Why I Love Being a Pharmacist: Honorable Mentions

American Pharmacists Month has come and gone, and pharmacists everywhere are going about their jobs as usual: with strength, determination, and a passion for helping people. This was evident in every single contribution to our "Why I Love Being a Pharmacist" essay contest. Many who participated said they were grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges and rewards of a career in pharmacy.

The editors of Pharmacy Times would like to keep the positive energy flowing by sharing more stories from readers who told us how truly happy they are to have found their calling. With the hectic holiday season in full swing, it's easy to lose sight of why you chose to become a pharmacist in the first place. As you tackle day-to-day challenges behind the counter, we hope reading these pharmacists' stories will help you remember what drives you.

Be sure to tell us your own story in the comments!

"Why I Love Being a Pharmacist" Contest: Honorable Mentions

• Kathleen Jane Cross, PharmD
• Erin Smith, RPh
• Matthew Lennick, PharmD
• Carrie Burke, PharmD
• Ed Pitz, RPh
• Matthew Bledsoe, PharmD
• Michael Ostrowsky, RPh
• Michelle Gualtieri, RPh

I was a young mother with 2 small children when I decided to change from an art to a pharmacy degree. Maybe it was because I spent a lot of time at the pharmacy picking up asthma medication for my older son, Michael, or seizure medication for my younger son, Matthew. In my heart I believe it is because that pharmacist was compassionate and caring to a young mother of children with asthma and epilepsy, and it was my turn to give back.

I love being a pharmacist because of a young man whose pain medication I refused to continue to refill as I told him I was concerned for his health with long-term use. I told him to get a second opinion and suggested some options for him. He came back 2 years later to thank me and to tell me that he was off medications and able to work again.

I love being a pharmacist because of the burly old man whom I talked into having his feet checked at one of my diabetes days. His father had a history of lower extremity amputations. He told me later that I saved his life.

I love being a pharmacist because of the young woman whom I convinced to stop her laxative abuse because electrolyte abnormalities could lead to major health issues. She was so thankful to find someone who cared.

I love being a pharmacist because my education taught me to recognize that the old man in the deli was having a stroke, and I was able to get immediate attention for him. When I visited him in the hospital, he was doing well.

I love being a pharmacist because of the young woman who brought her new antidepressant prescription to me and told me she was scared to take it because of what others would think. We talked about social stigma and counseling. She left with her prescription filled and a smile.

I love being a pharmacist because of the woman with anxiety issues who was comfortable enough to bring her dog’s ashes to the pharmacy because she couldn’t stand to leave them at home. Although I admit I really didn’t want to see how the shingles on her “backside” were healing when she lifted my gate and came into my pharmacy to show them to me.

I love being a pharmacist because of the woman whose husband had Parkinson’s disease, who thanked me for writing down a number off the radio about a new study for patients like him. She wrote a very nice letter in my honor which helped boost my morale.

For me, being a pharmacist is about neither salary nor prestige; it is about giving back, but in doing so I have received so many rewards. I love being a pharmacist because of the lives I have touched, but most importantly, because of the lives that have touched me.

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