Not many people think of hiking as a way to slow down, but for Genoa Healthcare Site Manager Michelle Chiang, PharmD, that’s exactly what it does.
Raised in Ohio and an alumna of Ohio State, Michelle moved to Washington eight years ago for one main reason: the landscape. A lover of all things hiking, backpacking and snowboarding, Michelle had an urge to be closer to the mountains, and a career in pharmacy gave her the flexibility to make the move and explore her options.
“I’m a really extroverted person so I love that pharmacy gives me the chance to talk to so many people, like our consumers and other health professionals,” Michelle said. “So, when I’m in the mountains, it’s a nice way to force myself to slow down and unwind.”
The pharmacist began working at Genoa a few years into her move out West. “I’m really interested in psychology and behavioral health — how it all works together,” Michelle said. “So, with Genoa, I get to do all parts of my job that I love — the chemistry behind the medicine, the art of psychology and the extroversion of leading a team and working closely with my facilities.”
Apart from hiking, Michelle’s greatest passion is making an impact.
“At Genoa, my team and I have a chance to not only make a difference for our consumers directly, but also their families,” she said. “To see the positive impact of our care team has on someone and their support system is really rewarding.”
Above all, Michelle wants her consumers to find the same peace she feels in the mountains.
“The feeling you get when you reach the top of a mountain is indescribable. Just like seeing a consumer stay on their treatment plan and lead a more stable life,” Michelle said. “I feel really lucky that I get to work in a pharmacy that allows me to have the biggest positive impact possible.”
