Just a Pharmacist

By: Lisa King, RPh, Amazon Best Selling Author

I recently read about a speech that the American Pharmaceutical Association president gave about how many times we find ourselves as pharmacists saying ‘I’m just a pharmacist, community pharmacist, staff pharmacist.’ I never really thought about this as I was always proud to be a pharmacist. I had heard so many women in the past say to me ‘I’m just a mom or other title” when I told them about my career. I never thought I was one of those people who referred to myself as “Just A” but when it came to my career as a retail, staff pharmacist, I was guilty as charged. I married my high school sweetheart, graduated from pharmacy school, and soon started having children. I was alway just a mom and a pharmacist. I have always loved caring for my patients at the pharmacy and know everything about their families. It was always my goal to share a smile with a patient. I love to comfort a new mom and tell her I had been there when it came to sleepless nights. I enjoy sharing nutrition tips regarding the diet and exercise portion of a diagnosis. We all love to dream big and many pharmacy moms have a side hustle that helps them feel more complete. At times, we become frustrated that the pharmacy is taking us away from what we feel is our true life’s purpose. That may be an additional income stream or it may be just staying home with our children. Sometimes, you have to step back in gratitude and reflect on one of the main roles in your life as a pharmacist. I challenge you to take out a piece of paper and write down everything that you feel grateful for in your career. Think about what the career actually does for you and your family. Is it financial freedom to go to the movies, buy a new outfit, contribute to a college fund? Is it the ability to feel that you are actually changing people’s lives, whether that be your patients, interns or technicians? I guarantee you your heart will be warmed by doing this exercise on what you are grateful for in your pharmacy career. We all want to live the life that we desire, to live our life’s purpose and be the best version of ourselves. That life can be many things, and I want that life for myself as well. I love sharing information on health and wellbeing. However; at this time in my life, I am happy to include all of those things as part of who I am. This includes not being “just a pharmacist” but a pharmacist!