Woman
OF DISTINCTION
D
r. Pam Gumbs is the owner and CEO of United Pharmacy, which is a pharmacy providing personalized pharmaceutical services in conjunction with patients’ full medical history for over 20 years in Berkeley, California. Dr. Pam has been in the industry for 40 years, and is currently responsible for operations including hiring, inventory, and customer relations. She provides consultation services on all medications, specializing in asthma and respiratory disorders. She also conducts medication therapy management services for all patients. In addition to running the pharmacy, Dr. Pam is the consultant pharmacist for the City of Berkeley, president of the Alameda County Pharmacists Association, past president of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists- California Chapter, member of Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International and the Federation of International Pharmacists. Dr. Pam provides community service for Alameda County regarding substance abuse and youth education. Dr. Pam obtained a Pharm.D. from the University of California at San Francisco School of Pharmacy in 1975 and completed a Geriatrics Residency at the University of California at San Francisco Geriatric Institute. In her spare time she enjoys golf, reading, writing, sewing, museums, and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
12 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine
Dr. Pam Gumbs Owner and CEO United Pharmacy
How did you get started in your field/ industry? As a child I wanted to be of service to my community. My fields of interest included legal and healthcare. I chose pharmacy because I did not know of any women lawyers. I am grateful for that decision. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career? The world tends to pick upon the intellectual human beings. As a Black woman of color, the world appears to pick upon me twice as much for that reason alone. How do you achieve work/life balance? Life is 90% attitude. I believe that my work is pretty much a part of my life. I enjoy my work as much as I enjoy my family and friends. I sincerely believe that finding a career that is rewarding to oneself gives one an optimistic view of life. What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours? My escape and/or recharge button began as a child when my mother asked me to just sit down and read a good book. Even today, picking up a journal, book, or even a good continuing education article tends to put that smile back on my face. I am once again ready for the challenge now before me. What advice has helped you get to the next level?
The golden rule has been my template for life and living: Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. What book is on your bedside table right now and why? My younger brother gave me “The Expositor’s New Testament” to read as a guide upon reading and interpreting Bible verses. During challenging times, one often misinterprets events based upon attitude. An overview of the situation might show two opposing viewpoints. When the positive is challenged, one can seek another unbiased viewpoint from this book. What does empowerment mean to you? I often liken the world of pharmacy to the term “cutless surgery.” Whom does the community patient come to regarding the correction of a physical or psychological occurrence but the pharmacist, who through their knowledge of clinical pharmacy can offer the proper referral or medication to correct these things without actually entering the amazing human body? I sincerely believe that knowledge is empowerment. The knowledge of dispensing the proper medication to the right patient for the right disease state and the patient’s compliance with a medication regimen is empowering. Teamwork among the provider, the pharmacist, the nurse, the dentist, and the patient is essential. www.consultingwithdrpam.com
