FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Six Munson Army Medical Center pharmacy team members have been recognized as top performers in the Defense Health Network West at the Defense Health Agency's annual Civilian Pharmacist of the Year competition.
The winners are as follows:
Jarrod Miller, PharmD, Outpatient Pharmacist of the Year
Jason Brozek, PharmD, JD, Pharmacist of the Year
Wendy Harmon, PharmD, Pharmacist of the Year
Marketa Lanier, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist of the Year
Cristina Papolo, CPhT, Pharmacy Technician of the Year
Jessica Leradahl, CPhT, Pharmacy Technician of the Year
Munson's teammates will compete in DHA-level competition, with the winner scheduled to be announced at the Federal Joint Pharmacy Seminar in San Diego, California, November 10-12, 2024.
“The purpose of this awards program is to recognize civilian pharmacy employees who have contributed to achieving DHA's mission, vision and goals. The awards recognize pharmacy employees whose dedication, competence and exemplary performance have increased DHA's efficiency, enhanced agency pride and boosted employee morale,” said Capt. Jacob VanBemel, Munson's Pharmacy Department chief, Doctor of Pharmacy and board certified in Pharmacotherapy.
The news came as a surprise to the six, as they had no idea that their leadership had nominated them for the award.
“I was shocked. I'm very excited and grateful, but I was shocked,” said Papolo, who joined Munson to become a federal employee after working in retail pharmacy. “I love working here and I really enjoy the people I work with. I can't imagine working anywhere else.”
Other team members echoed Papolo's views, both regarding their choices and their job satisfaction.
“As a supervisor, I see the great work my staff does every day, really taking care of patients and doing a good job for people, and it's nice to be recognized for that. I'm very proud of my team. Military Health System is a really rewarding opportunity to serve those who serve our country,” Brozek said.
“I love the sense of teamwork; we all work together,” Harmon said. She talked about the path to becoming a pharmacist, which involves earning a bachelor's degree in a pharmacy program, followed by four years of pharmacy school. “Once you graduate (from pharmacy school), you may go on to additional studies or a residency program, depending on which path you want to go.”
That's exactly what Lanier did. Unlike others who work in pharmacies, she works in a clinical setting in Munson's primary care department. As part of the care team, she evaluates patients' health conditions for medication therapy management.
Munson is one of nine military treatment facilities within the Defense Health Network West. Munson cares for more than 13,000 military health system beneficiaries and provides core services through a primary care practice supported by pharmacy, laboratory, optometry, public health, mental health, physical therapy and radiology services. Services also include the Smith Dental Clinic and the Fort Leavenworth Military Wellness Center.
Munson supports the U.S. Army Joint Logistics Center's mission to prepare the Army to win large-scale combat operations, and also provides a 24-hour medical mission at the Department of Defense's only maximum security military correctional facility.
To learn more about job opportunities in Munson, visit USAJobs.gov and search the keywords “Military Treatment Facilities under DHA” and “Fort Leavenworth, Kansas” as the location.
Date taken: August 29, 2024 Date posted: August 29, 2024 15:21 Story ID: 479804 Location: Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA Web views: 7 Downloads: 0 Public domain
This work, “Defense Health Agency Identifies Six Federal Employees in Manson” (Author: Maria Christina Yeager, identified by DVIDS), is subject to the restrictions set forth at https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
