Meet Damonica Gorrell | Pharmacist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Damonica Gorrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Damonica, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in New Orleans and raised in Third Ward, Houston. Third Ward back then and even today had a diverse socioeconomic mix. We lived in low income housing but you could literally walk 3 blocks and see million dollar homes. One of the most successful black dentists lived just a few blocks from my apartments. Everyday I went to school I could see successful black people and that enabled me to dream and to realize that success is achievable. In addition, although my family was not wealthy, I had the opportunity to be exposed to different environments, whether it was through extended family or through school programs. The combination of my mother and exposure to different people and environments made me more well rounded and well grounded.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a pharmacist has it’s pros and cons just like everything else. Sometimes we are overlooked by other members of the health care team. We have had to fight and we are still fighting to be reimbursed by insurance companies for our clinical knowledge. However, it is one of the most rewarding careers in the health care field in my opinion. Everyday I encounter different people and I have the opportunity to work with a wide range of doctors and other health care professionals. Majority of the time a patient will seek advice as it relates to their health from their pharmacist before going to the doctor. Mainly because you don’t have to schedule an appointment to speak to the pharmacist or pay a co-pay. We are the most easily accessible healthcare professionals in the community. Even now, pharmacists are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the communities in which we live has access to the COVID-19 vaccine! As the owner and pharmacist-in-charge of The Apothecary it is important that my patients understand that I am here for the journey. When they are sick we are here and when they are well we are here! We take care of families and that includes the furry fellows too! We provide everything from vitamins to pet medications. We are here to support the health journey of our patients through all phases of their life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m vegan and a health nut so I don’t eat out a lot however, some of my favorite places to eat include Sunshines Vegeterian Health Store on OST, Local Foods, Zoe’s and Verdines. We would definitely go to Pappasitos for the table side guacamole, margaritas and ranch water. I love an outdoor patio vibe so Bar 5015 would be the place to hang out. I really enjoy the outdoors and their are tons of beautiful parks in the city, my favorite is Levy Park. We would visit the third ward murals and the Say Their Name Exhibit which honors Black Americans whose lives have been lost due to social injustice. Last but not least we would go to the Galleria for the ultimate shopping experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I had a mother (Frances Daniels) who believed in me. We were not wealthy, in fact we were poor but somehow I thought I was rich. I didn’t realize that I was actually poor until my pre-teens. That speaks volumes to the love that my mother showed me and the words of affirmation that she spoke into my life. I grew up having a mother who believed that I could do anything and that made me self-confident. My Uncle Harry (Harry Johnson, Sr.) who was instrumental in helping me achieve my dream of being a pharmacist. He has influenced my life in more ways than I think he even realizes. He represents black excellence and just his presence in my life has impacted me in such a positive way. Last but not least my business partner and friend (Austin Onyeka). This is someone who encourages and believes in me and my crazy ideas. He has definitely made the tough journey of entrepreneurship pleasant and bearable.

Website: www.taprxcare.com

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