Lifelong Maine resident Kayla Stewart started her professional career as a researcher in a laboratory. “I was working with pipettes, PCR reactions ... it was very boring and lonely,” she remembers. “The test tubes didn’t talk back. I wanted to meet people, to help them.”
One round of pharmacy school later, Kayla now does just that, serving the Portland community as a CVS Specialty pharmacist treating patients with complex and rare conditions — and there are many who need her help.
“We have a partnership with a local clinic to help provide care to people struggling with homelessness,” she explains. “When you’re worried about your next meal or shelter for the night, refilling your medication isn’t at the top of your priority list.”
Putting her patients’ health needs first
As a pharmacist for many people who fit this description, Kayla often takes extra steps to make sure their health care needs are met. Site Manager Cheri Wiley can attest: “It’s Kayla’s ability to relate to people on a real human level that builds strong bonds and helps them to stay adherent to their medication. It can be lifesaving,” she explains.
