Today, we’re sharing Part 2 of our interview with Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Christina White. She gives us deeper insight into pharmacy life and her personal experience with VA.
What role does Pharmacy play in VA’s integrated model of care?
Part of the PACT model is having a clinical pharmacy specialist on the team who addresses medication issues. The physician can refer a patient to the pharmacist between visits if they need to focus more intensively on, for example, blood sugar. So, the pharmacist is essential to the PACT team because they help the provider get the patient to their treatment goals.
What are some of the benefits of working in a VA pharmacy?
As a mom of two young kids, I’m grateful to have a healthy work-life balance. VA provides a great vacation package, and the insurance benefits are excellent, too. My husband was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease, so the insurance has been a total lifesaver.
Christina A. White, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Assistant Chief, Pharmacy Service
What new initiatives are you most excited for in the next year?
We have a lot of new technology being implemented. For example, the Pharmacy Carousel is going to enhance our inventory management system and will hopefully increase our turn rates while minimizing costs. I’m also excited about the inpatient pharmacy construction project to implement USP <800> and how it’s changing the way we handle hazardous pharmaceuticals. Plus, I’m doing a research project with an oral surgeon on the use of anticoagulants during the perioperative period.
Favorite part of working at VA?
The people. I love serving Veterans, and I think of my team as the family I chose. I truly do look forward to getting up and going to work every day.
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