Dallas Pharmacist Fills Prescription For Success
Jacque Borel always knew he wanted to help people. He was good at math and science and earned his Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and started working in a high volume chain drug store. His success was rewarded with a position at Baylor Garland as the director of pharmacy and later as assistant executive director of clinical/ancillary services, he was responsible for five departments and supervised a staff of 160. While at Baylor Garland, he decided to earn his master's degree in pharmacy from UT Austin.
"It was a big step, going back to school. I had four pre-teens at home and significant responsibility at work, but UT had an executive master's program that worked out well with my schedule. I knew if I wanted to have opportunities above my director's position, I would need additional training in developing new skill sets. As it turned out, the degree really opened doors," said Borel.
He became the manager of a health care consulting practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and provided expert advice in operations improvement projects at acute care hospitals, academic medical centers, VA Medical Centers, assisted living, and integrated health care organizations.
His proven track record in the administrative side of health care benefited Borel when he became the vice president of operations at Methodist Health System. In that position he was responsible for strategy and operations for a 500-bed, level II trauma facility. He oversaw multiple departments including pharmacy, laboratories, radiology, physical medicine, oncology/women's imaging, dialysis/nephrology and general hospital support services.
While Borel enjoyed his job as the vice president of operations at Methodist Health System, he missed the clinical side of being a pharmacist. He has fulfilled his passion by working at one of the nation's top-rated teaching hospitals, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center as a clinical staff pharmacist.
"I spent the early part of my career reaching for something, more responsibility, higher salary. When you get to that point, what do you really enjoy? Why did you go into the field you did? My passion really was in clinical pharmacy. It made sense to me to go back and do what I love. I get to mentor others, and do my part on the health care team to help people. It has been a good experience. Obtaining the additional degree, which I really didn't need to be a pharmacist, launched my career more broadly than I would have otherwise, and provided a wealth of experience that I use daily in dealing with a wide variety of people and situations," said Borel.
Borel has utilized his knowledge of health care to help others who are less fortunate. He has served on several not-for-profit boards and professional associations and is currently a trustee for ASD (AIDS Services of Dallas). ASD provides affordable housing and supportive services to 170 low-income and formerly homeless men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS.
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com