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Pharmacy Technician Organization

Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association

As the only forum for the global oncology pharmacy technician community, OPTA provides a voice and resources for oncology pharmacy technicians worldwide. OPTA is by oncology pharmacy technicians for oncology pharmacy technicians. We give our members this platform to connect and work together to advance personally and professionally to provide a higher level of care for our patients. For us, that means advocating for oncology pharmacy technicians to be an influential voice for patients undergoing cancer care. Membership is complimentary. 

Meet Heather, a pharmacy technician with 24 years of experience, currently serving as the Business Operations Specialist at UW Health. As the first technician in a leadership role at UW Health NI, she has spearheaded initiatives like the Centralized Refill Team, which supports ambulatory clinics across the system. A Certified Oncology Pharmacy Technician, Heather is dedicated to patient-centered care, building strong connections with patients and driving improvements in safety and efficiency through teamwork and innovation.

“I love helping patients in any way I can, whether it’s assisting with medication access or just being there to listen when they need support.”

Learn more about Heather's role

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as a pharmacy technician?
I have been a pharmacy technician for 24 years. I started at Walgreens and then came to UW Health after just a year and a half. I have done basically every job that is available to technicians in our health system. The role I am currently in is the firstever leadership role for a technician at UW Health NI.  

Explain your current role at your practice.
In my current role as Business Operations Specialist, I work with the Ambulatory Pharmacy departments helping to equip and train technicians and new projects. My current project is starting a Centralized Refill Team for all of the ambulatory clinics at UW NI.  

What aspects of being a pharmacy technician do you find most rewarding?
I love creating and implementing new projects for the pharmacy team. In my time in Specialty Pharmacy, I enjoyed helping patients sign up for assistance to pay for their medications.  

How do you stay updated on new medications and advancements in pharmacy practice? Are there any certifications or specialized training you are pursuing or have completed?
I like to do a wide range of CE and I am a member of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists and NCODA. I go to educational programs and conferences as often as possible. I completed my Certified Oncology Pharmacy Technician Certification this year. 

How do you ensure excellent patient care when patients? Can you share a memorable patient interaction that had a positive impact on their experience?
During my time in specialty pharmacy, I created close relationships with many of my patients. I was kind and compassionate to them and listened to them no matter what the topic was.  

One time I called one of my patients for a refill call and I could tell she had been crying. I asked her if there was anything that I could do for her. She let me know that her son had just passed away and that she could not travel out of state for the funeral due to her health. I listened for as long as she needed me to, and then I sent her a sympathy card in the mail. She was so grateful for that card that she called me to thank me. She brought it up in almost every interaction for the next several months. From that time on, she called me her angel.  

How do you collaborate with pharmacists and other team members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure quality patient care? 
We all work together as a team for our patients and keep the lines of communication open. 

How do you handle changes or challenges in pharmacy operations or technology? Are there any innovative practices or improvements you’ve introduced in your role? 
I am a person who welcomes change, especially when it helps with patient safety and improved workflow. This last year I helped implement a change with a new packing product for our cold chain shipping items. We switched from boxes that needed to be out together to ones that were already in their final form when they shipped to us. This was a small change that impacted our workflow greatly and positively. 

What achievements or moments in your career as a pharmacy technician are you most proud of?
I am most proud of completing The Certified Oncology Pharmacy Technician Certification, which was really hard! Also, my new position as a Pharmacy Business Operations Specialist.  

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a pharmacy technician? Are there specific qualities or skills you believe are crucial for success in this role?
Work hard and you will go far. Don’t ever say “that’s not in my job description”. Be willing to go the extra mile for your patients.

What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of your role as a pharmacy technician? How do you find the balance between work and personal life? 
I am a mom to a 17-year-old and enjoy taking vacations with him and my husband. I also love to play with our 94-pound labradoodle. He brings a lot of fun and goofiness to our household. I enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of nature. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. I also love to bake! 

Complimentary Continuing Education For Pharmacy Technicians

By empowering pharmacy technicians, we can create better continuity of care for patients being treated with oral oncolytics. Through free continuing education for pharmacy technicians, we’re  equipping technicians with the knowledge they need to provide quality care to cancer patients.

OPTA’S MISSION

Our Mission is to strengthen and empower oncology pharmacy technicians in their increasingly vital role as part of the medically integrated team by providing leadership and professional development opportunities to ensure better outcomes for cancer patients.

our vision and values

Our vision is for each patient to receive the maximum benefit from their cancer treatment. We can achieve this by cultivating a community focused on advancing the oncology pharmacy technician’s role through professional development and innovation.

Questions about OPTA? Please contact Taryn.Newsome@NCODA.org for more information.

An oncology pharmacy technician holds a pill bottle and smiles over his shoulder towards the camera

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OPTA LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Alicia Barnes, CPhT

AON, Patient Assistance Technician

BRANDI GUDWIEN, CPHT

Alabama Cancer, Patient Advocate

EMILY ZIMDARS, CPHT

M Health Fairview, Business Operations Specialist – Oncology

LINDA GRIMSLEY, CPHT

Vicginia Cancer Specialists, Retail Pharmacy Supervisor
headshot Sara Eisenhart

SARA EISENHART, CPHT

AON, Patient Assistant Advocate
TERI ROBERTS, CPHT

TERI ROBERTS, CPHT

Arizona Oncology, Pharmacy Technician, Admixture and Oral Medications
Vonda Headshot

Vonda McClendon, CPhT

Texas Oncology, Pharmacy Technican
Carol Hemersbach Headshot

Carol Hemersbach, CPhT, BSHCA

Arizona Blood and Cancer Specialists, Admixture/IOD Technician

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