Angela Marie Torres, Pharm.D., found her calling in the world of pharmacy through a profound desire to make a difference in people’s lives. 

Dr. Torres was drawn to science as a child, and she initially pursued a pre-med track in college. However, as an undergraduate, she discovered a deep interest in understanding the composition and function of pharmaceuticals. “Once I started taking classes about the makeup of medications, I realized yes, becoming a pharmacist is definitely what I want to do,” she says. 

As she pursued her education, Dr. Torres explored her new interest by working as a pharmacy technician. “I really enjoyed it, and it solidified that I wanted to go to pharmacy school,” she says. 

Dr. Torres also found it rewarding to use her growing knowledge to help her family. She recalls watching her father, a retired army veteran with service-related injuries, struggle to understand his medications and their suitability for his needs. “I always wanted to be able to help him,” she says. “Now, I have my dad, my mom, and my sisters ask me for advice, and my dad comes to me when he is prescribed new medications. I’m happy to do as much as I can.”

But she doesn’t do it just for family, Dr. Torres’s commitment to helping others extends to her patients. She strives to put herself in her patients’ shoes and understand that everyone has their own unique struggles and emotions.

One poignant moment in her career stands out: a heartfelt encounter with a grieving patient who had recently lost his wife. The patient, struggling to cope with his loss and newfound responsibilities, sought Dr. Torres’s assistance in selecting eye drops, a task his late wife had previously handled. Dr. Torres, unaware of his recent tragedy, provided not only professional guidance but also emotional support. 

“He felt very out of his element,” she recalls of the patient. “I tried to comfort him and help him as much as I possibly could.” This encounter left a profound impact on both of them, with the patient seeing Dr. Torres as his guardian angel during a difficult time. She says they still keep in contact and he even sends her a holiday card each year. 

It’s this personal touch that both colleagues and patients alike recognize. Dr. Torres is now a pharmacy manager at CVS #17518 in Target in San Antonio, Texas, where she tries to create a family-like environment for her team.

Read on to see why Dr. Torres was named a 2023 Best of the Best Pharmacy Award winner; she shares why she is so driven to go above and beyond in the pharmacy, for both her patients and her staff.

What do you appreciate about your job?

What I enjoy most is talking with my patients. It’s fulfilling to address their questions and see them feel better about their medications and see how the medications help. The close-knit, family-like relationship I have with my patients is my favorite aspect of my job. I’m thankful for my position in a location that allows me to build strong relationships with my patients.

Our pharmacy is not only a safe and comfortable environment for patients, but it’s also a place where I can help them in their health and wellness journey. I find it gratifying to know that I’m contributing to a patient’s physical and mental well-being. Each day I look forward to work because I’m aware of the positive impact I can make, and I appreciate the reciprocal positive impact my patients have on me as well.

Do you ever find it challenging?

In school, I was so focused on my studies, on the chemistry and biology aspects of pharmacology. I didn’t realize just how important people skills are when working in a pharmacy and how much I have to put myself out there—but it definitely has been a pleasant surprise because I truly enjoy my job.

I always try to be empathetic and think about what my patients are going through. You never know what happened right before they came into the pharmacy. I try to make it as positive of an experience as I can. 

What do you think are the qualities of a great pharmacist?

A pharmacist should be empathetic, compassionate, and personable. I think one of my best qualities is just being able to be silly, to joke, and to laugh. My technicians and I get our work done, but we also like to have fun with each other. It helps the patients because we have such a lighthearted vibe in the air.

What’s an important aspect of being a pharmacy manager?

I try to create a welcoming and friendly environment for all of us. If we’re spending most of our days here, I want it to be somewhere that we feel comfortable and we feel happy. I do my best as a pharmacy manager to create an environment for them where they want to come to work. I am so thankful for a great relationship with my technicians. 

And with us being a family-like team, it spills over to our patients and creates a happy, welcoming environment. I am proud of that. 

What does winning this award mean to you?

It means a lot. I was very surprised and very honored. It’s fulfilling to know that my efforts have been seen. I’m very thankful for that because just making a positive impact is all I can ask for. It makes me feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.