UPHS - Portage Heroes | Rebecca Panter, PharmD
May 23, 2022
What is your role at UPHS – Portage?
I am a Pharmacist in the Apothecary for UP Health System – Portage.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
In high school, I took classes to become a certified nurse assistant. I fell in love with patient care, and that led me to pursue a career in healthcare. My first job in pharmacy was as a technician at Walgreens and I had a great pharmacy manager there. He taught me a lot and eventually suggested I go to pharmacy school to continue my education. I took the advice to heart, and here I am!
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Pharmacy is all about accuracy and communication. I verify scripts most of the day, but we are all on the phone constantly — with patients, doctor's offices, and other pharmacies. My favorite part of the job is counseling patients on how to take their meds and answering any questions that they may have.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I worked here as a pharmacy intern in school and was then hired as a pharmacist in July 2021.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
Most of my experience is in acute care pharmacy, so retail was a big adjustment for me. The other big change was the weather — I moved here from North Carolina, so I had never experienced a real winter before.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I like to just drive around and explore the Keweenaw. It’s truly beautiful up here and I’m in love. As far as a local gem, I really enjoy the Magic Kiln Studio! My sister and I have a favorite spot just like that back in North Carolina.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
I love patient education. Spending time answering questions and demonstrating how to use some of the devices we dispense is the best part of each day. One of the best parts about being a pharmacist is building relationships with patients so that they continue to think of you as a resource in the future.