Her Story
About Tricia
My journey into pharmacy began somewhat unexpectedly. I initially thought I would go to medical school during my undergraduate years at Virginia Tech, where I studied Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry. After getting my EMT certification and working 10 hours in the ER, I discovered that direct emergency medical care was too intense for me. A mentor who was the head pharmacist at UVA suggested I try pharmacy instead, and that conversation changed my career path. I graduated from Medical College of Virginia (MCV, now VCU) in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, as we were the last class that could get that degree instead of the PharmD. After having my first child, I went back to school online at Shenandoah University and completed my PharmD in 2006. My career has taken me through retail pharmacy, hospital work, and what became my true passion: home infusion. For 10 years, I worked with IV medications and developed a deep commitment to hospice care and pain management. I really felt like that's what I went to school for, ensuring patients experienced the least minimal amount of pain possible. I hoped somebody would take care of me the same way when my time comes. After 14 years total in home infusion, I returned to retail pharmacy and now work part-time at two independent pharmacies: Family Pharmacy in Front Royal and Mount Jackson Family Pharmacy in Mount Jackson, Virginia. I provide immunizations and comprehensive pharmacy services, and I've discovered I actually enjoy the patient interaction, even though I initially thought I wanted to keep my distance from people.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tricia
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from a mentor who was the head pharmacist at UVA. He was dating my next-door neighbor, and when I was trying to decide what to do after realizing emergency medicine wasn't for me, he simply asked, 'Why don't you try pharmacy?' That one suggestion completely changed my career path. He ended up becoming my mentor throughout pharmacy school, and his guidance helped me find a profession where I could make a real difference in people's lives without the aspects of emergency medicine that were too intense for me.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me in my work is ensuring patients receive compassionate, pain-free care, especially at the end of life. When I was working in hospice and home infusion, my goal was always that patients wouldn't be in any pain, or at least experience the minimal amount possible. I really felt like that's what I went to school for. I hope somebody will take care of me the same way when it comes to my time. I also value being there for patients and answering their needs, even when it means going above and beyond what's expected. I believe in rolling up my sleeves and getting the job done, whether that's answering phones when we're busy or making sure every patient feels heard and cared for.
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