WHAT DO YOU DO AT SONA PHARMACY + CLINIC?
I am the Pharmacist Manager at Sona Pharmacy in Hendersonville. We are located on the campus of Carolina Village, a continuing care retirement community.
Being based at Carolina Village gives me the opportunity to provide direct patient care, my favorite part of pharmacy. My daily activities cover an interesting spectrum of dispensing, vaccinations, over-the-counter recommendations, and medication consultation.
In addition, we specialize in providing medication adherence assistance for patients who may need extra help keeping up with their medications and taking them on time.
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION WITHIN PHARMACY?
To put it simply, the people I meet and get to know!
I’ve always had an interest in the science of pharmacy, but applying that science in a manner that serves my fellow man is what makes pharmacy really shine for me.
I love engaging with the very diverse group of customers and patients that come through the doors at Sona every day.
Getting to know the patients I serve on a first name basis, participating in their lives, being trusted to assist them professionally, and developing authentic friendships…these are the things that fuel my passion in pharmacy.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PHARMACISTS, AND HOW ARE YOU ALL DIFFERENT?
Perhaps the most common misconception about pharmacists has to do with our role. Most people think pharmacists are shy, withdrawn people who prefer to hide behind the counter and count pills. Kind of a necessary but disengaged cog in the big healthcare wheel.
This always makes me chuckle!
Most of the pharmacists that I know and work with are highly energetic, engaged, critical thinking professionals who make a tremendous effort to protect and care for their patients. Pill counting is the very least of our activities.
Most of our day is spent assessing medication regimens, interacting with physicians about specific patient related issues, obtaining insurance coverage for medications, and generally being an advocate for our patient’s health and well-being.
As far as differences, pharmacist personalities, passion, and interests vary as much as any other group. I generally see my peers fully engaged in their neighborhoods, communities, churches, and raising their kids.
Obviously, I am biased, but I am proud to be able to say that the pharmacists I know and work with are some of the best people you will come across in life.
They are genuine, caring, intelligent, hard-working, loyal friends!
WHAT MAKES YOUR PERSONAL SKILL SET UNIQUE TO HELP PATIENTS?
I have been practicing pharmacy for 28 years as of this June. During that time, I’ve been blessed to work in a variety of settings and I believe that the crossover between these practice sites has allowed me to gain a comprehensive view of the practice.
Probably the most noteworthy experience that applies in my current practice is my specialization in compounding pharmacy and experience with long term care pharmacy. Understanding elements of this type of pharmacy is very beneficial for me on a daily basis.
OUTSIDE OF THE PHARMACY, WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I love living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I am an avid outdoorsman and love to backpack, hunt, and especially, fly fish our beautiful waters. I also frequently share picnics and waterfall photography with my wife.
FINALLY, WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR PATIENTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS BLOG POST?
I think the most significant thing to remember is that pharmacists as a whole are engaged, committed individuals who are very sincere in their desire to improve the health and well-being of their patients.
I know there are always exceptions, but most of the pharmacists I work with love to engage with the people they serve.
