How long have you been a pharmacist?

I’ve been a pharmacist for 40 years, since May 1979. I currently work at CVS in Lee Summit, Missouri. I’ve been there for about three years and worked at another store in Lee Summit for around 15 years. I also teach pharmacy calculations at University of Missouri – Kansas City. It’s my 16th year teaching. 

Why did you become a pharmacist?

I was very interested in chemistry and biology, so pharmacy seemed like a good way to go. My mom encouraged me. I have an uncle she knew well who was a pharmacist. I had a really good time in pharmacy school, along with a good education. I was president of the pharmacy council and worked with the dean.

I just enjoy the customers that I have and helping them out.

What does a day in the life of a pharmacist look like?

I work two or three days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and alternate weekends with my partner pharmacist. I live about a 15-minute drive from where I work. It’s very busy. I get there early and basically just try to get prescriptions filled and take care of customers. The fun part of pharmacy is getting to help people solve a medical problem. In retail, you learn to do that fast.

Pharmacists really care about our customers’ health. We try to watch out for interactions and help them improve their health. We’re human. Everything might not go perfectly with a prescription, but we certainly try to fix anything that’s wrong. Pharmacists are patient advocates, with insurance and with physicians.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I just enjoy the customers that I have and helping them out. Having the knowledge to help people get healthy and taking care of friends and family—I’ve enjoyed that part of it. It’s really nice when people tell you, “Hey, that really helped me.” It’s always nice to hear a little bit of feedback that’s positive. That’s a good feeling. My favorite moments are when I’ve made a customer happy. There are several of those moments each day.

What should customers know to save money?

Use generics. Take your antibiotics until they are finished. That’s the best way to save money, so you won’t have a relapse and have to see a doctor again.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about becoming a pharmacist?

There are a lot of paths. If you enjoy working with people, retail is a big provider of jobs. You can do research. You can work for insurance companies. I’d encourage younger pharmacists to specialize, and do a residency for a certain condition, like diabetes. You can do a lot with your degree. A lot of pharmacists go on to medical or dental school. As a teacher, it’s rewarding seeing new students coming through.