Curstain Lopez

Why I do what I do

As a specialty pharmacy compliance coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring our practices are compliant with regulatory and accrediting bodies, state and federal laws, and institution P&P. My areas of focus are specialty pharmacy mail order and sterile compounding. Creating and implementing processes and procedures to achieve positive patient outcomes and promote patient safety is where I feel the most the satisfied in my career. 

Latest Accomplishment

I recently created and presented a poster at ASHP Summer Meeting 2022 with my colleague on controlled room temperature shipping. This accomplishment has resulted in the collaboration and other opportunities with many pharmacy professional organizations and individuals!  

Most Memorable Experience as a Pharmacy Technician

My most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician would be navigating back to back weeks of extreme cold, snow, ice, and flooding as a mail order pharmacy. With normal shipping procedures halted and patients needing critical specialty medications, we had to get creative with our delivery options. This included coming in after hours, reaching out to local law enforcement, and even delivering local medications ourselves.

Why I Became Certified 

I became certified my senior year of high school as a way to enhance my skills and resume for pharmacy school. After a few years, I realized that I did not want to obtain a doctorate and was fulfilled. I have continued to pursue pharmacy technician certificates to show my dedication to the profession and to also be a resource for fellow technicians. 

My Passion Outside of Work

I enjoy my book club, family time, and my dog Leo.   

Latest Book Read

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Advice to Up-and-Coming Technicians

Always look for areas of professional development in every assignment, task, and opportunity given to you. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself, this profession is expanding in a new direction every day – be the reason why!

Email: curstain.lopez@uky.edu