Lone Star College-Tomball Pharmacy Technology lab skills instructor Ann Marie Paradowski is such a busy woman, it is no wonder that she would be awarded recognition for excellence in her field, but somewhat astonishing that she would have time to stop and accept it! The Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists awarded Paradowski the Mike Knapp Pharmacy Technician award at its 67th annual seminar in San Antonio at the end of April. The Mike Knapp Pharmacy Technician Award is given each year to a pharmacy technician who demonstrates exemplary accomplishments which foster the advancement of patient care and/or the profession of pharmacy.
Ann Marie’s career as a pharmacy technician has spanned 40 years and is still going strong. She has worked in many different environments including nursing homes, retail stores, and large hospital-settings. Currently working at Houston Northwest Medical Center, she also serves as a PRN Technician for HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Cypress. This is all in addition to her teaching duties at LSC-Tomball, where she has served as a Lab Skills instructor in the Pharmacy Technology program since 2013.
Her goal as a teacher is to cultivate in her students the characteristics that have made her a credit to her field. “My hope is to instill the importance of having a strong work ethic while helping others recover from their illnesses or remain healthy,” she said. “At the same time it is important to supply outstanding technicians to assist pharmacists with their duties with sharp technical and people skills.”
When she is able to take time away from her busy work schedule, Ann Marie enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She also enjoys cooking. Her specialty is cooking homemade Italian meals for her large family. Whether as a teacher or as a practitioner in the field, she is always guided by a genuine belief in the importance of her work and the essential need to continue to produce high-quality pharmacy professionals. ”For me, the position of Pharmacy Technician plays a vital role in providing medications to those who need them in a caring and ethical manner,” she said. “I am so proud to be able to witness firsthand the rapid advancement of this rewarding profession.”