01/12/2026
In honor of National Pharmacist Day, we’re proud to spotlight Asha Patel, Pharmacy Supervisor at Dumfries Ambulatory Care Center, whose leadership exemplifies dedication, compassion, and a commitment to high-quality patient care.
After more than 20 years as a manager in the corporate environment, Asha came to SHR seeking greater balance and a deeper sense of purpose in her work. She leads with intention and heart, guided by a simple philosophy: “I want to make change in a positive way.” For Asha, that begins with creating a culture where her team can come to work “with a happy heart,” knowing they are respected, supported, and empowered.
Asha is quick to share the credit, saying, “My team makes me shine.” She also expresses appreciation for her supervisor, Mark Anderson, noting that his leadership empowers her to, in turn, empower her team. By fostering respect, trust, and a focus on the whole person—including work-life balance—Asha helps her team thrive while creating a culture that brings her deep fulfillment: “We are a team with a shared mission, each of us motivated and driven. I’ve learned so much over the years, and I’m now in a position where I am truly living my best life with SHR.”
That culture directly impacts patient care. “A positive environment for the team creates a positive environment for the patients,” Asha explains. During a recent Joint Commission visit, the Dumfries pharmacy received feedback that their approach could serve as a model for other military facilities—an achievement Asha describes as “so humbling.”
On National Pharmacist Day, we thank Asha and pharmacists across SHR for their leadership, teamwork, and commitment to creating environments where both patients and professionals can thrive.
