Thomas A. and David A. Garza of the Medicine Shoppe in San Benito are seen Tuesday inside the business. (Staff photo by Heather Cathleen Cox)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
“I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare profession. I always enjoyed taking care of customers. I thought it would be beneficial to the community,” said 2005 San Benito High School alum, Thomas A. Garza.
Thomas, 25, is the son of local pharmacist and Cameron County Commissioner David A. Garza and his wife, Dorothy of the Medicine Shoppe.
Thomas graduated in May 2012 from Texas A&M Health Science Center Rangel College of Pharmacy in Kingsville with a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree. Thomas received his undergraduate degree in pre-pharmacy from the University of Texas.
“In pharmacy school, I did my year of rotations,” explained Thomas. The rotations of which he spoke took him to Scott & White Hospital in Temple, he said. Additionally, he received certification in the pharmaceutical science of comprehensive compounding with the Professional Compounding Centers of America.
On why he came back to the Valley, Thomas said simply, “I came back to be a part of the family business, for the slow pace of life,” and he slowed his speech thoughtfully as he continued, saying, “and the opportunity to be able to take care of patients the way I want to.” Thomas was referencing the difference between working independently and being employed by a national company, where his liberty to care for patients on a one-to-one basis would not necessarily be equal.
“Everyone comes out of school wanting to be the best,” said Thomas. “The opportunity I have in San Benito, with my dad’s reputation, I want to build on that. I want to build trust with the customers.”
County Commissioner David A. Garza is happy that his son has chosen to follow in his footsteps. A smile spread across the commissioner’s face as he said, “I feel extremely proud of him (Thomas). I look forward to working with him to continue to provide our community with good quality healthcare.”
The commissioner said his pharmacy “has been here over 30 years. We feel very strongly, not only about selling medication, but we also get involved with customers’ quality of care and try to improve their quality of life. That’s what sets us apart from the competition.”
To that note, an excited Thomas said, “The whole goal is we want to be flexible. We want to be there when someone needs us.” Thomas expanded by saying, “I want to build a relationship with local practitioners, to get our customers the best quality of care.”
Thomas said if he, as a pharmacist, can establish rapport with local physicians, his customers will see the benefit when they need refills on prescriptions, advice, and the like. “We do try to make a difference. If we have to call insurance, practitioner, family member, we’re trying to do our best to take care of everyone so people come back,” said Thomas.
“We feel like we’re one of the best kept secrets in San Benito,” said Thomas. “We know our customers by name.” Even as I was speaking with Thomas at the Garza’s pharmacy, his father stepped away to greet a faithful customer by name and shake her hand.
“We offer a different vibe,” Thomas continued. “We’re your hometown pharmacy. There are great men in this industry, but it is a tough market. San Benito has several local pharmacists that offer quality care. Ben Fry wrote one of my letters of recommendation when I was applying to schools and has been a great colleague of my dad for many years.” Thomas was speaking of another local pharmacy in San Benito, Fry’s, that Thomas said offers a similar quality of care to their clientele.
Thomas has one brother and one sister who both reside locally. Regarding his ambition for the future, Thomas said, “I want to sustain our independent practice. I want to take that extra time with patients and offer a personal touch.” He added, “To be in business 33 years is a feat in our industry.”
Thomas added, “A pharmacist is the most accessible healthcare provider. We’re more than happy to offer advice and service to our customers.”
While Thomas doesn’t know what his future entails, he did say, “I love what I do, and hope I can do it forever. I enjoy going to work every day.”
Read this story in the Nov. 14 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
2 comments
Be prepared plan for the future because medicine it’s a big topic in Washington. Lots of cuts when in come to reimbursement rates. But like everything there is highs and lows and if the economy gets better which I believe it will, things will look better in the field of Medicine. Besides all that there is nothing greater than one person’s desire of his contribution to society and to serve his his community.
Very Proud of you Thomas!!! You will do great.