UPHS - Portage Heroes | Stephanie Johns, PharmD
June 14, 2024
What is your role at UP Health System – Portage?
I am the director of Inpatient Pharmacy.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
Watching family members deal with health issues and wanting to know more so that I could help was the initial inspiration. Having a college advisor doubt my decision to pursue pharmacy was the final shove needed to fully commit.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
A typical day is dealing with whatever comes up in the pharmacy and trying to get the required things done in between. There’s a good amount of controlled substance monitoring, meetings, and preparing for meetings. Working in pharmacy can be extremely rewarding, but also relatively difficult at times. Every day is definitely an adventure.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
Around 12 years. I started in the Apothecary, moved to the inpatient pharmacy as a staff pharmacist and IT pharmacist, and then transitioned to my current position just under a year ago.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
One big change is the sterile compounding process as of November 2023. The regulations are more strict and the requirements more demanding. To meet the new regulations, we had a pharmacy remodel which resulted in a beautiful cleanroom suite. We are still adapting to the changes!
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
My husband and I are attempting to hike as many Colorado 14ers as we can. We have around 10/58, so we have a long way to go. Locally, Agate Beach is my favorite place in the summer.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
Portage has an exceptional team that works well together to assist our patients while uplifting and supporting one another. It is truly awesome.