. I’ve always been a social butterfly with a very bubbly personality. That is the reason for my success.

What’s the most rewarding part of the job for you?

Honestly, putting smiles on people’s faces. The confidence you get from your patients because they know they’re going to be treated with respect and taken care of is the most rewarding— knowing people keep coming back because you’re doing your job for them.

My grandmother told me you can make your own sunshine. I tell my kids you can make any day a great day, but I put a little twist on that sunshine thing. You can make your own sunshine, but if you can’t find the energy to make your own, come find me. I’ll share mine. It brings me sunshine to share my sunshine.

How do you put yourself in your patient’s shoes?

I do what I would want somebody to do for me. I treat people the way that I would want to be treated. I am a carer; I’ve always found ways to take care of other people and do things above and beyond because that’s how I would want to be treated. 

People deserve the above and beyond. If you work in a pharmacy just because it’s a job, go find something else to do because we’re in the care business. You need to care. You need to show people you care.

What is one thing you wish all pharmacy patients knew?

I wish they knew that they don’t have to pay full price—there are options out there to save. After my divorce, when I was unemployed, I had to get $300 medications for my kids, and I couldn’t afford it. The technician at the pharmacy used a discount card to help make the meds affordable. I didn’t even know there were options out there to save money. I thought she did it because she knew me and knew my mom! When I started in pharmacy, I realized, “Oh, this is for everybody!”

Discount cards are an amazing tool for people who are struggling and can’t afford medications. I don’t ever let people pay full price; I always get them a coupon.

What are the attributes of a good pharmacy technician? 

Patience is the key because it is a very stressful job. In this type of job, you have to be caring, understanding, and compassionate because you have people coming there when they’re sick, they don’t feel good, they’re in pain, or their family member is sick.

Is there anything else you want to add?

I love my job. I know I’ve said that. I would say it is the most rewarding career I could have ever chosen. Well, I should say, that could have ever chosen me—because it really did choose me. It’s not work. It’s more of a career choice. And I am absolutely blessed to have come across this particular one.