TECHNICIAN SPOTLIGHT: LORI FOSTER, CPHT

Lori Foster did not originally choose pharmacy; she stumbled into it. Lori was between jobs, and her local community pharmacy in Marengo, Iowa was looking for a clerk. Upon employment, she began immersing herself in the profession. Lori was part of the first group of pharmacy technicians to be certified in the state of Iowa. (This was before PTCB was established!)

Lori states, “Our profession changes constantly.” She can attest to the constant changes in technology, innovation and professional representation. In her first community pharmacy role, Lori would place labels into claws of the platen of a manual typewriter. The original label was placed on the vial, while carbon copies were placed on the back of the prescription and into the patient’s paper profile, and third-party claims were submitted via mail. After some time, Lori transitioned to hospital pharmacy where she had one of the few workstations with a computer. As technology continues to advance and pharmacy practice becomes more digitized, every workstation has a networked computer.

According to Lori, the most rewarding part of being a pharmacy technician is knowing she is helping people. She also enjoys mentoring new and potential technicians. In her previous hospital pharmacy role, Lori created rapport with the physicians and was able to get to know them on a personal level. In her most recent position, she had many interactions with patients, both face-to-face and over the phone. In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, she knew she was making an impact in patients’ lives, as many of them would express their appreciation and gratitude.

Lori is an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). She has also served on several committees, including IPA’s Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee and an Iowa Board of Pharmacy task force. In 2006, Lori was honored with the IPA Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award, recognizing a technician in Iowa who has demonstrated outstanding involvement in the association and profession.

Lori is not only an asset to the pharmacy profession but to her family and community as well. Lori enjoys spending time with her siblings and their families, along with her special fella and his family. In her community, Lori is involved with the American Legion Auxiliary, Friends of the Marengo Public Library Foundation, and her lacemaking group. She formerly held a seat on the Marengo Public Library Board of Trustees, which was “very enlightening to severe the public in that role.”

When asked how IPA members can prepare for and direct change, Lori expressed that continuing education is more important than ever. “Information is accessible, and relevant information is prioritized.” Lori directs change by being an active member in IPA, which, in her words, “means a lot to her.” Lori suggests members join a committee, attend the Annual Meeting, and participate in Pharmacist Day on the Hill. Technicians have a voice, and every technician has a story to be told.

Thank you, Lori, for your service to the profession and your community! ■