Women Who Work: Dr. Dana Hill (@dpatriceh)

At Hugs for Black Women, we are committed to encouraging and empowering our female community and look forward to connecting with women on a mission to do the same. This week, we sat down with clinical pharmacist and hometown hero, Dr. Dana Hill, to continue our conversation with women who work. The practitioner spoke to us about everything from faith and finding love to medicinal marijuana. Read on for her powerful words of wisdom.

HBW:     Can you tell us about your current position and how you’re using that role to impact your community?

Dr. Hill:   I am an outpatient clinical pharmacist for Coastal Family Health’s 340B pharmacy. The 340B program enables the government to give us special rates on medications to provide service and savings for people in the community. In my role, I complete outpatient pharmacist duties and provide clinical support, such as educating patients about their disease state, showing patients how to use devices for their disease state, and collaborating with prescribers to provide the best care to our patients. At Coastal, we make sure that patients in the community can afford quality healthcare.

HBW:     When did you know that you wanted to become a pharmacist?

Dr. Hill:   I always knew I wanted a doctorate in the medical field, but I wasn’t sure which profession. When I was registering for college, a small voice in my head said pre-pharmacy. I told my mom, and she managed to get me a shadowing opportunity following a pharmacist at the hospital where she worked. After that experience, I knew I wanted to become a pharmacist.

HBW:     How has your professional journey to this point been? What words of advice can you give to someone who may experience similar challenges on their journey?

Dr. Hill:   My professional journey to this point has been good. I have had some ups and downs, but I’ve made it with the help of God. “Give it to God” is the best advice I can give because at the end of the day, He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time. I know personally that He will.

HBW:     Congratulations on your recent engagement! Tell us how we can attract our dream mate.

Dr. Hill:   Thank you. Be patient and know that love will come along when you least expect it. I was joking with my sister one day before going into work for an overnight shift. They were going to be doing construction in the pharmacy where I worked, so I told her, “I’m going to meet my husband there.” I wasn’t looking my best at all, but that’s exactly where I met him. We talked the whole night. He shows me a lot of love, so my advice is to let fate lead the way.

HBW:     Knowing you personally, I’ve seen your faith in action. How has this assisted you along the way?

Dr. Hill:

  Without God, I would not be at this point in my life. He has shown me so many times that He is real and that He will be there to hold your hand and give you comfort at your lowest.

HBW:     What words of encouragement do you have for black women?

Dr. Hill:   Be you! Never become the person you’re not just to fit in. Only change to make yourself better. I have been told to tone it down so many times, but I’ve always stayed true to myself.

HBW:     What is the best piece of medicinal advice you can give?

Dr. Hill:   Know your body and listen to your body. When something doesn’t feel right or feels different, get it checked out. I don’t care if it’s as small as a cut that you think or see is not healing correctly; get it checked. And if you don’t feel comfortable with the first opinion, get a second one to be on the safe side.

HBW:     Life Advice?

Dr. Hill:   Always take care of yourself first.

HBW:     What goals and projects are you working on for the rest of the year?

Dr. Hill:   I am working on getting into the medicinal cannabis field. So hopefully, by the end of the year, I will have everything I need to open my dispensary and begin cultivating cannabis. I’m also planning my wedding.