Yasir Shakoor

Why I do what I do:

As a pharmacy fraud professional, I am tasked with going after scrupulous providers and providers who prey on the vulnerable population. Ultimately, these fraudsters sometimes run away and steal millions of taxpayer dollars, and my contribution to investigating these criminals brings me joy. 

Latest Accomplishment

I wrote an article on National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) CPhT Connect involving healthcare fraud. Also volunteered as an exam item writer for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), focusing on exam content development.

Most Memorable Experience as a Pharmacy Technician:

I have made big strides in my career, from working behind the counter at a retail pharmacy to consulting clients from the comfort of my home office. My most memorable experience has been face-to-face interactions with patients and seeing their smiling faces after a pharmacy transaction. I really miss the human interaction with patients. 

Why I Became certified (if applicable):
I have been board certified as a Pharmacy Technician since 2005. Back then, pharmacy technicians were required to be registered and certified. This is one of the best decisions regarding my career growth and development, because I knew it would help me down the road. I strive to keep up with my certifications because it keeps me to stay abreast with the changing pharmacy landscape and makes me more marketable in terms of career moves. It also helps me in my current role as a pharmacy fraud analyst. 

My Passion Outside of Work:
I am blessed with two daughters who keep me busy every day and a third (boy) on the way. I would like to be more involved with mentorship opportunities if I had more time. If I can encourage and enable another person's professional or personal development, I have done my job well as a mentor. I was involved in two mentorship programs and look to be more involved in the future. "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." 

Latest Book Read:
The Price We Pay: Written by Dr. Marty Makary

Advice to Up-and-Coming Technicians:
Gain some visibility, and don't be complacent. Stay abreast with healthcare policy changes and how that's impacting the pharmacy world. Lastly, market yourself better by coming out of your comfort zone to obtain more skills, knowledge, and more professional designations.