Introduction
Dr. Thea Blystone, Pharm.D., earned her degree from LECOM School of Pharmacy with over a decade of experience as an ambulatory care pharmacist. As the founder and CEO of TM Pharmacy Consulting, LLC and Tendco Health, she is dedicated to advancing healthcare through telehealth and passionate about empowering healthcare professionals to develop successful remote care management services.
Why Pharmacy
I chose pharmacy because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on people’s health while maintaining a unique level of care—one that didn’t always require direct physical interaction. For me, pharmacy is about being an accessible healthcare provider, someone patients can turn to for guidance, support, and advocacy. It’s a way to truly serve my community by ensuring people receive the education, resources, and accountability they need to achieve their best health outcomes.
Career Journey
From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue pharmacy as a way to support my community. I went straight into undergraduate studies with the goal of becoming a pharmacist, followed by graduate school to deepen my knowledge and expertise.
Current Role and Responsibilities
Running my remote consulting business means my day is all about showing up for patients in a way that supports, educates, and holds them accountable for their healthcare success. I work closely with patients managing chronic disease states, helping them stay on track with their treatments, medications, and overall well-being. Through specialized software and medical devices, I help bridge the gap between office visits, providing real-time insights that empower both the patient and their physician. My goal is to personalize care in a way that leads to better outcomes and greater patient engagement.
Challenges
The biggest challenge has been breaking free from the traditional mold of pharmacy. Healthcare often places pharmacists in predefined roles, but I realized I didn’t have to stay in the box that was built for me. It took experiencing eight different pharmacy roles before I finally stopped to ask myself, Why did I become a pharmacist in the first place? That question led me back to my true purpose—helping my community in a way that felt authentic and fulfilling. Once I embraced that, I was able to create my own career path, one that truly aligned with my passion.
Rewards
The most fulfilling part of my job is being a patient advocate—a role I’ve wanted since the very beginning. Pharmacy isn’t just about dispensing medications; it’s about guiding patients toward better health by educating, supporting, and holding them accountable for their progress.
There are countless patient stories that remind me why I do this work, but one of the most meaningful impacts I’ve made is in mentoring other pharmacists. Today, I help pharmacists across the U.S. build successful consulting practices and find fulfillment in their careers. I like to think of myself as a lighthouse—helping guide pharmacists through the challenges and uncertainties of the profession. The healthcare landscape is shifting, and by sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to light the way for the future of pharmacy, ensuring that the next generation of pharmacists can thrive.
Work/Life Balance
For me, life isn’t about balancing work and personal time—it’s about integrating them into a meaningful, fulfilling existence. I see my career and personal life as a woven blanket, rich with love, purpose, happiness, and fulfillment. Each thread represents the relationships, passions, and experiences that make up my life. When challenges arise, this “woven blanket” keeps me warm, reminding me of the beauty and strength in my journey. Rather than striving for balance, I focus on creating a life that blends work and passion seamlessly, allowing me to live fully in both spaces.
Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals
Trust why you became a pharmacist. The field of pharmacy is vast, and there are so many opportunities beyond the traditional roles. Seek out experiences that bring you joy, even on the hard days. Think outside the box, explore the limitless possibilities of your doctorate-level education, and don’t be afraid to create your own path. The future of pharmacy is evolving, and the opportunities ahead are endless—you just have to go after what works for you.