Tech Trek Navigator: Diane Smith, CPhT-Adv, CSPT

January 28, 2025

Meet Diane, an IV Technician/Purchaser at Quincy Medical Group Cancer Institute in Pittsfield, Ilinois. With 30 years of experience as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Diane is passionate about making a difference in oncology. Inspired by her late husband’s cancer journey, she pursued advanced certifications and is now thriving in her dream role mixing chemotherapy. Her advice? Stay adaptable and never stop learning.

Tell us about your inspiration and career journey.

My journey in pharmacy began as a clerk in an old-fashioned drugstore. One busy Monday, both technicians called in sick, and I was thrown into the pharmacy. I never went back to being a clerk. Certification was a new concept at the time, and I took the test for my own sense of accomplishment, not realizing it would be the foundation of a lifelong career.

In 2017, my late husband completed chemotherapy and radiation for laryngeal cancer. Being with him on that journey gave me a deeper understanding of the impact a major illness has on both patients and their loved ones. It inspired a passion for caring not just for the sick but also for supporting caregivers. Soon after, I was offered the opportunity to work full-time in a cancer center, mixing chemotherapy—a dream job I truly love. Oncology can be tough, but it’s worth it.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a CPhT?

I truly feel that I have a difference in people's lives. Not just in their physical health, but also their mental health. All my patients know I care about them as a person, not just as a patient.

I love mixing chemotherapy because it requires such precision, and I like knowing that my work may help someone's loved one defeat a terrible disease.

What motivates you to continue excelling in your role after 30 years?

I still love to learn and constantly seek ways to improve my knowledge and skills—I take pride in knowing I’m good at what I do. One memorable achievement was earning my Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) and Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) certifications, which marked significant milestones in my career.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their career as a pharmacy technician, what would it be?

Be adaptable and open to change, and never lose your desire to learn new things. To grow both personally and professionally, you must be willing to try something new or challenging.

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