PharmaSis Spring 2022

Executive Editor in Chief Dr. Jerrica Dodd Creative Director Shannon S. G. Jarrett - Speak Beautiful Cover Photographer Tessa Swarthout - Tessa Marie Studios Cover Fashion Stylist Tijuana Faison - Design Faze Boutique Cover Hair Stylist - Alicia Igess - Urban Tangles Salon Cover Makeup Artist - Sydney King PharmaSisMag.com

Copyright © 2022 PharmaSis Magazine All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

To request permissions, contact the publisher at www.pharamasismag.com Printed by PharmaSis Magazine, in the United States of America.

First printing, 2022.

2

3

WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2022 ISSUE OF PHARMASIS MAGAZINE I am so pleased to bring your more of the faces of women in pharmacy who are moving and building their dreams. I want to get you ready for meeting a wonderful group of women who are driven by their convictions and their passions to fill gaps while developing themselves and their world around them. My excitement to feature women in the magazine cannot be paralleled!

Dive in and enjoy! Share this magazine with a woman in pharmacy who may be looking for inspiration, with a student interested in pursuing a STEM career so she can see role models, and finally anyone who is open to learn that “Pharmacists do THAT Too!”.

Enjoy the journey!

Jerrica

Dr. Jerrica Dodd Founder/Editor, PharmaSis Magazine Founder/CEO, Your Pharmacy Advocate PharmD, Florida A&M Univ. 1998 MS, Pharmacy Administration, The Ohio State Univ. 2000 MS, Applied Pharmacoeconomics, Univ. of Florida 2012

4

4

FROM THE EDITOR

Being the Executive Editor of PharmaSis Magazine is like a dream come true!

Through this magazine, I have met so many amazing women in pharmacy and I am in the process of taking this vision around the world to meet even more women in pharmacy! I am thrilled to publish the magazine each time as it never gets old meeting and featuring women building their dreams! Their dreams are URGENT! My dreams are URGENT! Your dreams are URGENT! Love and hugs, Jerrica

5

Surrendered Motherhood Dr. Bled Marchall Tanoe

7

Pharm to Closet Dr. Danielle Perrodin 21 #PizzaIsNotWorking Dr. Bled Marchall Tanoe 23 Moving from the High Performer/Perfectionist Vicious Cycle to Scaling Your Biz with CEO Flow!

Dr. Christina Fontana 27 Dream Bigger Dr. Charise Barnes 29 Ayurveda and Yoga Asana: Yoga Poses for Your Individual Health Dr. Chinki Bhatia 35 Moving Out of the Comfort Zone Dr. Phyllis Kamau 37 The Grace Culture® Movement Dr. LaQuoia Johnson 43 Rainbow Body Healing Chakras Aligned by Design Dr. Gilda M. Jefferson 49 Contributing Author Spotlight: Dr. Gilda M. Jefferson 51 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

on the cover

Revolutionizing Moms' Wellness Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois 15

77

CLINICAL PHARMACIST

DR. BLED MARCHALL TANOE

Surrendered Motherhood OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA | PHARMACY SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, COLLEGE OF PHARMACY | DEGREES: DOCTORATE OF PHARMACY | PREVIOUS CAREER: RETAIL PHARMACIST | NOW CAREER : IMPATIENT HOSPITAL PHARMACIST

Tell your story…how did you get here?

I have always been more of an emotional writer.

I don’t like writing on demand. I prefer things to flow out of me; out of the experience I am having. Like right now; it is 3 am and my newest tiny human just woke up and it is about to be another sleepless night. Cluster breastfeeding is a phenomenon of its own; something they don’t prepare you for when they say “you are discharged” after giving birth. So, as I am typing this encore draft on my phone while holding on to my daughter in the pitch dark, it feels right; true and authentic! Because I am in the correct space of writing.

Stories are shaped by seasons and journeys of life. For instance, you would expect me to tell you about #PizzaIsNotWorking; the reason… why I am even here; why I became known into the Pharmacy world! That’s a story that has taken everyone by surprise! Its tenacity; the unforeseen doors this movement has pushed! The opportunities, it offered! The people, it gathered together!

However, I want and I choose to answer this particular question with another season…another journey and that’s my path through motherhood!

And not just any motherhood…a surrendered motherhood!

And you might wonder why? How is being a mother, has anything to do with my professional endeavors which is what this magazine celebrates!

The truth is, my motherhood has everything to do with other aspects of my life! Since becoming a mother to my first child, in 2020, there has been an awakening in me; life giving moments! But it also came with a lot of fire; a lot of pain and wreckage!

In 2020, my son was born in the midst of the beginning, chaotic momentum of COVID-19!

This period was also marked with the start of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay, as we were all searching for answers as why my son, DaveedImmanuel could not eat, breathe and hold his temperature on his own. My husband, myself and those taking care of our son, knew that something was wrong. But until genetics was back, there was no answer than waiting and waiting! And that’s what we did! We set our course on the journey of patience! It was not a virtue I possessed! But we did not just wait! We were also faced with the regularity of life… the constant upside down of things; 20 steps forward but then 1000 steps back!

Where there were victories, there were also lost battles!

And then our lives were forever changed with the following words: “your son has a very rare genetic 8

9

disorder. From the very small sample studies, you should expect a multi-system disease meaning heart, kidney, lungs! You should also expect severe global mental and motor skill delay and also seizures and feeding issues”, they told us. At this moment, a journey started for us and thus a story as well. And while this was in 2020 and the question is asked today, two years after, one might fail to see the relation; the importance!

deserved! I have envied and despised others who had an easier journey! I had cried more tears than I could account for! I have fought against depression! I have battled doubts of the love and the compassion of God. I have felt lonely and misunderstood by others who could not walked on our shoes! I have faced death as my son nearly died in the summer of 2021 and I live with this impeding knowledge that even if he is currently “healthy “, I could never get comfortable! Life could change for us in the blink of an eye!

But the truth is, two years later from this very tragic day, I am finally learning the lessons of it all! Two years later, I am finally processing what it means to be a special needs mother!

Two years later, as I answer “what is your story”, I can tell you that there is no enough space for me to share it! There are not enough words to describe it! Yes, I have learned and I have been transformed! I have mourned lost dreams; sweet dreams about what motherhood was supposed to be! I have felt let down by my faith and the promises written in The Holy Word of God I hold so dear! I have felt stripped of what I believed I

And yet… yes big, gigantic yet in this story, I have been joyful! Extremely joyful which I can’t explain! I have laughed more since his birth. I have taken a new vision on life; to hold things with open hands! I have learned to live with complete abandon! I have come to realize that nothing is owed to me. I have accepted the futility of life and in all of this…I have grown to be braver, more compassionate of others and to become a better advocate for myself and my son!

His journey has transformed me! His laughter 10 10

11 11

in the midst of his challenges brings life into my mourning heart! I see the challenges he faced or might face as opportunities to celebrate and to praise the works of God!

indication that you are walking outside of “your comfort zone”.

What motivates you to keep going when you doubt yourself?

My son’s journey as painful as it can be, has brought me to bow down to faith and to acknowledge The Sovereignty of God even in the midst of the tragedy!

The ultimate reason why I started. For instance, when I started #PizzaIsNotworking, I wanted above all to inspire Pharmacy professionals to find their voice. In moments when I feel that I am facing a wall I can’t seem to push through, I remember the many Pharmacists, Technicians and Students who have reached to me and reminded me of the way the movement has changed their lives. There are always ways to motivate myself. At times, I go for the big outcomes. But then I remember how valuable and important the small victories are.

And in all of that, I have gained a new understanding into others' lives! Have I become a perfect person? Oh no! Absolutely no! If anything, my heart was revealed even deeper and its brokenness, exposed!

But what I have become… what my story is saying about me, is that I am learning to live in surrender in every aspect of my life!

What new thing are you embarking on in your life right now?

Describe what you have built I want to build changes for our profession, especially for retail Pharmacists, Technicians and Students. I want to build a system where their voice is not silenced by fear of retaliation and retribution from their employers or even our pharmacy entities. I long to use my voice to fight for a culture which treats them as valuable members of our healthcare system. #PizzaIsNotWorking has been for me an avenue to propel our profession. It has become a sort of an additional career for me. I have never imagined myself as an advocate. And I can only dream to keep expanding it with the engagement with other pharmacy advocates.

Right now, I am navigating being a mom again and all that it entails. I am learning so much about the newborn phase and the ultimate patience it does require. Professionally, I have recently moved into a full-time position at my current job which will offer me more learning opportunities and I am looking forward into diving more into Hospital Pharmacy.

Who do you look up to or model yourself after?

Oh, that’s a loaded question. Honestly, I try to not have “role models”. And I know many might feel perplexed by my answer. Understand that I am not saying that I don’t aspire to possess certain qualities which another person might have. That’s not what I mean. We should all seek to better ourselves and I have many people from my physical and online community who have “qualities” I want in my own life. For instance, I want the calmness and the patience that my husband seems to have in the midst of chaotic situations. Those are two survival skills which are imperial. But also, I have understood that he might not always be calm and patient. I must allow him to not live up to my expectations. And that’s how I feel about role models. At times, our expectations of them, prevent them from being

How do you respond to fear?

Honestly, I don’t respond very well to fear. It can make me impulsive and push me to make decisions which can be very self-destructive. In the moment I find myself afraid, I always try to find my husband’s voice within myself. He always reminded me that a heart that is not at peace and hence afraid, is very dangerous. Thus, I try to calm myself; to see what I can control in this moment. I look for something that can settle my heart until I am able to fully face the situation.

I am also learning that fear does not have to be a foe. It can also be a great motivator and an 12 12

authentic. They can be pushed to not live their failures openly. I want to be inspired not just by the success but also but the struggles of others.

What message would you share with other women in pharmacy?

#PizzaIsNotWorking

Don’t underestimate yourself. I think sometimes we compare our journey to others and when we don’t see it taking the same trajectory, we dismiss it.

Your journey is yours to shape. It always starts with you and it might not mirror others. But it is worth being out there.

PHARMACY PROFESSIONALS AND PATIENTS DESERVE BETTER

What’s next for you and/or your business?

I am excited to continue my advocacy work through #PizzaIsNotWorking. And I am particularly thrilled to be releasing my first book, “Surrendered Motherhood” later on this fall.

Where can we find you to further connect?

LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter

13

SCAN QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE

think beyond.

SpeakBeautiful.com

14 DESIGN | WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT | TV AND FILM GRAPHIC DESIGN | PACKAGING | TRADESHOW AND EVENT

15 15

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PROVIDER

Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois Revolutionizing Moms Wellness '

Tell your story…how did you get here?

I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was 38 years old, and I was sitting on the edge of a stiff chair in front of a counselor for the first time in my life. My mind raced to make sense of what was happening and how exactly I had landed myself in this spot. She asked me a question, actually the question that would end up changing the trajectory of my life. She asked, “What makes you happy?” I couldn’t respond. I was speechless. As a grown woman with multiple advanced degrees, 2 beautiful children, a loving husband, and a seemingly wonderful life, I still had no idea what made me “happy.” I know my daughters love it when I paint their fingernails pink and my husband is happy when I rub his back. I know that my patients appreciate when I provide exceptional service, but as for me, I had not allowed myself to think about my own happiness because I was too preoccupied with making everyone else happy.

There’s nothing wrong with being obedient and serving others. But my intention was to please, so all the power of that action was tied to the outcome. If I worked hard to do that “thing” and then the person didn’t praise me for the action, I was crushed. Because remember, my focus was on pleasing.

For the first time in almost 40 years, I dreamed about what makes me happy. Hear me say this, the pursuit of happiness is not my focus. I believe chasing happiness is not beneficial to our overall well-being. When I talk about happiness in regard to my story, what I mean is recognizing what activities bring me joy and create a sense of fulfillment in my life. I also allowed myself to change this people-pleasing behavior into a Godpleasing one. I’m looking to His word to guide my actions, not to the world. I still focus on serving others, but I am no longer neglecting myself and my heart in the process. This is such an important point for all the faith-based readers out there–growing up in a religious community can create a distorted view of self. The biblical commandment actually instructs us to love others as we love ourselves. Not in a selfish way, but in a self-worth way.

Sure, there was a time in my childhood when I knew what made me happy, but somewhere along the way, I lost it. I was conditioned from a young age to make decisions that made other people happy. I learned that if I was obedient, minded my manners, and got good Another important behavior I have changed is to focus grades in school, my parents would be pleased with on my intention behind why I am serving others. I me. And they would do this thing called “praise.” Praise shifted my intention so that I am not giving my power was the best! I loved the way pleasing others made me away. My intention is to serve and love others in a feel inside, so I practiced it daily, and I got really good Christ-like way. Oprah said, “Intention is one with at it. At some point, this behavior became a habit. My cause and effect. If your intention is to please, then you subconscious mind took over and I no longer had to are giving your power away.” On the contrary, if our think about making others happy, I just did it. My body intention is to serve and love, then our fulfillment isn’t hijacked itself, and suddenly all my decisions were tied to the outcome, which is always out of our control.

16 based on others’ emotions.

MCKINNEY TEXAS | PHARMACY SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE | DEGREES: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, DOCTORATE OF PHARMACY | PREVIOUS CAREER: COMMUNITY PHARMACIST | NOW CAREER : CLINICAL PHARMACIST, FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PROVIDER, & CEO OF WELL & FREE

I dreamed about my mission and purpose in life, and how I could align my heart’s desire and divine gifts with adding value to the lives of others. Our purpose has a way of finding us, you know? It’s an evolution based on our values and knowing ourselves to the fullest. Purpose doesn’t have to be this big, life-changing mission. It can be for some of us. But for most of us, our purpose is to have an impact in the small areas of life. For example, a large part of my purpose is found through my testimony, my story. My story of healing my body from a chronic disease with functional medicine, and then creating a business that allows me to help others do the same. Allow me to tell you more about my personal health journey.

For a long time, I dismissed all those symptoms as “normal.” I would justify it as “I’m a working mom.”

My body’s check engine light was on and I continued to live as though everything was fine. I also never prioritized rest. I wore the “busy badge” loud and proud! I went 90 miles per hour from sun up to sun down to get all the “working mom” things done. It was like I was waiting on someone to give me permission to take time for myself. I showed up for my family, my career, my patients, and my friends, but not for me.

There was always this overwhelming guilt if I took time for myself. Rest felt as though I was just being lazy. The to-do list was a mile long, and the last thing I needed to be doing was sleeping or resting, or so I thought.

A few years prior, I experienced a radical change in my health. I am a high achiever who has always worked in a high-stress environment. My days were filled with constant multitasking and deadlines. I was over-scheduled, and as a result, always running late.

Stress had been my reality for approximately forever.

I was stuck on the hamster wheel of life and had no idea how to get off. Would the wheel ever slow down enough for me to step off? Or would I just need to jump at 60 miles per hour and hope for the best? This chronic stress wreaked havoc on my health, resulting in insomnia, headaches, and Epstein Barr virus. Epstein Barr is a viral infection that caused me to experience extreme fatigue.

In early 2018, I remember sitting down on my couch after working a long shift in the pharmacy. The kids were playing and I could barely muster enough strength to sit upright. The fatigue was extreme.

That was when I realized this could not be normal. I visited my primary care physician seeking answers for my ailments. “Why is this happening?” I asked him.

Without asking me about my diet, exercise, or stress level, he wrote out a couple of prescriptions – one for an antidepressant and one for sleeping medicine. I was no longer ok with a prescription for a medication to treat the symptom, however, and I was looking for more. More than what he could offer me through a sick care model of medicine where insurance dictates

17

18

19

how long we can talk and his training is to “give a pill for the ill.” I left that appointment frustrated, but also empowered to use alternative solutions. I did what so many of us on this journey did – I took my health and healing into my own hands. As a result, I found integrative and functional medicine, and I loved how this practice looked specifically at the root cause. The goal was true wellness, and that’s what I wanted.

“I do it for the well done.” My purpose on this Earth is much bigger than myself. I feel aligned with God and His calling on my life to be a light in this world and serve people. This mission makes it about others and not myself. Because I am servant hearted, this always motivates me to keep going.

What new thing are you embarking on in your life right now?

Describe what you are building/have built

I’m continuing to grow Well & Free to offer more functional medicine services and collaborative practice opportunities to revolutionize moms'’ wellness.

Doors are opening and I’m feeling God’s favor on this assignment. I couldn’t be more thrilled!

After experiencing my own health transformation using functional and integrative medicine, overcoming the effects of chronic Epstein Barr infection, and rebalancing my body from chronic stress, I decided to gain additional training to become a certified practitioner myself. I completed the Integrative Health Practitioner program as well as the Functional Medicine Specialist training. Both of these certifications require specialized education and mastery of skills that allow me to work with clients in my own practice.

Who do you look up to or model yourself after?

I admire Candace Cameron Bure. She is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith.

She even has her own wine label. #goals

I developed Well & Free, LLC™ to help high-achieving working moms restore their health and find true balance. I offer a STRESSED MOM™ transformation course, where we restore health and create inner peace with a science meets soul approach. Some topics covered are mindset, energy, soul care, meditation, mineral balancing, stress management, sleep hygiene, and more.

What message would you share with other women in pharmacy?

Pharmacy women need to know that life can be better than normal. I am here to inspire other women to realize that we can show up with balance, peace, centered energy, awareness, vibrancy, and spiritual fullness. It’s time we start prioritizing our own wellness and building resilience so that we do not experience burnout. Without our health, we have nothing. It’s time that we reclaim our lives and enjoy the blessings that we are created to experience.

What’s been your biggest lesson you have learned along your journey?

God has used unexpected situations to bring clarity to my purpose and light my passion on fire. My daughter’s vision impairments led to the founding of our nonprofit “A New View”. My health diagnosis led to my functional medicine credentialing and creating Well & Free, LLC. There may be detours on the journey, but don’t doubt the divine rerouting that is happening.

What’s next for you and/or your business?

I’m really excited about a summer beach trip to Destin, Florida with my family. In the last 6 months I have started my own company, launched my virtual practice, and written a book. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to some rest and relaxation.

How do you respond to fear?

I am the woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear.

My faith gives me the courage to Face Everything And Rise.

Where can we find you to further connect?

Please connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or my website. I look forward to meeting you.

What motivates you to keep going when you doubt yourself?

20

21 21

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Pharm to Closet Written By: Dr. Danielle Perrodin

You ditched the GMO foods and BPA containers in your kitchen, replaced the toxin loaded beauty products in your bathroom and cleaning products in your utility, next up, the closet.

Unless you have been living under a rock the past decade, chances are you are very aware of current increasing efforts by the fashion industry to move to a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical set of standards for the clothes we wear. What began with the hippies in the 1970’s really started to gain momentum in the early 1990’s.

Seems that everyone is finally getting on the bandwagon to a healthier industry, including some of your favorite brands. But this is a job that will take commitment from all involved, including the material farmers, producers, clothing distributors, fashion brands and, yes, you the consumer. Reducing the negative impact that the fashion industry has on the environment and our health is finally becoming a priority. You can make it one of yours too.

So, how do you do your part?

Does your wardrobe reflect your style AND your values? My guess, the answer is no. Not trying to be harsh or judgmental, I just am aware of the general beliefs that circle around this issue. “It’s too hard, too expensive, and/or too boring!”

Creating a conscious closet edit can be fun, beautiful, and save you tons of money. Yes, you heard that right. That entails getting present with your own personal situation, feeling and releasing any shame or guilt that may arise from past behaviors, and breaking it down to taking one inspired action at a time.

That first step is to educate yourself. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

I created resources that include definitions, fabrics to avoid and committed brand lists that you can find on my website. Set an intention to do better, define your ideal style, weed out the items holding you back, properly dispose of them, and choose well from now on. The most sustainable item is the one that you already own.

Need inspiration? Read “The Conscious Closet” by Elizabeth Cline. Find a blog or podcast that you love. Hire a style coach. There is no shortage of information out there. Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed. Just by setting the intention, you are allowing space for change. At the very least, decide to finally define your own personal style and create a capsule wardrobe. Learn to sew a button or mend a torn top. Educate yourself on the differences of fast and slow fashion.

Whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do not go and throw out everything in your closet, and try to start from scratch.

This totally defeats the whole purpose of consuming less and slowing down production. Create a plan, and take it one step, one day at a time. Most importantly, have fun!

Dr. Danielle Perrodin, Integrative Style & Image Coach is the CEO of Danielle Perrodin, LLC and contributing author of PharmaSis Magazine. Any questions and comments regarding this article as well as further information requests may be directed to “Contact” at www.danielleperrodin.biz.

22

23

FEATURE ARTICLE

#PizzaIsNotWorking Written By: Dr. Bled Marchall Tanoe I prefer abs made out of Carbs than muscles. In fact, call me the Queen of Carbs. French Fries, cupcakes and French Baguettes. But above all, Pizza. I heard Chicago has amazing Pizzas. Maybe I will move there.

I love Pizzas. The thick, crispy and crunchy crusts.

Meat and all sorts of Vegetables. When I used to be a Pharmacy manager, my techs and I would always order from one Famous place in Oklahoma City: Empire Pizza. We would easily spend $70 or more and it was worthy. This was how we celebrated holidays, birthdays and departures. Truthfully, sometimes, we just ate for no reasons. Pizza just made everything Better. And that’s probably why I thought I should get Empire Pizza after that hard conversation with that technician. Actually, it was more than a conversation.

The fear in his voice, the confusion on his face as we were going between filling scripts, answering the phones, drive thru and front lines. And of course, Covid-19 vaccines. His voice carried more than just worries. He was terrified of the future; wondering how he would maintain his sanity in the midst of all demands and be successful at taking care of his patients. Pizza… I thought. This was my answer.

Greasy food just to allow everything to slide under.

No, Pizza would not fix this. It would not keep us sane in the midst of Covid Vaccines, testing, normal daily workflow, keeping up with company metrics, and then the impending arrival of the 2021 Flu season. No, Pizza would not provide us with the support we would need to keep our mental and physical health and striving to take care of our patients. So much needed to be done and it did not involve Pizza. I wanted to fix this. But the solution was beyond me. And even more importantly, I did not create this chaos. It was not me who was putting patients at risk every day. It was not me who was pushing Pharmacy professionals to their breaking point. It was not me who had the power to change this mess if I may use such word.

No, they had to do it. Only they had to power to reshape the culture. They had the authority to redirect our hearts and minds to what mattered the most and that was the well-being of our patients. Companies should have been the ones to remind Pharmacists, Technicians and Students that personal mental and physical health should not be ignored for the sake of anything or anyone. The true solutions to the issues retail pharmacies have been facing for the last years, have always been within the reach of parents companies.

And then I stopped… NO. Not this time. Pizza would not make this go away. This…pressure retail Pharmacists, Technicians and Students have been feeling for the past 20 or more years. This… reality that our enough was no longer enough. This… fear that we would not survive the next storms of our personal lives because we have been buried under the hurricanes of demands from our jobs. This… sadness that filled our hearts when we realized that we have moved further and further from the oath of protecting patient safety. This…wave that pushed us deeper and deeper to the point of suffocating. This…brokenness inside of us which caused us to have mental breakdowns in the pharmacy…frozen on the floor and unable to move. This… truth that we have taken more anxiety medicines, drank more glasses of wine, added more blood pressure medicines in our cabinet.

Instead, we were offered things such as gift cards, employee days, jeans days (we could not fit in them because we ate too much pizza), and emails full of demands we could not bear. We were offered $0.30 cent raises for meeting companies’ metrics. Great!!

Thirty cents for the times I had come earlier and stayed late to get “caught up”. Thirty cents for the ability to multitask like a mad woman including pumping while working aka “ CowWorking”. Can I get an Amen? Or $0.30 cents for my technicians who have tirelessly worked more overtime than their bodies are supposed to handle. Thirty cents for taking abuse from patients. And if you found yourselves in the bottom numbers for not answering your phones too fast, or not signing up senior citizens for digital text messages

24

(while the majority are still using their flip phones) and all the others demands which have nothing to do with patient care. If you found yourselves in the red, you were served with some type of discipline.

surprise, those raises were based on performance… again driving the idea that meeting companies’ goals were more important despite this climate where technicians and pharmacists and students were barely surviving.

And their ultimate solution in the midst of the crisis, was food. And specifically, Pizza. This was the answer to the many cries regarding the impossibility to maintain normal daily task in top of strain of Covid vaccines and testing. Pizza was the solution to the increasing reports of medication errors. Pizza was the support that was offered when many pharmacists and technicians were finding themselves on the verge of a hospitalization due to mental and physical exhaustion.

Pizza was the rehab for the many pharmacists and technicians who have found themselves at the door of substance abuse. Pizza became the answer to all the problems which were ravaging the chain pharmacies.

Therefore, we are left with only one solution and that’s for Pharmacy as a profession to stand up. We have to gather our resources and work together. #PizzaIsNotWorking is not about me. It is not about my solutions. It is not about starting a “new initiative”.

Pharmacy has been fighting to restore itself. And many great processes have been done through local and national organizations. #PizzaIsNotWorking wants to join in with others. Although this campaign has inspired others and has secured a strong social media presence, I acknowledge that it is not enough.

It was never meant to be enough. Consequently, I hope we can all gather our voices and fight to keep our profession. I hope we can redirect the focus on our patients and their wellbeing. And even more importantly, my desire is for us to come together and stand up for Pharmacists, Technicians and Students who have the heavy duty to keep our community well while sustaining their own mental and physical.

As I said earlier, I prefer Abs made of carbs especially Pizza. It is the best comfort food. Throw in some garlic bread and then you’ve entered paradise. But the issues that have plagued retail pharmacies demand more than a medium size pizza from Dominos. It was exhausting to make multiple pleas to parent companies and even pharmacy entities such as our state or national associations and boards of pharmacy. We could not have been clearer to our leaders about the dangers which were birthed from the poor working conditions. We have tried to remain sane, positive and above all “ quiet” to the outside world.

Retail Pharmacies are at a crossing point. Pharmacy professionals are no longer able to maintain this momentum. To be asked to do more and more with no to little support. To be disregarded when bringing safety concerns. To be pushed to break our oath to protect patient safety. To be asked to give up our physical and mental health… all for monetary profits. We have to pour water on this fire before it becomes an unstoppable force. I don’t believe that #PizzaIsNotWorking on its own is able to extinguish this fire. But together, we can.

But then it took that one conversation with that one tech and everything changed for me. Discussing with leaders was no longer an option. Silence for me meant acceptance and encouragement of this crisis. Silence also meant fear of retaliation from employer and from all aspects of this conversation, I understood.

Pharmacy is a small world and jobs were scarce. But it did not matter. Because we were sinking faster than the Titanic and the water was getting colder and colder. We would not survive this hypothermia if we did not have a bit of heat… even if it was just a small candle burning with hope.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere gratitude to the many individuals, those inside or outside the profession, the state and national pharmacy associations, boards of pharmacy, state legislators, allies, who have stepped in and provided their efforts for this campaign. I am so humbled by your presence. I would like to invite others to do the same. We are only strong together. And also thank you to the self-proclaimed “enemies” of #PizzaIsNotWorking. Your presence is a remainder to never give up.

#PizzaIsNotWorking was started as an effort to raise awareness about the current working conditions in retail pharmacies. It was a plea to the public; hoping that patients would be more responsible and demand that pharmacies provide a safe environment. It was incredibly disappointing to see that despite the popularity of the campaign and its good intentions, neither patients or parent companies were willing to understand the gravity of the issue. Instead patients continued to be more impatient. And companies, well threw in some long overdue raises to technicians and some arbitrary raises to pharmacists. And to our

We will continue to fight. We will continue to knock at every door. We will continue to speak to any ear. We will kneel if needed. We will offer our backs. And we will continue to stand up for our profession and for all who make its heart, beats. And that is the greatest honor of our profession…fighting for each other.

25

Is your body’s “check engine” light on, but yet you continue to push through telling yourself “it’s fine”?

Are you a working mom who feels you’ve been sentenced to a life of

I get it. You’re busy and motivated, but to your own detriment.

Exhaustion Irritability Poor sleep Energy fueled by caffeine

What you REALLY NEED is a professional, who not only understands the science behind what's going on, but who has been where you are.

Let’s discover the missing link that’s keeping you from feeling energetic, peaceful, and healthy.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today! www.drjenbourgeois.com/home @drjenbourgeois

26

Dr. Christina Fontana is a rapid transformation coach, hypnotherapist, pharmacist, and 4-time author. One of Dr. Christina’s gifts is her laser sharp intuition; she can quickly tune into what is blocking someone, identify it, and help them release it. She blends hypnotherapy, quantum physics, spirituality, and intuitive coaching to help visionary women release blocks keeping them stuck so they can own their brilliance out in the world. For the last 9 years, Dr. Christina has been providing uplifting, transformational content through her YouTube videos, articles, books, and retreats to help women wake up to more of who they really are so they can experience more freedom, joy, and fulfillment.

Feel free to connect with Dr. Christina on her website or on her Facebook page! www.pharmacistcoach.com

27 27

HOPE & MOTIVATION

Moving from the High Performer/Perfectionist

Vicious Cycle to Scaling Your Biz with CEO Flow!

Written By: Dr. Christina Fontana Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m SO far behind!” when talking about your business?

Achieving results in your heart-centered business can be much easier and it’s why I help my clients move from BURN OUT to LIT UP through my programs.

As a recovering high achiever/perfectionist, I’ve been through this cycle myself and I know the smoother, simpler path to help you scale your business.

You’re not alone. I hear this a lot from my pharmacist coaching clients.

When you’re a high performer/achiever, you’re used to working really hard to get to an outcome – a trophy, a medal, honor roll, praise, more money, or a specific result.

The rapid transformation work I do with my clients involves energetic shifts and practical strategy to help you release these vicious cycles so you can smoothly scale with more ease and flow.

However, working hard doesn’t always immediately translate to results in your business…and that’s where this vicious cycle comes in.

Here are two quick action steps you can take to shift this cycle -

You feel like you’re so far behind because you have an unconscious belief that effort = results and if you’re not seeing results, it means something isn’t ‘enough’ with what you’re doing.

#1. Have clear practical needle movers and action steps will help you to reduce overwhelm, create space for more balance in your business, and create that CEO flow!

These are the four phases of how this high performer/ perfectionist vicious cycle unfolds.

#2. Calming your nervous system will help you focus, come into balance, and be more productive. I use a technique called Havening with my clients to help them with that. I have tons of free resources to help you with this on my social media accounts and website www.pharmacistcoach.com

#1. PRESSURE. This creates immense internal pressure to keep pushing, striving, and struggling to get the outcome. In this cycle, there is no room for ‘rest’, ease, or inaction because that equates to laziness, which we want to avoid at all costs. #2. SHAME/BLAME. You may shame and blame yourself for not getting the result and think, “I just need to work harder and DO more.”

It’s allowed to be easy, and it’s YOUR time to shine, Queen!

#3. BURN OUT. After working harder, comparing yourself to other people, and striving to get results, you get to a breaking point of burn out. This creates anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and forces you to rest or take a break. #4. COPING MECHANISMS. You are ultimately forced to take a break, through getting sick, reaching extreme levels of burn out, moving to procrastination, or other means to numb out the uncomfortable feelings.

IG - @thepharmacistcoach FACEBOOK GROUP – Monetize Your Magic – For Pharmacist Entrepreneurs

28

29

INFORMATICS PHARMACIST

Dr. Charise Barnes Dreaming Bigger

Tell your story…how did you get here?

allergies, asthma, and allergies. I fixed the problem in my household with our food allergies, kids’ asthma, and allergies with less doctor visits.

As a seasoned pharmacist, busy mom, and wife, I put myself last. I am sure other moms can relate to this. I would run errands or take the boys to their baseball games or practices/training. I would find myself making everyone happy but ME. As a mom and wife, you think that you are responsible to keep everything in order. I unintentionally placed myself on the shelf and began to collect dust.

I established a space for me to build my dreams and DREAM BIGGER. My journey has instilled in me to step out on FAITH to make a change to better myself.

Now I show up every day instead of sitting on the shelf collecting dust.

During the pandemic, I realized that I had a voice and I should be a PRIORITY. I immediately jumped off that shelf and dust myself off. I began a journey to make myself a PRIORITY.

I ask for HELP and not be afraid to FAIL when trying something different.

I have discovered myself all over again and spend more time with my family as I build my DREAMS. I have placed MYSELF as a priority and seek more selfcare things to enjoy.

When I put myself FIRST, I was able to accomplish things for ME. Did I say ME? Yes, I became selfish and set boundaries in my personal and professional life.

What’s been your biggest lesson you have learned along your journey?

I was able to make time for ME.

My biggest lesson is that you have to invest in you and your dreams. During the process, you will have failures and triumphs.

I made time to exercise to feel better and improve my overall physical and mental health.

How do you respond to fear?

I discovered my itch for entrepreneurship. I built a business with a community to bring awareness to food

30

ATLANTA, GA | PHARMACY SCHOOL: MERCER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY | DEGREES: DOCTOR OF PHARMACY | PREVIOUS CAREER: CLINICAL PHARMACIST II | NOW 31 CAREER : INFORMATICS PHARMACIST AND FOUNDER & CEO OF ALPHA ALLERGIES, LLC

32

32

What message would you share with other women in pharmacy?

Fear is something serious. You have to take a step out on FAITH and be willing to fail.

Follow your dreams. You should never think that you are stuck in your situation. You have to get of your own way and live the best version of YOU.

What motivates you to keep going when you doubt yourself? I remember that my children are watching my every move. You realize that you have to at least try it with no regrets.

What’s next for you and/or your business?

I plan to live the best version of ME and push my business to the limit with no exceptions.

What new thing are you embarking on in your life right now (personal or professional)?

Personally, I am learning to give myself more grace. I have to take a step at a time but I have to keep pushing and do not give up. In my career, I am in a different world and taking on the new challenges that come my way.

Where can we find you to further connect?

IG @alphaallergies FB @Alpha Allergies, LLC LinkedIn Charise Barnes, PharmD TikTok @alphaallergies Twitter @Dr. Charise

Who do you look up to or model yourself after (personal or professional)?

I look up to my mom. My mom faced so many obstacles in her career, but she was so resilient. She stood her ground and made things happen.

3333

“

I’m delighted to provide services to help reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma in our communities.

Are you ready to be a part of the change?

Dr. Charise

Services: · Personal Shopping Consultations · One-on-One Consultations · Workshops · Educational Programs

34 34

35

Ayurveda and Yoga Asana: Yoga poses for your individual health Written By: Dr. Chinki Bhatia Have you ever wondered why some yoga poses seem to leave you calm, centered, balanced, energized while others make you agitated, sore and stiff? Or you may have noticed that a close friend manages to lose weight doing “Power Yoga” or “Sun Salutation” while you benefit more from gentle stretching and breathing? The answer to these questions lies in the Indian healing system of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, different people benefit from different yoga asanas or practices. This is why!

For anyone who has read a little on Ayurveda, will be familiar with the concept of the five elements of Ayurvedic science - space, air, fire, water and earth. These five elements combine into three basic energies which are present in different degrees in everything and everybody. They are vata - pitta - kapha. In Ayurveda they are also known as “doshas” or body constitution.

Doshas are responsible for the huge variety of individual differences and preferences and they influence all our individual choices, ranging from food, biological processes to our social elements. Healthy individuals have these doshas in balance but when they are out of balance, they become a cause of disease. Importantly, each dosha represents certain characteristics or qualities Right Yoga for the Right Dosha The qualities of kapha individuals are heavy, oily, steady, slow, soft and solid. So, kapha individuals with their stronger and heavier physique can do the most strenuous exercise and benefit from it, for example hiking, mountain biking and aerobics.

Pitta individuals generally have average height and are medium built. They have silky hair and red, warm and flushed skin. They can do well with a moderate amount of exercise, while vata individuals do best with mild exercises like walking, easy swimming and or yoga asanas with their slender body types. They are thin framed with predominantly bony structures and tend to have dry, cold skin and hair.

Just like regular exercise varies with the type of dosha, certain yoga asanas are also more or less well suited depending on the body type or dosha. Yoga stretching is recommended for all body types. Postures that are more helpful to vata individuals include those that stretch the pelvic cavity and calm vata. These are sun salutations, forward and backward bend, spinal twist, shoulder stand, plow, camel, cobra, locust, cat and cow poses. Postures that calm pitta involve stretching the muscles around the solar plexus. These include the fish, boat, camel, locust, bow poses and the moon salutation. They should avoid head stand, shoulder stand, plow and other inverted poses. Kapha individuals on the other hand should stretch the pulmonary cavity and increase circulation in the chest as these individuals are prone to bronchial congestion and cough amongst others. Postures suitable for kapha individuals include the sun salutation, shoulder stand, plow, locust, bridge, peacock palm tree and lion pose.

Yoga and Ayurveda are two paths intertwined in such a close relationship that it is hard to imagine traveling down one of these paths without knowledge of the other. Yoga, practiced in harmony with each person’s unique nature, is part of the Ayurvedic path toward balancing the doshas and enhancing sattva (purity and wisdom). Through this path each of us can reach our full potential.

Dr. Chinki Bhatia was born in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She developed an early interest in medicine and worked with her grandmother, an Ayurvedic Practitioner. This led her to study pharmacy at Birla Institute of Technology, India. She immigrated to Australia in 2003, where she enrolled at the University of Sydney to complete her Master of Pharmacy with a specialization in in-vitro fertilization. She was then awarded a scholarship from the University of Florida to complete her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2004. She acquired her Ph.D. while working on multiple projects and writing her dissertation on the role of cannabinoids in shortterm memory. During this time, she also served as a role model and mentor to young people, helping them plan for their education and careers. Dr. Bhatia runs an instagram page, handle Dr Chinki Bhatia and a Facebook and LinkedIn group called Rejuvenate Your Health, through which she selflessly helps women with chronic diseases, hormonal disturbances and anxiety.

36

37

TYPE 2 DIABETES HEALTH COACH

Dr. Phyllis Kamau

Moving Out of the Comfort Zone Tell your story…how did you get here?

I was born in Kenya and spent the first eighteen years of my life growing up there. I did the typical childhood things played with my siblings and neighborhood friends, did chores which included helping around the house, cooking, going to the farm to feed the cows and chickens, gardening and many more responsibilities. My parents worked hard and provided for us everything that we needed. They made sure that they also provided an education for us. During those years, education was not free you had to pay for school fees. I remember how sad I felt when some of the children during class periods would be sent back home because their school fees had not been paid. From early on, I loved reading and education became an integral part of my life. I did well in primary school (elementary and middle school in U.S) and was able to go to high school as well.

After high school, I moved to the U.S (since that was the big deal) to pursue further college education and make a life for myself. And boy was it a change! There’s a famous quote that says, “there’s no hurry in Africa” and this was an absolute change in the U.S. It was a big culture shock and a huge adjustment to get acclimated to the whole U.S thing. Life was really fast paced; everyone moved and spoke really quick. I was an international student so I had to go to college full time and still work to be able to pay for my rent and feed myself. It was not an easy journey but thankfully I had my oldest brother and friends to lean on. As an immigrant, the first question I would be asked if I spoke was, oh you have an accent, where are you from? This question really bothered me and I really hated hearing it. As I

went on pursuing my education from community college to Pharmacy school, I learned to adapt and fit in the crowd by dimming my light and not speaking up. It felt much easier to dim my light because I was afraid to speak up and feel rejected.

After graduating, I started working as a community pharmacist. By this time, we had our first baby and life was good. And then 2 more babies came along. So, here I was a mom working outside the home and still trying to raise little ones. Over time, I began feeling tired, overwhelmed and unfulfilled because I was not finding joy in what I was doing. But more so, I was frustrated with life. I was frustrated that I did not have any time for myself because I had to be a superwoman to take care of the kids.

I was completely burnt out and exhausted. I remember one day in 2019, my oldest son had fractured his elbow in school and we had to take him to the orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up.

We were rushing to get the entire family ready so that we can head out. I did not have a chance to eat breakfast that morning, So I carried my tea (it’s a special Kenyan version) and grabbed something to eat. As soon as we got in the car, my son innocently asked me what I was carrying to eat. I snapped at my son, it’s my breakfast!

My husband calmly asked me if I was okay and that all he had asked was what I was eating. I was so embarrassed and I shrunk into my chair and it hit me, I was taking out my frustrations on an innocent bystander! I realized that I was so consumed by the frustration and it was going to lead me into destruction if I did not do something about it. That was when I decided, I had enough and so, I began creating boundaries, 38 started speaking up and learnt to say no. As a

HOUSTON, TEXAS | PHARMACY SCHOOL: SAMFORD UNIVERSITY | DEGREES: DOCTOR OF PHARMACY | PREVIOUS CAREER: COMMUNITY PHARMACIST | NOW CAREER : TYPE 2 DIABETES HEALTH COACH

39

result of consistently speaking up, I’m able to have time to celebrate myself daily, I’m mentally and physically present to spend time with my family and I have space to dream and building a consulting business to help diabetes patients.

Describe what you are building/have built (your business; your career) I’m building a diabetes health coaching practice where I coach diabetes patients on how they can reverse diabetes through nutrition and lifestyle. I’m also focused on creating awareness about diabetes prevention because I believe that once people are educated about how food contributes to diabetes then they will make the right food choices. As a mom, I understand the importance of creating healthy eating habits for children and it has to start at home in order for us to have a chance at curbing the diabetes epidemic.

What’s been your biggest lesson you have learned along your journey?

Do not be afraid to go after what’s on your heart.

We are by far our biggest barriers; we get in our own way! Once I do the ‘thing’ that I perceived as challenging, then I realize how freeing it feels to get it out of the way. It’s normal to feel afraid about pursuing something outside your comfort zone. So, it’s okay to feel the fear but it’s not okay to sit in your comfort zone.

How do you respond to fear?

I use positive self-affirmations and remind myself that it’s okay to feel the fear but do it anyways. I’ve learned to ‘make a decision’ as the longer you sit in indecision the longer you handicap yourself. I feel that once I make a decision, and pray for guidance, I feel very in tuned with the decision that I’ve made and I’m able to move forward and plan the next steps. As my former coach used to say, ‘fear hates movement’ so sometimes I’ll crank up the music and just dance.

What motivates you to keep going when you doubt yourself?

My children and the vision of what I want in my life.

Being present to spend time with my family is very important to me and keeps me going. I promised myself that I would not be a virtual mom where I just see the kids but don’t really know them since I don’t spend time with them. My husband and kids 40

are very supportive and they allow me to have the time to build the business and a future for us. My three-year-old usually would ask me if I’m going to work in my room or in the car since that is how he differentiates when I have to go outside to work or have my coaching meetings.

Do not shut down that inner voice that tells you that you were made for more. You will hear a lot of noise that tells why you cannot but you have to trust yourself and the seed that God placed in your heart. The world is waiting for your talents!

As Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

When you decide to go for it- I suggest you find a coach and a community of like-minded individuals who will help guide you in the right direction.

What new thing are you embarking on in your life right now (personal or professional)?

Gardening

What’s next for you and/or your business?

The future is bright!

Who do you look up to or model yourself after (personal or professional)?

1. Growing my business to a global reach and getting to help as many people as I can to reverse their diabetes 2. Working with a not-for-profit organization in creating awareness about diabetes (I might just start this one).

3. Other business ventures in real estate.

My late dad. He was a very kind and humble man. He had accomplished a lot both professionally and personally but still served people with humility. He was a very down to earth human being and he taught me a lot of life principles especially being kind to others. I admired that and I constantly remind myself to always treat people with kindness and respect. He was a veterinarian and he was part of the reason why I wanted to be in the medical field.

Where can we find you to further connect?

Linked In- Dr. Phyllis Kamau Facebook- Phyllis Kamau

What message would you share with other women in pharmacy?

Instagram- dr.phylliskamaudiabetes 41

42

BERMUDA RUN, NC | PHARMACY SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ESHELMAN SCHOOL OF PHARMACY | DEGREES: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, DOCTOR OF PHARMACY | PREVIOUS CAREER: PHARMACY TECHNICIAN (RETAIL), PHARMACIST RETAIL, LONG-TERM CARE, ACUTE CARE, AND PHARMACY LEADERSHIP | NOW CAREER : ADJUNCT FACULTY, PHARMACY CONSULTANT

43 43

PHARMACY CONSULTANT

Dr. LaQuoia Johnson

The Grace Culture® Movement Tell your story…how did you get here?

I still remember the day like it was yesterday, I was eight years old, peering wide-eyed into what looked like a tiny baby doll enclosed in a glass case. The tubes in her nose and her tiny translucent body lifting and deflating, I was standing in the neonatal intensive care when I decided I wanted to work in healthcare. I wanted to be a pediatrician and worked my behind off in preparation for medical school. That was until my sophomore year of college when I realized I did not like children “that” much anymore. Now what? I was in my third year of college when I was forced to make my first career pivot.

Inspired by a study abroad experience in Cape Town, SA during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, I heavily considered a career in public health administration after working with a group of women who were HIV positive and whose only access to antiretrovirals was from drug studies. They’re mantra was to live life positively and enjoy it to the fullest because they knew once the drug studies ended, so would their life. Their joy and energy were infectious, and I felt a deep sense of commitment to them and other communities without access to the health care privileges to which I had become accustomed.

Returning to the states following my semester abroad, I stumbled upon a 5-week crash course in pharmacy that prepared me for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. I walked into Walgreens in Kenner, Louisiana a certified pharmacy Technician and loved every minute of this fast-paced, chaotic environment filling upwards of 800+ prescriptions per day. I thrived in the constant problem solving, chaos of the drivethru and front counter operations, and the customers who frequented our store. Within the first three

months, I decided Pharmacy was a profession worth pursuing as it was the perfect mix of medicine and public health.

I graduated from UNC Eshelman School of pharmacy in 2009 and decided to postpone residency to focus on parenting my four-year-old daughter. I worked retail and long-term care before moving to San Diego, CA where I completed two residency programs in general acute care and health system pharmacy administration.

It was in California that my eyes were opened to what diversity and inclusion looked and felt like. For the first time, I didn’t feel like the ‘Black woman’ who walked into the room.

It was returning to NC in 2016 where I learned what it was to be a Black Woman practicing pharmacy in the Good ‘Ole South. Racism is still very much alive in the state of North Carolina, and I had the pleasure of working alongside some Emmy award winning supporting actors and actresses.

For 3.5 years I directly supported a team of 63+ pharmacy technicians, which accounted for 25% of the pharmacy technician workforce in the entire health system. Most people are shocked when I share these numbers but added to that was the toxic and hostile work environment. My concerns to leadership about the work environment, and team morale were ignored from the beginning all the way through my resignation.

My report about being subjected to racism and a one-up leader who was complicit in the behaviors was swept under the carpet as I exited the department.

During those 3.5 years, I endured so much mental and physical stress that I became sick with frequent migraines, GERD, and was diagnosed with rosacea.

I felt trapped and didn’t see a way out. I was a single 44 mother, with a mountain of student loan debt, in a

45 45

profession with a saturated market. Often, I felt like the walls were closing in on me because I was literally working 24/7, bending over backwards in attempts to please people who didn’t even value me as a ‘human being’. In 2019, my mental health was suffering so much that I considered suicide.

Leaving a six-figure job in pharmacy administration during the height of a pandemic doesn’t sound like a smart decision, but it was by far the SINGLE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE. The sense of empowerment I felt walking out of that door, down the hallway, and through the double doors into the parking garage for the last time felt magical. It was as if I was levitating on air, dancing to the sweet tunes of McFadden & Whitehead singing “Ain’t No stopping me now”.

Exiting the pharmacy department was by far one of the hardest and most risky decisions I ever made as well. I didn’t know where my income was going to come from and I feared being Black-balled in pharmacy as so many Black women are when they speak up, but I knew I was no longer in an environment where I could grow and my leadership had shown me how little I was valued. I’m happier today than I’ve ever been in my life as a result of that decision. I found my peace, discovered my true purpose in life, and live out my passion daily. I didn’t know I could be this happy.

You have to be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life God has waiting for us is one of several quotes on my vision board. When I walked out of the door that magical day, September 11th, 2020, I had accepted that I may never work another day in pharmacy. Today, I leverage the skills I have acquired throughout my career to educate the next generation of pharmacy professionals, consult with the CDC Foundation and assist the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to equitably distribute COVID-19 therapeutics across the state of North Carolina. As the CEO of Growing Through It, LLC, I provide life and leadership coaching for high achieving women and facilitate EDI workshops on Graceful Leadership, a framework that equips leaders with the tools to manage diversity, foster inclusion, and promote equity for tomorrow’s work force.

I am not alone in my experience. In fact, I have had a conversation with several Black pharmacists across the US and all of them share stories of a similar nature.

It’s ironic that they all believe they have a story more egregious than mine and that’s just plain horrible.

At what point is enough, enough. I have an answer, TODAY! And, YOU are enough to be the change we need to improve the culture of pharmacy, not only for the sake of patient care, but for the sake of all of us who took an oath to relieve human suffering.

46

47

I am embarking on this journey because I’ve discovered this life is no longer about me, I’m in the legacy building phase of life and I don’t want another Black Woman in pharmacy to endure the work culture that is today’s pharmacy. I love pharmacy, I just want you all to do better and I’m and advocate for a cultural transformation.

Describe what you are building/have built (your business; your career) Professionally, Pharmacy has become my platform for building a movement for a Grace Culture®, a transformational way of leading others through the application of grace. In the same way health care adopted a Just Culture® to create the psychologically safe environments to increase patient safety, I am an advocate for a Grace Culture® creating an inclusive and psychologically safe environment where all team members can grow and thrive. The Grace culture framework is designed as personal development for growth minded leaders.

What’s been your biggest lesson you have learned along your journey?

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that I am deserving of the life I want to live. I spent a lot of time and energy building a career but building a life worth living has a greater return on investment. My joy is restored daily, and I rest in peace nightly.

How do you respond to fear?

Whew! That’s a loaded question. I’m still working on that one. I have to remind myself daily, “Faith over Fear”. I literally have it nailed across the top of my bedroom door so it is the last thing I see before I lay down at night. Fear is crippling and I didn’t know how much until I had to make a decision to take a monumentous risk. Giving up the security of a paycheck when millions of people were losing their job was terrifying. But I feared dying a slow physical and spiritual death greater than ending up on the street without a home.

What motivates you to keep going when you doubt yourself?

My faith in God who has never let me down and my daughter has always been my motivation in the past.

Today, I have an additional motivation which is to be the change I want to see, build a legacy, and become a good ancestor.

What new thing are you embarking on in your life right now (personal or professional)?

I am excited about creating a self-care room and prayer closet in my house. I decided to live my life on purpose with intention daily. This means I need a space dedicated to doing just that. My daily yoga, morning cup of tea, Bible study and prayer will take place in this new area of my home. This is a personal achievement I thought was a dream, but is becoming a reality.

Who do you look up to or model yourself after (personal or professional)?

I think it’s important that we learn to live our life, instead of living for everyone else and trying to fit their model and labelsAnd, I am inspired by three remarkable women, Beyonce, Michelle Obama, and Stacy Abrams to be Bold, Brilliant, and Tenacious in everything I do.

What message would you share with other women in pharmacy?

Personal development is just as important as continuing education. Expand your network beyond the profession of pharmacy and build a life worth living. Always love what you do and do what you love and when you find that what you are doing no longer fulfills you, don’t be afraid to pivot. Your skills are transferrable. You are right where you need to be, to get what you need to get, to leverage for your next level.

What’s next for you and/or your business?

As a life coach, I continue to help high achieving women Grow, Thrive, and if they so desire, create an exit plan to leave corporate America. As a pharmacy professional, I continue to promote health equity through my role as an author, educator, speaker, and pharmacy consultant specializing in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Where can we find you to further connect?

You can connect with Dr. LaQuoia Johnson on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/drlaquoia For booking visit www.drlaquoiajohnson.com To request further information about booking Dr. Johnson for a speaking engagement or workshop, visiting agraceculture.org. You can also read more about her story when you purchase her book How Rxacism Manifests: Inside The Small World of 48 Pharmacy on Amazon.com.

Rainbow Body Healing - Chakras Aligned by Design Written By: Dr. Gilda M. Jefferson

49

Healing is correcting the root cause of an ailment and reestablishing homeostasis.

expression and your ability to speak your truth without lying.

The bronchial tubes, esophagus, gums, mouth, teeth, thyroid, neck vertebrae, and vocal cords are collaborating organs.

Sky-blue in color, the air element comes to mind! Free, honest, and authentic communication are the manifestations of a fully functioning throat chakra. When inoperable, personal power is inhibited by the inability to speak your truth.

It all begins with You! Radical Forgiveness and Self-Love are the foundation. Releasing the stories and victimhood mentality—without judgment or shame—sets you free, creating space for Blissings!

What are chakras and why are they important?

Mystical and magical Anja is luminous indigo. Commonly called the “third eye”, this 6th chakra is centrally located between and just above the eyes. Wisdom, intuition, selfawareness, and guidance reside here.

Chakra, from the Sanskrit word cakra meaning wheel or circle, is a center of power. There are seven distinctive colored chakras located in designated regions of the body; from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. They are often associated with woo-woo spirituality and yogis.

Uninhibited, the distinction between reality and imagination, learning from all life experiences, and tapping into your higher self comes easily. Hindrances diminish intuitive cognition and decision-making. The brain, eyes, nose, pituitary, and pineal glands are the collaborating organs.

Violet/white adorns, Saharara, the 7th chakra. Hovering above the head, it is known as the “crown” chakra—the center of spiritual enlightenment. The spinal cord and brain stem are coordination points. Hence, it impacts every other chakra and organ—linking the spiritual world with Your inner and outer beauty.

Did you know Your vital life force energy flowed through them to maintain spiritual and physical balance?

The 1st chakra, Muladhara or root, is a strong, deep, rich red.

Situated at the base of the spine aiding connection to earth energies for empowerment. It governs basic needs, physical stability, and survival instincts.

Fearless, grounded and security ensue when your spine, skeleton, and immune systems allow energy to flow freely.

Insecurity, depression, and fear indicate blockage or stagnation.

Optimal function renders connectivity with higher powers.

Conversely, skepticism, isolation, and emotional distress become your reality with sub-optimal functionality.

Chakras are very important to overall health and vitality— imbalances can wreak havoc on your life.

Swadhusthana, the 2nd chakra is also called the sacral chakra.

Your reproductive system, kidneys, and bladder are the coordinating organs bathe in the bold, carefree energy of orange. Intuition, self-esteem, self-worth, and sexuality are managed here. Creativity and connecting with others are effortless when uninhibited. Conversely, infertility and/or the inability to receive pleasure may present when inhibited.

A bright, lemon-yellow glow emanating from between your breastbone and navel, is Manipura or solar plexus. This 3rd chakra governs personal power, digestion, ego, and will.

Respective organs are gall bladder, intestines, liver, pancreas, spleen, and stomach.

If you or someone you know are experiencing any of the above, here are a few self-administered healing modalities that have proven beneficial: Affirmations, aromatherapy, EFT (emotional freedom technique)/ tapping), color therapy, breathwork, journaling, mindfulness, Qigong, and Tai Chi; to name a few.

Don’t forget... It all starts with You, Radical Forgiveness and Self-Love!

Wisdom, self-confidence, and immense self-esteem are evident with an open solar plexus. Digestion, liver and/or gall bladder issues, and fear of rejection are manifestations of a stagnant solar plexus.

Radiating from the heart space in either pink or light green, is Anahata, the 4th or heart chakra. This center of unconditional love and healing encompasses your breasts, heart, and respiratory system. The resulting bridge connects the lower and upper chakras; physical and spiritual, respectively.

Free resources for can be found at www.radicalforgivenss.org and www.thetappingsolution.com; for radical forgiveness and EFT, respectively. If you have any questions or desire assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Additionally, I offer a live chakra healing course.

Take back your power, your health, and your life by healing your rainbow body — holistically.

Moon musings of...

Dr. Gilda M. Jefferson, TheWriteClinician

Compassion, caregiving, spirituality, and healthy emotional relationships ensue—love flows freely when open. When blocked, lack of self-love as well as heart disease and/or broken-heart syndrome may develop.

Vishuddha, your 5th chakra, is located in the throat area.

Known as the truth center, this region governs verbal

PharmaSis Magazine featured pharmacist and contributing author Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gilda-jefferson4982731ab/

50

51

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Gilda Jefferson Tell us a little about yourself!

Growing up in California’s foster care system, my childhood was a cesspool of abuse and neglect. Yet, I persevered!

College to adulting was interesting and unfulfilling...

Leaving spare time to collect a few more titles (US Army veteran, Dr. of Pharmacy, health coach, functional medicine practitioner, naturopath, etc) along the way.

I was Divinely guided on the path of Radical Self-love. And taught how to gingerly collect my parts, integrate and heal them holistically.

Though the prognosis was bleak, the outcome has been magical.

Psst! No hair was lost in this experiment, I am bald by choice.

Somewhere, somehow I lost me...

Describe your passion and why it’s important.

Correction, imposter syndrome triggered a recollection of who I truly was.

So, off I went on a remembrance quest.

I am passionate about LIFE and being authentic! Our interactions with all creatures should come from a place of empathy and compassion and not one of an opportunist -as we are all important.

Divinely guided to ancient lands, I’ve been honored to train with traditional medicine women and men. And due to fear/judgment of others, and my own limiting beliefs I’ve not lived My Truth nor fully embraced Me.

What do you want women in pharmacy to take away from your expertise shared in your articles

Today I embrace ALL parts of Me... free to flow and grow ~ I’ve released ALL toxicity accumulated during my time in the Rx profession.

Most importantly, I forgive Self for allowing and staying past the expiration dates.

As diagnoses of stress-induced auto-immune diseases such as Lupus and Mixed-connected tissue disease and more...

Were not worthy of Me. Due to my inability adequately verbalize my pain, or burden another, my fur baby and I left the US...After selling my house and giving away 90% of my worldly possessions.

I desire women in pharmacy to consider alternative healing modalities, for themselves and others. Additionally, we are all here for a purpose beyond work; don’t be afraid to follow your intuition to live your authentic truth.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

My name means Golden... And I am an Alkhemist🏆 Saltwater is my sanctuary where remoras love to hitch a ride when I dive.

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/gilda.jeffersun/

IG:

gj.apothecary

Liberation!!

Twitter:

web3_scribe

Until the real work began... Complete Dissection of My Beingness.

Website:

thewriteclinician.com

With my tattered mind, body, and essence strewn across the lab’s linoleum steel countertop...

52

www.drlaquoiajohnson.com

53