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Oct. 22, 2024
National Pharmacy Week: Meet Pfc. James Vradenburg III
Tripler Army Medical Center — What do you do? I work as a pharmacy technician in the pharmacy's supply section, which is the inpatient pharmacy. This position entails ordering medication stock for the outpatient section of the pharmacy. I also assist in filling stock for the automated medication dispensing systems located within various wards in the hospital, as well as making crash cart sets to be placed within the carts located throughout the hospital. How long have you worked at TAMC? I’ve been at TAMC since September of 2023. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy everything about my job and the role I fill. Pharmacy is vital to a hospital, the world, and our everyday lives. I love seeing all the medications we order and dispense throughout the hospital, how they move, and what they do. I love the complexity of the drugs we dispense, and their ability to do so many different things for so many people. I love knowing that the drugs we dispense will treat people and help them make a positive difference in their lives. Why did you become a pharmacy technician? I knew that when I joined the Army, I would want to be a Pharmacy Technician. I went to Fort Sam Houston to learn the various aspects of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Certified Pharmacy Technician.
National Pharmacy Week: Meet U.S. Army Capt. Chuck Hennes, PharmD
Tripler Army Medical Center — What do you do? I am responsible for optimizing medication therapy through evidence-based recommendations in an interdisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes. How long have you worked at TAMC? Three months. What do you enjoy about your job? I like collaborating with other health care providers and caring for our patients. Why did you become a pharmacist? I was a chemistry major in college and thought drugs were pretty cool. This led me on a unique journey of self-discovery and enlightenment when seeking a suitable career. I saw an opportunity to apply to pharmacy school and went for it. Now, I try to convince others that some drugs are excellent and can help you.
National Pharmacy Week: Meet Dr. Chris Tan, PharmD, BCPS
Tripler Army Medical Center — What do you do? I participate in patient care rounds, collaborate with the ICU care team, and provide medication-related input and recommendations during rounds. I also help recognize potential inefficiencies or problems in medication management processes and propose and implement solutions to improve medication safety and workflow efficiency. How long have you worked at TAMC? 18 years. What do you enjoy about your job? I appreciate the fast paced, high acuity environment of the ICU and find fulfillment in knowing that my work truly makes a difference. I enjoy mentoring pharmacy residents in Critical Care Medicine and demonstrating vital contributions Clinical Pharmacists make. Why did you become a pharmacist? I have always had a strong interest in pharmacology and physiology. During college in the Bay Area, I was inspired by the pioneering work of the Clinical Pharmacists at UCSF in Pharmaceutical Care, which solidified my decision to pursue a career in Clinical Pharmacy.
National Pharmacy Week: Meet Ms. Amanda Lucero
Tripler Army Medical Center — What do you do? I help pharmacists fill prescriptions, handle medication orders, assist patients, and ensure they get the proper medications safely and on time. How long have you worked at TAMC? A little over a year. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy making a positive impact on patients’ lives, the variety of tasks, and the fast-paced, team-oriented environment. How did they become a pharmacy technician? I became a pharmacy technician by completing a training program, passing the pharmacy technician certification board, and gaining hands-on experience at a retail pharmacy.
National Pharmacy Week: Meet Dr. Catherine Sexton, PharmD, BCPS
Tripler Army Medical Center — What do you do? I am an inpatient pharmacist who helps verify and prepare medications for patients throughout the hospital. How long have you worked at TAMC? I have worked at TAMC for 1.5 years, but previously, I transferred from Walter Reed Naval Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), where I worked for three years. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy helping patients by working with providers and nurses to deliver safe pharmaceutical care. I focus on compounding oral liquid medications for patients who are unable to swallow tablets, and I am glad I can help these patients in this way since they are often pediatric patients. How did you become a pharmacist? I became a pharmacist by attending the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy for six years. After that, I completed pharmacy residency training in Massachusetts.
July 18, 2024
Dog Days of Summer: Meet Ruby and John Flanagan
TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii — Ruby, a 6-year-old labradoodle, has been a volunteer therapy dog with the American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program since 2019. Ruby is trained to provide comfort and emotional support services to military members, veterans, and families at Tripler Army Medical Center. Ruby started her training with the Alliance of Therapy dogs as a puppy. The classes lasted 24 weeks and the training focused on chasing, jumping, and wrestling. After Ruby turned a year old, she took a socializing class.
May 6, 2024
Nurses Week 2024
Tripler Army Medical Center — This week is Nurses’ Week! We want to give a huge mahalo to all of our nurses out there who do such amazing work and provide excellent care to our patients. #NursesWeek #NationalNursesWeek
May 1, 2024
Tripler Army Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy ScriptCenter
Tripler Army Medical Center — Tripler Army Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy ScriptCenter
April 12, 2024
From the clinic to the stage: A Tripler physician performs in local theater
Tripler Army Medical Center — When U.S. Army Capt. David Samsel, a physician, is not working at Warrior Ohana Medical Home in Kapolei, he can often be found acting on a local theater stage. This year, he played Eddie McCune in the Diamond Head Theatre’s production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” which ran Feb. 2-24. The play is a fast-paced and deliriously funny farce that takes place in an isolated mansion in the middle of a snowstorm. The characters are cut off from the outside world with only a deranged murderer, the Stage Door Slasher, for company.
March 22, 2024
National Doctor's Day: Meet Col. Matthew Pflipsen
Tripler Army Medical Center — In honor of National Doctors’ Day on March 30, Tripler Army Medical Center is featuring one doctor each day this week. The annual observance serves as an opportunity to honor the dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality care at TAMC and beyond.