It’s early Friday morning, and I’ve barely poured myself a cup of coffee. Karen Reyes joins me on Microsoft TEAMS, and I’m instantly smiling. The first thing I notice about Reyes is her warmth. She’s authentically kind and welcoming and makes me feel like I’ve known her for ages.
“This is who she is,” CompleteRx 340B Regional Analyst, Greg Sutphen explains, “she’s the kind of person everyone gets along with.” This feeling and experience is undeniable. Every person I speak to about Reyes has a story to tell about their experience with Reyes’ genuine likability and authenticity.
From an executive to a peer, Reyes knows how to get along with anyone. She hears them and they hear her. “That’s why she’s so good at what she does,” explains Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center (GCRMC) Director of Pharmacy, Marjorie Burns, “we all trust her… and we know not to mess with her program.” Reyes is the Buyer for the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center Pharmacy. She’s been with GCRMC and CompleteRx for over 23 years and is a pillar in the pharmacy.
After just a couple of colleague interviews, it’s easy to understand why. “As a tech, Karen was already doing the work that a buyer does, and she was already learning and knew so much about the 340B program. She needed some encouragement, but once she moved from pharmacy technician to buyer, she just, you know, did great,” Burns says.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program is arguably one of the most complex programs in the pharmacy world. With constant changes and intricate reporting processes, it can be complicated for anyone to follow, but Reyes flourished in her new role as buyer. “The 340B program is complicated, and I have to defend myself against a lot of people, providers, and leaders, but I love what I do, and I have a great team supporting me,” Reyes explains. Reyes leans on a team of 340B experts and buyers with CompleteRx, including Sutphen. The two have a great working relationship and have become good friends over the years. “Karen has no problem picking up the phone and calling me,” Sutphen explains, “if it’s a small question that just needs reassuring or a big question with an unknown, she picks up the phone and calls.” Reyes’ humility and willingness to ask questions and learn is a testament to her authenticity and ability to get along with so many others and make real change in her role as buyer. “We trust her. Truly, she’s so great. As a friend and a colleague. And she’s just so good at what she does, even when she’s out our techs reach out to her before making any purchases,” Burns shares. Reyes has affectionately developed a reputation as a “mama bear” amongst her other pharmacy team members. “She’s understanding and they look up to her, and learn a lot from her,” Burns explains.
Reyes’ impact has not only been recognized by her peers, but she has also been nominated and won the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center Quarterly Pride Award – twice. And, most recently, the Annual Pride Award in 2023 which is awarded to one of the four quarterly winners! “This is truly an achievement. Pharmacy often goes unnoticed, so for Karen to grab the attention of our leadership multiple times, it really says a lot,” Burns explains.
Beyond the pharmacy, Reyes is a wife and mother who shares a birthday with one of her sons (her husband shares a birthday with the other). She loves the beach and watching her granddaughter pick up yards on the football field! In addition to her family, she is deeply passionate and dedicated to the Miss New Mexico and Miss New Mexico teen competition which she sits on the board of (The Miss America division).
This pharmacy week we are happy to celebrate Karen for her passion and dedication. You are a true Pharmacy Hero!
To Karen and the entire pharmacy team at GCRMC, Happy Pharmacy Week!
