Yvonne Fairbanks, CPhT-Adv, CSPT, BCNCPT
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, Pharmacy Technician Externship Program Director
UC Davis Health
Sacramento, CA
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
6.5 years
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
My father was diagnosed with a terminal illness and prescribed a complex regimen of medications. This sparked my curiosity about what each drug treated, how they worked, and their potential side effects. While I always knew I wanted to help others, I was uncertain about the path to take. Throughout my twenties, I explored different majors before ultimately deciding on Pharmacy Technology.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a licensed and certified pharmacy technician for 16 years.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
Before becoming a supervisor, I was working an early shift at my previous hospital when an oncology nurse called to report a clogged filter on a paclitaxel infusion. I had the IV bag sent back to the pharmacy for inspection, and upon reviewing the label, I quickly realized that the wrong formulation had been compounded by another technician. The pharmacists on duty were not familiar with the different chemotherapy formulations and did not recognize the error. I was the only person able to identify the issue, and without my intervention, it would likely have gone unnoticed.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
A colleague and I had the opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas, with all expenses covered, to attend a five-day in-person training program to become board certified in nonsterile compounding.
Why did you become certified?
I aimed to expand my knowledge as much as possible while positioning myself to take full advantage of any opportunities that arose.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
For anyone considering a career as a pharmacy technician, I recommend exploring the many career paths available, joining professional organizations such as TPTS and ASHP to gain insight into the field, and committing to continuous learning while maintaining a strong sense of curiosity.