It’s National Pharmacy Week and we’re celebrating by highlighting five of our outstanding pharmacists — an up-close, QuVa Qu&A to learn a bit more about some of the foremost experts in the industry.
Meet these exceptional pharmacists, who range in experience from two to 31 years, but who are all QuVa proud and passionate about helping patients.
Lawrence M. Badway, R.Ph / Pharmacist-in-Charge
QuVa Location: Bloomsbury, NJ
University: Long Island University
Years in Pharmacy: 31
Years at QuVa: 3
What made you want to become a pharmacist? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or did you come by it as part of a progression in your education or career?
It was a family legacy. Watching my grandfather and father, both of whom were pharmacists, help their patients shaped my love of the profession.
How long have you been a pharmacist? Did you have a different career prior to becoming a pharmacist?
I have been a licensed pharmacist practicing for 31 years. For most of my career and prior to QuVa, I owned my own pharmacy. I did not have a different career prior to becoming a pharmacist; this has always been my passion.
2nd career choice, or what do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a pharmacist?
New Jersey State Police Officer
What do you like most about working at QuVa?
Exploring a type of pharmacy practice that did not exist when I graduated from pharmacy school.
Outside of your professional life, what do you enjoy doing?
Beach life, SCUBA diving and food (any and all types of cuisine).
Favorite quote or words to live by:
I was once told, “I don’t think that you can do it.” My response: “Bet!”
What is your advice to aspiring pharmacists?
Work in the field before graduating to explore the many possibilities in the field of pharmacy. It is a labor of love, and your favorite area may be different then you anticipated.
Linda Banh, PharmD / Formulations-Labeling Pharmacist
QuVa Location: Sugar Land, TX
University: Xavier University
Years in Pharmacy: 20
Years at QuVa: 4
What made you want to become a pharmacist? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or did you come by it as part of a progression in your education or career?
I wanted to become a pharmacist during my senior year in high school because of career stability and flexibility. The pharmacy profession is very diverse and versatile. The nontraditional work schedules allow me to create a work-life balance around my family’s needs.
2nd career choice, or what do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a pharmacist?
My second choice was dentistry.
What do you like most about working at QuVa?
I enjoy the fast-paced environment and like seeing how all the pieces of our projects come together in the end. I typically end up learning a lot about what I am capable of when working in synch with others.
Outside of your professional life, what do you enjoy doing?
Knitting and biking.
Favorite quote or words to live by:
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”— Aristotle
What is your advice to aspiring pharmacists?
Expose yourself to as many settings of pharmacy practice as you can. If possible, work for big chain retail drug stores while in pharmacy school to get familiar with medications.
Sophia Flores, PharmD / Manager, Manufacturing Operations
QuVa Location: Sugar Land, TX
Universities: University of Houston, Texas Southern University
Years in Pharmacy: 16
Years at QuVa: 5
What made you want to become a pharmacist? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or did you come by it as part of a progression in your education or career?
I always knew I wanted to make a positive impact and provide patient care, therefore, the field of pharmacy became a great fit. Becoming a pharmacist was a goal I achieved later in life based on the progression of my studies and desire to work behind the scenes.
How long have you been a pharmacist? Did you have a different career prior to becoming a pharmacist?
I have been a pharmacist for over six years. Prior to becoming a licensed pharmacist, I worked as a pharmacy technician for 10 years at two major hospitals in the Texas Medical Center. My concentration then being institutional pharmacy sterile product preparation.
2nd career choice, or what do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a pharmacist?
If I hadn’t become a pharmacist, I may have continued my education as a researcher in the field of biochemistry and genomic medicine.
What do you like most about working at QuVa?
During the current trying times, I am ever so thankful to work with such incredible employees and colleagues because of their positive attitude and ability to make the impossible, possible; it helps make the day-to-day workload achievable. Nothing is more rewarding than having the ability to see our employees giving their all to support the ultimate goal — patient care. Additionally, I appreciate QuVa’s ability to allow our employees (including pharmacy technicians) the many opportunities to grow and learn aspects of manufacturing that they would not otherwise have been able to experience.
Outside of your professional life, what do you enjoy doing?
I greatly enjoy spending quality time with my family.
Favorite quote or words to live by:
“Through perseverance, many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.” — Benjamin Disraeli
What is your advice to aspiring pharmacists?
Seek out experiences and explore career paths outside of retail and institutional pharmacies. There are a multitude of avenues within the field. I also cannot stress enough the value of peer support in any pharmaceutical setting. Share your personal experiences, discuss work, and ask for help and guidance. Throughout your career — do not be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to know it all now, the learning will continue throughout your career. Communicate well with your team; they are an invaluable resource. Above all else, your patients’ well-being and safety are always the top priority.
Trupti Sindhi, PharmD / Manager, Manufacturing Operations
QuVa Location: Temple, TX
University: University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Years in Pharmacy: 2
Years at QuVa: 2
What made you want to become a pharmacist? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or did you come by it as part of a progression in your education or career?
I was always interested in science; however, it was difficult for me to choose between being a pharmacist and a surgeon. To assist my decision, I interviewed a few pharmacists and physicians. So, I did not always know I wanted to be a pharmacist and it came about as a progression in my career, but I am happy that I chose to be one.
How long have you been a pharmacist? Did you have a different career prior to becoming a pharmacist?
QuVa is my first job as a pharmacist; I’ve been here for two years.
2nd career choice, or what do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a pharmacist?
I would be a neurosurgeon. I love studying neurology.
What do you like most about working at QuVa?
QuVa is constantly growing, changing, and achieving new heights. This keeps challenging me as a person.
Outside of your professional life, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy travelling to new places, trying new cuisine, and learning about different cultures.
Favorite quote or words to live by:
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” — Zig Ziglar
What is your advice to aspiring pharmacists?
Enjoy the whole ride of becoming a pharmacist, enjoy your IPPEs and APPEs as much as your in-class courses.
Andrea Tremblay, PharmD, BCSCP, BCNP / Pharmacist-in-Charge
QuVa Location: Bloomsbury, NJ
University: Rutgers University
Years in Pharmacy: 14
Years at QuVa: 2
What made you want to become a pharmacist? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or did you come by it as part of a progression in your education or career?
I decided in middle school that I wanted to be a pharmacist. Our local pharmacist was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to listen and assist her patients with their health issues. She showed me that healthcare could be personal and make a difference on an individual level.
How long have you been a pharmacist? Did you have a different career prior to becoming a pharmacist?
QuVa is my fourth job as a pharmacist; I have been a pharmacist for 14 years. I started my career in nuclear pharmacy and did not have a different career prior to becoming a pharmacist.
2nd career choice, or what do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a pharmacist?
I would be a librarian. I love books and sharing my love of reading with others.
What do you like most about working at QuVa?
QuVa allows me to build my knowledge base daily. This is the most intellectually challenging position I have had in my career and I continue to learn new subspecialties of my chosen profession.
Outside of your professional life, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy reading, crocheting, and roller coasters.
Favorite quote or words to live by:
“Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true.” — Ruth Bader Ginsberg
What is your advice to aspiring pharmacists?
Ask questions of your teachers. They have more knowledge to impart to you then there is time to cover in your classes.