Nick on Being a Pharmacist Dad

I’ve been asked what it’s like to be a pharmacist dad so I thought I’d share my experience, which will of course be different from what other pharmacist dads experience.Does being a parent and a pharmacist make a difference in your home and professional lives?

Yes, absolutely.  I apply my professional knowledge and experience at home and vice versa.  For example, when one of my kids had croup (inflammation of the larynx and trachea in children), I treated it with cold air, which would normally be counter-intuitive for a parent.  I find that at work, I have more empathy and sympathy with parents than before I had kids.It may also be because I have girls that I understand how parents may be protective of their kids.  This allows me to relate better with parents and I find that they are comfortable and open with me.  Regardless of the gender of the kids, though, I treat every child who walks in at The Pharmacy as my own, taking care to make recommendations based on the child’s needs and specific situation.  I appreciate that parents put their trust in us.On a practical level, I’ve lived through parenting experiences that give me first-hand insights to medical conditions, of both children and mothers, so I have a better understanding of the questions to ask to be able to make more informed recommendations to patients.

As a pharmacist, are you able to navigate the healthcare system better?  Does it also help to not be daunted by medical speak?

I understand the context of the healthcare system and how the pieces fit together (insurance, doctors, hospitals) so I have a good idea of who to contact for what my family and I need.  This saves time and stress.Having a pharmacist’s training helps as far as medical terminology, but it doesn’t cover everything, especially as each medical field and specialty has its own terminology.  I have questions just like other parents, and I take care to present them right because I respect our care providers professionally.Would you like your daughters to be pharmacists one day?

My expectation is that they get a higher level education for sure.  It can be in pharmacy, science, or another area.

Working in the medical field, are you better informed and thus less stressed as a parent?
Yes, I don’t overreact as much as if I didn’t have my knowledge and experience.  My wife is a chiropractor and I think we provide good role models for our girls.  The other day we all had blood drawn and the girls, both under 5, just sat there without reacting while their blood was being drawn.  My wife and I are able to explain to the girls what’s about to happen, why, and what it’s for, in a way that they can understand.  This makes medical visits fairly easy and stress free in our family – knock on wood!

There are stresses of the job because I’m also a partner of The Pharmacy.  The business is still fairly young and we work hard to ensure that we’ll continue on solid footing regardless of the pandemic or other market forces.  Our strategy is to provide the best service and experience possible for patients and customers.  This of course also means continually working at being a good manager and employer for our employees.

How do you find the work/life balance that works for you?

I make sure not to overwork and that I have family time.  I prioritize the time that I spend with my daughters.

My wife and I also believe in the importance of exercise and health at home and we practice what we preach.  We’re keen to pass this on to our daughters at a young age because we know that it will help with their mental development and physical growth, reduce stress levels, reduce illnesses, etc.

So far, the girls love eating healthy and being active.  My older daughter loves to run up and down Pinnacle Mountain (1.2 mile trail with a 750 ft elevation)!

Well, I hope that this blog entry might be interesting for some readers.  I look forward to seeing y’all at The Pharmacy – drop by and let me know what you think!

Nick