We were lucky to catch up with Wesam Samour recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wesam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

During my time as a pharmacist at a hospital, a pivotal moment shaped my approach to patient care. My mentor instilled the philosophy of “treating patients as if they were your own family.” Initially, I didn’t grasp the profound impact this would have.

Over time, I recognized that any initial motivation can wane if not connected to a larger purpose. Pharmacy, like many fields, can become routine. We answer questions reactively but rarely delve deeper.

This realization ignited a transformation in my approach. Rather than simply responding to immediate queries, I initiate conversations with open-ended questions, offering insights into wellness, medication management, and navigating the healthcare system. Patients often don’t know what they don’t know, so this proactive engagement proved invaluable.

Beyond medication expertise, pharmacists can be instrumental in promoting overall well-being. For example, a diabetic patient might believe our role is limited to medication, but we can effectively guide lifestyle modifications and broaden their health awareness. I incorporate this into consultations by asking questions like, “As you start this pre-diabetes medication, what dietary and lifestyle changes have been recommended? What do you understand about processed sugars?”

By drawing upon past patient experiences and my clinical knowledge, I could provide proactive information. For instance, I might explain, “Based on previous interactions and common side effects, it’s best to take this medication with food. Additionally, you may experience headaches; consider taking a non-NSAID pain reliever if needed.”

This approach transformed how I approached patient care. Now, I ask myself, “If this patient were my loved one, would I feel I’m doing everything possible?” This transcends fulfilling basic expectations and compels me to go the extra mile to ensure they receive the best possible experience – one that is both ethical and clinically sound.

This simple shift, born from treating patients like family, has become the cornerstone of my approach to pharmacy practice.

Wesam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a licensed pharmacist in five states and the founder of Albatenius.com and Fillcera Pharmacy. I believe in empowering patients through knowledge and personalized care. My entrepreneurial journey in healthcare began with Albatenius.com, an online platform I founded to empower pharmacy personnel with knowledge.

Building on the foundation of how important healthcare education is, I recognized an opportunity to translate that knowledge into tangible, personalized care. This led to the creation of Fillcera Pharmacy.

Over the past decade, I’ve thrived in diverse pharmacy roles, from retail to clinical settings. I’ve even leveraged my tech background to optimize healthcare systems. This diverse experience, combined with my tech background and Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy, gives me a unique perspective on patient care.

At Fillcera, we’re not just dispensing medications; we’re building a partnership with our communities. We initiate conversations, explore wellness options, and collaborate with our people to achieve optimal health. Our goal is to go beyond the prescription, offering personalized guidance and support. It’s like having your own personal pharmacist, always available to answer questions and optimize your health.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

We at Fillcera believe that, of course, strong training and up-to-date knowledge are essential. They equip us to deliver exceptional service and stay informed about the latest advancements. However, what truly drives success is deep motivation tied to a bigger purpose.

For us, that purpose is empowering patients to take charge of their health. When we see a patient who previously felt lost, gain confidence and knowledge through our support – that’s the fuel that keeps us going. This intrinsic motivation translates into dedication, empathy, and a genuine desire to go above and beyond for every patient

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team is about recognizing individuals while fostering a collaborative environment. It’s essential to see our team members as whole people, not just employees. This means understanding that life happens outside of work, and it’s okay for team members to have bad days. Encouraging open communication and empathy is crucial.

Beyond that, we believe in leading by example. Keeping our promises, sharing successes, and investing in our team’s well-being are paramount. This includes offering tangible rewards like surprise days off, additional PTO, or even tickets to events. These gestures demonstrate our appreciation and commitment to their overall satisfaction.

Ultimately, a high-performing team is built on trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. By creating a supportive and inclusive culture, we empower our team to reach their full potential

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fillcera.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fillcera/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fillcera/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FillceraPharmacy/search