Maria Bacero Fuller

Why I do what I do:
I’ve been a pharmacy technician for 14 years, working from retail, home infusion and different hospitals such as Valley Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center. Every place I’ve worked has become a steppingstone to where I’m at right now. It’s always been my goal and passion to train and instill knowledge and skills not only to the pharmacy technicians but even to pharmacists. Now, I’m working at Memorial Sloan Kettering as one of the Pharmacy Technician Leads who trains and educates Pharmacy staff.

Latest Accomplishment:
I consider being part of the ASHP committee as my latest accomplishment. From being just a “member” to get CE credits to now being featured for ASHP- Pharmacy Technician Spotlight.

Most Memorable Experience as a Pharmacy Technician:
When I at Overlook Medical Center (OMC), every year, the entire Atlantic Health System, where in OMC is part of, conducts a Professional Advancement Career Track (PACT). The project was created to impact not only the pharmacy department, but also the employee. I participated every year with all eagerness and enthusiasm. My effort was recognized for the projects, which eventually were implemented/practiced in other hospitals that are under the umbrella of Atlantic Health. I was sent to the affiliated hospitals to teach other technicians. I met different professionals from different departments, joined different groups and even conducted a team building activity for the pharmacy staff. But most of all, it’s where I met an amazing group of people who I called my “Oncology Team”. Because of them, my passion in teaching started. I began to train new pharmacists and technicians and show them what I do as one of the oncology pharmacy technicians. I made sure, especially for the technicians, that they not only knew how to compound the chemotherapy medications, but learned the regimen and proper handling of these hazardous drugs. With the help of my supervisor, I was able to create an exam that will be part of their annual competency. The support that I got from my team has tremendously impacted my drive to pursue further in my career. It is my most memorable experience yet as a pharmacy technician, and has been a rewarding and the most memorable experience in my life.

Why I Became Certified?
I became a certified pharmacy technician because I don’t see being a technician as a job but a career, even if others have told me that there’s no career ladder for technicians. After being certified, I applied to a hospital setting and from there, I learned different skills and knowledge. Being a certified pharmacy technician opened a lot of opportunities for me.

My Hobbies:
I love to bake but I don’t usually eat it. I’m like the “witch” from the kids’ book - Hansel and Gretel. I bake desserts and feed it to my coworkers. I also consider myself a “self-learner”. I like to try different things, from photography, baking, crocheting, to even trying DIY stuff using Cricut machine. I am a Law and Order: SVU fan and I can binge watch the show anytime together with my family.

Latest Book Read:
Every Day in His Presence by Charles Stanley (devotional book)

Advice to Up-and-Coming Technicians:
Being a pharmacy technician doesn’t mean “you’re JUST a pharmacy technician.” Consider where you at right now as your steppingstone to where you want to be. I’ll always remember what my high school teacher told us in our class: “good enough is not good enough. Don’t settle for just “good enough”. If you have a passion, pursue it and work for it.