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Dee Browne
Walmart Supercenter
1635 Market Place Blvd.
Irving, Texas 75063
https://www.walmart.com/
IRVING, Texas — Growing up as the daughter of a critical care nurse and being surrounded by health care professionals inspired Dee Browne to pursue a career in the medical field. Her choice was also inspired by a strong passion for the sciences.
Initially pursuing a career to become a physical therapist, she had a pivotal moment when a friend battled cancer; this moment fueled her passion for pharmacy.
Her journey to becoming a pharmacy manager started from scratch, without prior experience. She began as a pharmacy intern while completing her studies and transitioned to a staff pharmacist role after graduation. After a year in that position, she was promoted to pharmacy manager, a role she has proudly held for the past 13 years.
Walmart has established a workflow designed to give pharmacy teams the framework necessary to perform tasks efficiently, ultimately enhancing patient care. This structure enables Browne as a pharmacist to engage more deeply with patients, allowing her and her staff to dedicate time to discussing medications, immunizations, disease management and medical devices.
“In my pharmacy, I take immense pride in our commitment to health care accessibility,” she says. “The services offered extend beyond traditional dispensing and include vital clinical services that we offer for the diverse needs of our community.”
One of the most gratifying aspects of her work is providing clinical services. By offering a wide variety of vaccines, she plays “a crucial role in disease prevention and public health, helping to protect not just individuals but the community as a whole.”
Additionally, point-of-care testing — such as A1c measurements, cholesterol screenings and blood pressure monitoring — allow patients to access important health information quickly and conveniently, fostering proactive management of their health.
“Walmart’s dedication to health care services not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the overall health of our community,” Browne adds. “By continually adapting to meet patient needs, we strive to make health care accessible and empowering for everyone.”
In her pharmacy, she prioritizes the “why” behind vaccination, ensuring her team understands its deeper purpose as health care providers. This commitment enhances interactions with patients, especially when the team emphasizes the importance of protecting loved ones — moms, dads, siblings, children and grandparents. “By fostering this personal connection, we shift the conversation to the meaningful impact vaccinations have on community health and safety.”
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, she says. “Many people express gratitude when they see how convenient it is to get vaccinated at our pharmacy. They appreciate the accessibility and the friendly atmosphere we create. By making the vaccination process straightforward and approachable, we not only help remove barriers to care but also encourage more individuals to take part in protecting themselves and their loved ones.
“Ultimately, the focus on ‘why’ not only empowers the team but also enriches our community’s understanding of the importance of vaccinations building a healthier future for our community.”
Education, adds Browne, is essential to her role as a pharmacist at Walmart, because it lets her empower patients to understand their medications, manage health conditions and make informed choices. By explaining drug interactions, side effects and the importance of adherence, she ensures safe and effective medication use. Moreover, she offers guidance on lifestyle changes and preventive care, enhancing overall well-being.
“This open communication allows me to tailor advice to each patient’s unique needs, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction,” she says. “Education is a fundamental aspect of my commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.”
Asked for her favorite part of the job, she says, “Definitely the people — my patients. They are one of the core reasons I became a pharmacist. I love getting to know them beyond their medication profiles and health conditions — instead getting to connect with them as individuals. Learning about their personalities, interests and cultural backgrounds helps me build trust and create meaningful connections.”
Working with younger patients adds another layer of fulfillment. She understands that the “white coat” can be intimidating for kids, so it’s important for her to create a welcoming, fun environment. “Each interaction is an opportunity to build trust and provide care by showing that medicine is not scary but here to help them. This makes my role even more rewarding. Ultimately, it’s all about connection creating moments of care.”
As a pharmacist, Browne often finds herself quietly fulfilling her oath while caring for patients. Recently, she encountered a patient struggling with a persistent cough despite multiple visits to her physician and various prescribed treatments. Her husband expressed concern over the cost of inhalers, which were not guaranteed to work. Browne encouraged them to explore cost-effective alternatives and conducted an in-depth medication review during my second meeting with the patient. Browne discovered that one of her blood pressure medications could be contributing to her cough and advised her to discuss this with her physician.
“A few weeks later, while administering her seasonal flu shot, she informed me that she had switched health care providers due to feeling unheard by her previous doctor. At her new provider’s office, my suspicion was confirmed, leading to a change in her medication that relieved her cough. She expressed her gratitude for my attentive care and willingness to listen, which ultimately helped her become an advocate for her health and feel better.”
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in Browne’s personal and professional growth. She has had the privilege of meeting “remarkable individuals,” with each interaction providing her with valuable insights that have helped her grow as a pharmacist, as a leader and as a person, not just within her store, but across her entire market. “My experiences highlight the importance of mentorship and fostering professional development,” she says.
“Jane Swanson, pharmacy clinical services manager at Walmart, exemplifies this perfectly.” From the beginning of Browne’s Walmart career, “her wealth of knowledge and unwavering support have been invaluable. Swanson has not only served as a sounding board for my ideas but has also offered words of encouragement that have fueled my confidence. Moreover, she has consistently challenged me to be bold and innovative in my approach, pushing me to explore new possibilities in my work. Her guidance has undoubtedly shaped my journey, allowing me to grow and thrive in my role.”
