What being a pharmacist means to me

National Pharmacists Day was last week and I felt called to explain what being a Pharmacist means to me.

I earned my doctorate in pharmacy, completed a hospital residency, and have worked as a pharmacist in various hospital and retail locations for 12+ years. I take pride in the role we have as pharmacists, educating the public and keeping patients safe. Yet the title ‘Pharmacist’ has not always resonated with me deep to my core, and doesn’t define my identity.

I have often felt like an outsider in my profession because I don’t often identify with the western approach to medicine. While pharmaceuticals can be life saving and changing, they are not the only available option and not always the best solution. I have been one to challenge current beliefs and seek answers through learning from other cultures. While Western medicine is one way of looking at health, it is not the ONLY way or even the “right” way. In fact, there is no ONE right way for every person – treatment plans should be individualized and holistic in order to reach optimal benefits. A HUGE realization for me in my own healing journey was that the MIND and SPIRIT play a role as well as the physical body.

Soon after becoming a pharmacist, I realized how passionate I was about OPTIMAL wellness and getting to the root cause of disease. I used this passion and creativity to shape my career in a way that felt good to me – where I can make a difference in the world in my own unique way. I’m certified as a functional medicine health coach, have earned certifications in cannabis medicine, and founded a company called Lyme Support to serve those healing from tick borne infections after my own personal journey with Lyme disease. This is my passion and focus and it’s so exciting to be able to guide others using a culmination of my knowledge – whether it’s through education on herbals or meditation, health coaching, or just holding space for clients as they explore the mind-body-spirit connection.

I have had mixed feelings about the term ‘Pharmacist’ because at times I felt like it boxed me in to a definition of Western medicine and pharmaceuticals when there is SO MUCH MORE that I do to bring about complete and total healing. However, I have come to realize that I am not boxed in to any one modality and paradigm of thinking at all and I can continue to create my job description as I go through life. I am a HEALER, that is what I do – no matter what term is used to describe me. And I am extremely grateful for my education and experience as a pharmacist which has taught me so much about our world and how to care for the people in it.

I am a healer. I am a functional medicine certified health coach. I am a cannabis pharmacist. I am a Lyme Coach. I’m a holistic pharmacist and a mindful pharmacist. I don’t have to fit into just one label and one category. My passion, my life’s purpose is to heal others in whatever way and shape works for them. To serve others through my gifts and use whatever tools I have and education and experience I bring to the table to show up 100% for my clients and guide them to a full transformation.