Her Story
About De'Onnie
De'Onnie Rodgers has been in the pharmacy field for 8 years as a Pharmacy Technician. She also holds certifications as a Notary Public and Behavioral Technician, having worked with children with autism. While earning her Associate's degree, she worked as a financial aid assistant at her school. Rodgers serves as a Community Health Ambassador with Duke University Cancer Center for women's health, participating in events to raise awareness of breast cancer. She attributes her success to attention to detail, communication skills, problem solving, organization and multitasking, empathy and compassion, and reliability. She advises young women entering the industry to remain focused despite challenges and discouragement, believe in themselves, be open-minded, encourage themselves, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. Her primary challenge is balancing pursuit of a doctorate in pharmacy with work and personal life, while opportunities include remote work, compounded pharmacies, clinics, AI applications in medication, hospital departments such as narcotics, and roles with the FDA.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with De'Onnie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to attention to detail, communication skills, problem solving, organization and multitasking, empathy and compassion, and reliability. Attention to detail is crucial for accurately counting and dispensing medications to avoid prescription errors. Communication skills are key because you'll be interacting with patients, doctors, and pharmacy staff. Problem solving is necessary for handling difficult insurance claims, troubleshooting inventory shortages, and managing workflow. Organization and multitasking are very necessary especially with high volume of calls and customer service in a fast-paced environment. Empathy and compassion are important to maintain a patient-first focus and treat them as family. Reliability is crucial in healthcare because patients and family members need someone they can count on.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to remain focused because it is going to be challenging and there will be people that will discourage you. You have to believe in yourself that this is something you want to do and strive for the stars. Be open-minded because the field is gradually growing and you need that diversity. Learn to encourage yourself and pick yourself up every day. Set boundaries and take care of yourself as well because the more you give, you are not giving to yourself.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is trying to pursue the doctorate degree in pharmacy while working as a pharmacy technician and trying to find a schedule that works but also have a life and pay bills. The opportunities include remote work, compounded pharmacies, clinics, working with AI to make medication better, hospital pharmacy departments like narcotics, working for the FDA, and various branches once you get experience.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.