Mark Lanasa

Why I Do What I Do

I have always had the desire to work in the healthcare profession since middle and high schools, so that I could help others and feel like I am helping to make a difference in their lives. Initially I was unsure of what specialty I should focus my attention on, but my first job out of high school solidified that decision for me. I was hired by Walgreens as a pharmacy technician, which has lead me to the career path that I am on today, and I could not be more grateful. I moved up the technician ladder at Walgreens, and moved through different store specialties which included compounding, mail order, and specialty pharmacy. From there I moved on to hospital pharmacy to support the inpatient staff and then transitioned to an automation position. As Automation Specialist, I supported all hospital staff in establishing and supporting the automatic dispensing cabinets that stored and dispensed medication for patient orders in acute care facilities. I then transitioned to EPIC Analyst, supporting the Willow Pharmacy module for the hospital's Electronic Health Record platform and allowing me to use my previous experience to provide a technician’s insight into workflows and decision-making processes.

I believe that having a career in a field that you love and being willing to give it your all enables you to provide the best atmosphere for growth and mentorship to fellow pharmacy colleagues to pursue their dreams. 

Latest Accomplishment

I have recently transitioned to my dream job of becoming a pharmacy consultant for healthcare organizations that are implementing or optimizing their pharmacy build on the EPIC Electronic Health Record platform. I am using my experience from multiple aspects of pharmacy and assisting healthcare organizations to create a more robust and efficient pharmacy model for their users. I have also begun my work in graduate school toward earning a master’s degree in Healthcare Leadership so that I may help healthcare organizations remain successful during healthcare changes and remain viable for them to continue to serve their patients.

Most Memorable Experience as a Pharmacy Technician

While working for Walgreen's Pharmacy, I assisted the company with many buy-outs of other retail companies, bringing those patients and staff into the Walgreen's family. The most memorable of those buy-outs were the ones I completed in New York City when the transition of Duane Reade Pharmacies occurred. I had the opportunity to take multiple trips to the city and assist those pharmacies with the transition to the Walgreen's pharmacy system and provide support for those staff involved. I was able to help Duane Reade use a more efficient pharmacy software that increased the benefits and convenience of services provided to its customers and staff.

Why I Became Certified

I became certified because I wanted to excel in my career path and grow with my employers. I became certified within six months of being hired by Walgreens, and was quickly promoted to a certified technician position. Becoming certified was not only about career growth. It was important to be the best I could be for the patients and community I served, and to fully fulfill my desire to become the best technician I could.  

My Passion Outside of Work

While cooking has always been a passion of mine, and was my career aspiration when I was younger, my new passion has been enjoying time with my loved ones, friends, and fur-children. My new career involves constant travel, so when I return home I am excited to spend my time surrounded by people that I care deeply about and my four fur-children. I currently have two dogs, two cats, and a bearded dragon that require a lot of love and spoiling when I come home from traveling.

Latest Book Read

While most of my time is currently spent reading for graduate school, my ultimate favorite are the books in the Harry Potter series. I spent my childhood reading those books, which gave me an escape from reality and allowed me to connect and grow up with those characters.

Advice to Up-and-Coming Technicians

My advice for up-and-coming pharmacy technicians is to make sure you have a desire to grow and to advance your career in pharmacy. With the healthcare realm ever-changing, opportunities for pharmacy technicians are constantly evolving and prompting change which can open more doors for your career path. Having the motivation to be focused in your career, but also keeping the patient at the forefront, will help not only you succeed, but the health of your patients as well.