Oct. 05, 2026 | By Shanita Dorsey, Kenner Army Health Clinic
Dr. Christine Whetherbee, supervisory pharmacist at Kenner Army Health Clinic, was recently named the Defense Health Network-East Supervisory Pharmacist of the Year, recognizing leadership that she says reflects the work of the entire Kenner pharmacy team. “I don’t see this as a personal achievement but as an achievement for the pharmacy,” Whetherbee said. “All the hard work and dedication from the pharmacy team has led to an increase in satisfied patient comments, and the whole pharmacy deserves recognition.”
That teamwork has been especially important as the pharmacy has faced staffing shortages while continuing to meet patient needs.
One of Whetherbee’s major efforts was helping transition the pharmacy to the MHS GENESIS perpetual inventory process. The change allows the pharmacy to better track medication inventory and maintain appropriate stock levels. It became particularly important after the pharmacy’s three-person supply team was reduced to one during a period when vacant positions could not immediately be filled.
With the new process in place, the pharmacy has been able to operate its supply section with one staff member, while shifting other technicians to the front of the pharmacy to support patient care.
Whetherbee also takes a hands-on approach to leadership. She regularly works alongside her staff, whether checking prescriptions, assisting patients at the window or filling in for an absent technician. “I think that it is important to lend a helping hand so that no one on the team gets stressed out and tries to rush,” Whetherbee said. “Rushing is what causes most errors, and patient safety is the number one priority of my team.”
The pharmacy has also adapted to changes brought by MHS GENESIS and processing prescriptions through TRICARE. Those changes have expanded the range of medications Kenner can obtain for patients, allowing more beneficiaries to receive their medications through the clinic rather than having to use a retail pharmacy.
For Whetherbee, the pharmacy’s success ultimately comes down to its people. “We are not just a team, we are family,” she said. “Everyone on the team is willing to step up and help other team members out to complete our mission and serve our patients.”
