Tech Trek Navigator: Denise Blume, CPhT-Adv
Denise has seen pharmacy evolve from paper to digital, but one thing hasn’t changed: her passion for helping people thrive. She found her calling early in life and turned it into a career full of impact, growth, and purpose.
What inspired you to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)?
I started in high school through the work program. I learned so much that year, I decided this is what I wanted to do. I enjoyed the people I met and cared for. They were more than just customers. I have also worked with some great pharmacists and fellow technicians.
Tell us about your first day as a CPhT.
I felt nervous and inadequate. Feeling inadequate is easy to do when you are new. In 1983 when I started, there were no classes that taught anything about pharmacy. There were, at the time, what seemed like so many drugs. I also had to learn what sig codes meant. I was 16—it was overwhelming. I was very fortunate to have a great supportive staff of pharmacists and clerks to teach me the ropes. Once I realized I could do this, I just set my mind to learn as much as I could. With the encouragement I received, here I am 30 years later.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a CPhT?
The relationships you develop with patients and coworkers.
I’ve found fulfillment in helping train a new compounder named Kimberly. I’m so proud of the progress she has made in just a short period of time. Seeing her potential and drive reminds me why I love this work.
Can you share about a specific patient or coworker who has made a lasting impact on you?
There are many people who have made an impact on my life through this journey. The pharmacist who believed in me and hired me in 1987, Mike Holbert, taught me so many life lessons—but the biggest was to show compassion to others. In the last 10 years, I’ve had Susan Roerecke, RPh, and Shawn Sams, PharmD, to work with. Shawn has given me the opportunity to learn compounding. Susan has been there every step of the way to ensure I have the guidance that I need.
What motivates you to continue excelling in your role after 30 years?
I still enjoy what I do. The thing that brings me the most joy—and always has—is knowing that I am helping someone to achieve better health. I think that’s what all of us strive for.
How has the role of the pharmacy technician changed since you started?
The role of technician has changed so much. When I first started, basically all we could do was type labels and pull drugs. All transactions were in cash—there wasn’t any online insurance billing. We didn’t even have a computer. We referenced everything through index cards with patient names and a list of their drugs. Technology has certainly been a welcome change for me.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their career as a pharmacy technician, what would it be?
Accuracy matters more than you think. Take pride in doing things the right way.
If you could relive one year of your career, which year would it be and why?
If I could relive one year it would be the very first year of pharmacy technician certification. That’s the year we were given more responsibility in the pharmacy.
What life accomplishments outside of work are you most proud of in the past 30 years?
The things I am most proud of are my family. I’ve been married for 37 years to an amazing man. We have a beautiful daughter and granddaughter.
