To thank them for their service, Dominick DeSarro, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, wrote an open letter to his staff, thanking them for their dedication to their profession. Read the letter now.
We asked the Westminster Pharmacy Services team to take a step into the spotlight and share their stories. Some of our team responded simply that the most important part of working as a pharmacist was having a desire to take care of people — and that “Westminster’s commitment to our residents and our values as an organization” are why they choose to serve our residents.
Why should you choose to work as a pharmacist, this National Pharmacist Day? “You will gain a family and support system that cares about your success,” another said.
Meet some of our superhero pharmacists – and be sure to thank your neighborhood pharmacist today!
Dr. Teri West, Consultant Pharmacist
Q: How long have you been at Westminster?
I have been here since July 2015.
Q: Why did you decide to work as a pharmacist?
To be an advocate for older adults trying to navigate complex medication regimens and help them avoid dangerous side effects.
Q: What brought you to Westminster?
It was the opportunity to impact more older adults.
Q: What do you like best about serving WCOF employees and residents?
I get to help hundreds of grandparents, even though mine are no longer with me, except in in spirit.
Q: This National Pharmacist Day, what’s the top reason you would recommend a career in pharmacy?
You should consider a career in pharmacy to become a support person and a solution for other caregivers and nurses every day, who share our calling to serve older adults.
Q: What’s one fun fact that your co-workers don’t know about you?
I love the game of pinochle! I used to go to the senior center with my grandma and play with her friends.
Dr. Chris Marian, Pharmacist In Charge, Bradenton
Q: How long have you been at Westminster?
Three years.
Q: Why did you decide to work as a pharmacist?
I became interested in it when I was helping my grandmother with her medications, growing up.
Q: What brought you to Westminster?
This has been a very unique opportunity to help residents over multiple levels of care, and the ability to develop closer relationships with the residents.
Q: What do you like best about serving WCOF employees and residents?
The opportunity to get to know them better and provide them with more personalized care, while serving them from down the hall or elevator from their apartment buildings.
Q: This National Pharmacist Day, what’s the top reason you would recommend a career in pharmacy?
You get the satisfaction of helping others by making their medication process more convenient, guiding them toward better health, and saving them money.
Q: What’s one fun fact that your co-workers don’t know about you?
I can speak three languages: English, Greek and Spanish.
Dr. Courtney Schmidt, Consultant Pharmacist and Staff Pharmacist
Q: How long have you been at Westminster?
I have been here one and a half years.
Q: Why did you decide to work as a pharmacist?
I enjoy taking care of people and I like a challenge.
Q: What brought you to Westminster?
A friend recommended Westminster to me.
Q: What do you like best about serving WCOF employees and residents?
I like getting to know our residents and knowing that I’m able to help them.
Q: This National Pharmacist Day, what’s the top reason you would recommend a career in pharmacy?
I recommend it because you have the ability to help others who are in need.
Q: What’s one fun fact that your co-workers don’t know about you?
Previously I have lived in Africa.
Dr. Lance Fontenot, Staff Pharmacist
Q: How long have you been at Westminster?
Sixteen years.
Q: Why did you decide to work as a pharmacist?
I wanted to help heal people.
Q: What brought you to Westminster?
It was a change of scenery.
Q: What do you like best about serving WCOF employees and residents?
I like having the ability to help heal sick people and bring them back to health through our services.
Q: This National Pharmacist Day, what’s the top reason you would recommend a career in pharmacy?
Today, we’ll get free doughnuts!
Q: What’s one fun fact that your co-workers don’t know about you?
I can speak Spanish, too.
