As part of our Moments in Pharmacy blog series, we are proud to feature Elizabeth Lam, Pharm.D., a Transitional Leader with CompleteRx.
Q. What does being a pharmacist mean to you?
I want to provide the best possible patient care at all times. It’s also important to set a good example to my colleagues so that we’re all encouraged and committed to taking care of our patients just like they are our own family members. It’s very rewarding to be able to see good patient outcomes in person and know that it happened because of the work we do.
Q. Name one thing that’s changed the most about pharmacy operations since you began your career?
Many new technologies have helped improve patient safety and patient satisfaction. I’m thinking especially of technologies such as bedside barcoding, automated dispensing cabinets, and clinical services, including pharmacokinetics (pharmacist to dose), multi-disciplinary rounds with physicians, decentralized pharmacy services, and counseling patients on discharged medications.
Q. What are one or two of the most meaningful moments you’ve experienced in this field?
Not too long ago our team found out that a premature baby that we took care of 35 years ago has grown into adulthood and now has her own baby.
Q. What’s the best advice you received about working in pharmacy?
Don’t think of problems as an issue but see them as a challenge you can fix.
Q. If you could wave a magic wand and make any one change to all pharmacy operations in the U.S., what would it be?
I would like for there to be enough budget so that every hospital could have at least one pharmacist seconded to every nursing unit for all shifts, not just the critical care units or daytime hours.
