From Nursing to Clinical Program Development: A Journey of Dedication and Integrity at Walgreens
My name is Rebeca Thomas, and I am the manager of clinical program development at Walgreens. My role revolves around ensuring that the healthcare information and services Walgreens provides to customers and patients are accurate, reliable, and evidence-based. This responsibility encompasses everything from printed materials, such as in-store posters and pamphlets, to digital content on our website covering chronic health conditions, vaccines, and general health topics.
Roots of Dedication and Family Values
I was born in Ecuador, and when I was five, my family moved to the North Side of Chicago. Education, hard work, and creating a better future were deeply ingrained values in my family. From an early age, my parents instilled in me and my siblings the importance of perseverance, compassion, and striving to overcome challenges. For us, the American dream symbolized not just success but also the opportunity to prove we belonged and could thrive in our new home.
In high school, my family relocated to Skokie, Illinois. Soon after graduation, I became a young mother, giving birth to my daughter, Natalie. Around the same time, I was accepted into the nursing program at Loyola University in Chicago. Balancing motherhood, studies, and a demanding schedule was no small feat, but with the support of my family and the work ethic they instilled, I graduated and became a nurse in 2005.
Exploring a Career in Healthcare
Nursing felt like a natural fit for me. I loved helping people and embraced the challenges and complexities of the profession. The opportunity to work closely with patients allowed me to explore different aspects of healthcare, from treatments to patient education. However, nursing’s unpredictable schedule—working nights, weekends, and holidays—was tough to manage as a single mother.
Encouraged by my brother, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry, I transitioned to a corporate role. I joined a medical device manufacturer, where I conducted post-market surveillance. While this shift allowed for more predictable hours, it came with its own challenges. Adapting to a new environment, I felt the need to prove myself again, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
Joining Walgreens: A New Chapter
In 2014, I joined Walgreens as a quality management nurse analyst. This role drew heavily on my nursing background, requiring clinical expertise, patient advocacy, and a focus on quality assurance. I was inspired by the dedication of my colleagues, who came from diverse healthcare backgrounds, including clinical, compliance, legal, and quality management.
The work was both challenging and rewarding, requiring collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services to communities across the country. It was during this time that I fully realized the far-reaching impact of Walgreens. The company’s ability to touch the lives of millions through accessible healthcare inspired me deeply.
My Hispanic heritage and fluency in Spanish became an asset in this role. Many Walgreens stores serve communities where first-generation immigrants benefit from understanding complex medical information in their native language. This realization reinforced the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in healthcare.
Leading Clinical Integrity at Walgreens
Today, I serve in the Walgreens Office of Clinical Integrity, a multidisciplinary team comprising clinicians such as nurses, nutritionists, physicians, and pharmacists. I joined this department shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that tested the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare industry. By then, my family had grown to include Bella, my 20-year-old daughter, and Nick, my soon-to-be 13-year-old son.
The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, requiring our team to develop solutions rapidly to ensure the safety of both patients and Walgreens employees. Collaborating with nearly every department at Walgreens, we implemented protocols, provided guidance, and ensured the timely delivery of essential tools and resources. It was a time of immense pressure, but it underscored the critical role Walgreens plays as a trusted healthcare provider.
In my current role, our department oversees the accuracy and reliability of all clinical information shared by Walgreens. From creating health guides and FAQs to providing educational materials for store teams, we ensure that the information is evidence-based and easy to understand. For instance, we recently developed a comprehensive guide on Bird Flu to equip Walgreens staff with the knowledge to address patient inquiries confidently.
Nursing Roots in a Corporate Role
Though I no longer wear a nurse’s uniform, my clinical background continues to shape my work. The experience of interacting with patients, families, doctors, and hospital administrators has equipped me with a deep understanding of healthcare’s human element. These insights are invaluable in my current role, where the goal is to make reliable healthcare information accessible to all.
At Walgreens, clinical integrity is at the heart of our operations. It provides patients with peace of mind, knowing they can trust us as a knowledgeable and approachable healthcare resource. The daily work my team and I do ensures that Walgreens remains a reliable partner in promoting community health and well-being.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, my journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. From my roots as a nurse to my role in clinical program development, I’ve had the privilege of working in various facets of healthcare. Each chapter has reinforced the importance of collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and integrity in delivering quality healthcare services.
As I continue my work at Walgreens, I’m reminded of the profound impact we have on the communities we serve. It’s an honor to contribute to an organization that blends innovation, empathy, and clinical excellence to improve lives. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, family values, and the transformative potential of healthcare in creating a brighter, healthier future for all.
