Suzette Porter

Why I Do What I Do

I've been a pharmacy technician for almost 30 years and, during that time, I have worked in various roles as a technician. All of my roles helped shape my knowledge of pharmacy and created a depth of experience in pharmacy that has been essential to my management role. I've also developed a habit for making sure patients have an enhanced experience when they are in my care. Although I may not always get the opportunity to interact with patients directly, I am fully aware of the impact my role as a caregiver has on the healing process of every patient and I encourage other pharmacy technicians to be mindful of the same. I am a caregiver whose daily goal is to save lives and I love what I do.

Latest Accomplishment

Becoming Certified, receiving my Bachelor's degree, and obtaining a LEAN Bronze certification are three of my biggest scholastic accomplishments. Being the first pharmacy technician to work as Operations Supervisor at my hospital is my biggest accomplishment as a pharmacy technician.

Most Memorable Experience as a Pharmacy Technician

My most memorable experiences occur when I attend ICHP and ASHP conferences. Attending conferences is not only memorable, but it is also a humbling experience. I get the opportunity to network with other pharmacy professionals, learn what other institutions are doing to expand the roles of their technicians, and then implement changes that will improve technician workflow within my organization, based on information that was shared at the conferences.

Why I Became Certified

Becoming certified gave me an opportunity to expand my knowledge as a pharmacy technician. Once I became certified, I was entrusted with assignments that were typically done by pharmacists. The new level of responsibility that came as a result of being certified inspired me to obtain my Bachelor's degree so I could go into management.

My Passion Outside of Work

I'm extremely passionate about serving others. Once a month, my family purchases food and toiletries for the homeless and we visit the homeless community in downtown Chicago to distribute our purchases. Caring for others is why I chose a career in healthcare.  

Latest Book Read

Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler and Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey.

Advice to Up-and-Coming Technicians

Think outside the box and don't be afraid to be innovative and assertive. Just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean that it can't be done.