Pharmacist Spotlight: Phil Gardner

Pharmacist Spotlight

Meet Phil Gardner, PharmD the location manager at our Hawthorne Camden Pharmacy!

Where did you go to school?
I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my bachelor’s degree and the University of Georgia for my PharmD.

How long have you been with Hawthorne?
I completed a one-year pharmacy residency with Hawthorne and the University of South Carolina in June 2020 and then returned to Hawthorne for a full-time position in April 2021.

What made you want to go into pharmacy?
When searching for potential career options, a series of aptitude tests identified community pharmacy as one of about 50 careers that would suit me well. I explored this option further and liked what I saw: a chance to play a meaningful role in my community and tap into my full potential while leveraging my natural skill set.

Why did you choose Hawthorne Pharmacy?
I love the Hawthorne Pharmacy team. Everyone buys into the culture of excellent customer service and teamwork. I felt at ease with the staff from my residency interview day.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The moments I enjoy most are making interventions that impact a patient’s life in simple but significant ways. When a patient returns to the pharmacy and thanks me for an over-the-counter medication I recommended a week ago or someone else tells me she’s successfully checking her husband’s blood pressure at home because I taught them proper technique, those are the moments that keep me going.

Any hobbies? Fun facts?
I reported on local sports for a daily newspaper before embarking on my pharmacy journey. I still enjoy following sports, especially my UNC Tar Heels and Georgia Bulldogs. I like to stay active, whether it’s riding my bike, playing basketball, or going for a round of disc golf.