Employee Spotlight: Stephanie Everard Pharmacist
Indispensable Health Employee Interview
Stephanie, when did you become interested in pharmacy?
I became interested in pharmacy in high school. I spent time working in a community pharmacy and a compounding pharmacy. I really enjoyed getting to interact with patients and help them in attaining better health outcomes.
As my education progressed, I became more interested in hospital pharmacy and pursued a post graduate residency. I enjoy regulatory roles and also ambulatory care roles that allow for patient and other health care provider interactions.
How were you introduced to Indispensable Health and what made you stay?
I was introduced to Indispensable Health by my pharmacy manager while debating what avenue to pursue after residency training. I was intrigued by the ability to work contracts in many different areas of pharmacy practice. I wanted to gain additional experience as a pharmacist in different practice settings to see what path in pharmacy was right for me.
I have stayed with Indispensable Health ever since because I love the people I work for and have had great experiences. I have found areas of pharmacy I really enjoy, but was never exposed to prior to coming to Indispensable Health. The number one reason for staying is the great people I have had the privilege to work for! Indispensable Health feels like family.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities with Indispensable Health?
I work with Indispensable Health completing Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) site visits and pharmacy audits. I go out to surgery centers to assist with maintaining pharmacy and medication compliance.
While on-site I check the facility’s medication inventory management, controlled substance inventory management & documentation reviews, ensure proper drug storage, chart reviews for appropriate medication usage, check crash cart(s), emergency medication management, and review documentation, in addition to numerous other regulatory related tasks.
As a pharmacist I am a reference for drug related questions and I encourage safe medication practices. I really enjoy building relationships with the staff at the centers and I provide any assistance I can to help them have a safe and efficient practice.
How has your pharmacist position changed during the pandemic?
I have seen a couple changes during the pandemic in relation to ASC visits. Drug shortages have come up and I have provided medication alternatives and also provided references for extended expiration dates. Some drug manufacturers have extended some expiry dates and this has helped maintain drug supplies. Another change I have seen in surgery centers is the rescheduling of non-emergent surgeries. Overall surgery center volumes decreased as a result of the pandemic, but have been steadily increasing again.
How has your role changed during your time with Indispensable Health?
I have done contracts in both the outpatient and inpatient pharmacy settings during my time with Indispensable Health. I also started off with one surgery center contract for a while, and more recently, have transitioned to picking up several more centers. I have found that I really love the regulatory side of pharmacy and the building of relationships with fellow healthcare professionals. I really enjoy working with the ASCRx team at Indispensable Health and hope to continue to grow with them!
What’s something often overlooked within your position as a pharmacist that’s vital?
Pharmacists are the drug experts! I encourage the surgery centers to ask me any questions they have in relation to drug storage, administration, or dosing to assist them. I am there to help with compliance to regulations, but I also remind them that I am still a pharmacist and can help with anything medication related.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy anything around water such as swimming, skiing, and boating. I also enjoy spending free time with family and friends. I have been involved with the Wayne County Pharmacists Association, a local association of the Michigan Pharmacists Association, since I was in pharmacy school. I have met many great pharmacy professionals in my time with this group.
How can Indispensable Health improve your overall experience & professional growth?
Indispensable Health has assisted me professionally by helping me find my passions in pharmacy and by providing a pharmacy family. Indispensable Health is a great network of people and I look forward to continuing to grow with this great organization!