Just what the doctor ordered

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Trips to the pharmacy usually coincide with sickness or injury, and often times, don't conjure warm feelings for those seeking medication, but on the other side of the window, things are different.

"People think we just count pills and hand them out, but we do so much more," said Capt. Audrey Ameigh, 509th Medical Group officer in charge of pharmacy operations.

"We counsel patients and make sure they know how to properly use their medications. We don't just hand them drugs and send them out the door."

Helping people heal is what Captain Ameigh adores about her job.

"The most rewarding aspect of the job, for me, is the interaction with the patients," Captain Ameigh said. "We are here to keep our Airmen and their families healthy, so they can focus on their mission."

Master Sgt. Knicole Akins, 509th MDG NCO in charge of pharmacy services, who earned distinction as Air Combat Command Pharmacy NCO of the Year in 2009, enjoys the positive effects her job has on her customers.

"I enjoy helping the patients," Sergeant Akins said. "The medications we give them can be life saving or improve their quality of life."

Customers at the Whiteman Pharmacy include more than active-duty military. In fact, the majority of customers aren't in uniform.

"Our active-duty Airmen aren't on a lot of medications," Captain Ameigh said. "We see mostly retirees and dependants. We have patients that drive 200 miles; they make a whole day of it."

While the circumstances that lead to a trip to the pharmacy may not be the best, customers can rest assured that the technicians at Whiteman are dedicated to excellence.