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A steady career path set in high school

ERP 19 Perez - Header

He didn’t know it at the time, but Richard Perez began a singular career path while still a student at Bishop Lynch High School.

His experience in a neighborhood pharmacy led to him securing a part-time job in 1983 as a Pharmacy Tech at the former St. Paul University Hospital while he took community college courses. Mr. Perez soon became a full-time employee. Fast-forward to today and his recognition as a 35-year UT Southwestern employee.

Richard Perez
Richard Perez

Mr. Perez, whom co-workers describe as quick and efficient, habitually starts his daily shifts at around 5 a.m. “We’re a small office, and there are more than 5,000 drugs that we have to manage, organize, and replenish. Because we’re small, however, I often handle other requests like office supplies and other needs as well. Right now I’m working on getting some new refrigerators ordered.”

The careers of Mr. Perez and other St. Paul employees underwent a seismic shift in 2005 when UTSW officially took over control of the former Roman Catholic hospital and its workers became employees of the state institution. UT Southwestern had purchased St. Paul’s physical assets five years earlier and managed the transition through a holding company, University Medical Center Inc. Now a Buyer at the Zale Lipshy University Hospital Pharmacy, Mr. Perez says staying the course at one institution makes sense.

I was never one to jump around, the native Dallas resident says. Many in my generation saw our parents work one job their entire lives, so we grew up seeing those examples. I’ve moved from St. Paul to Zale, and really you never know what you’re going to be doing or the processes and technologies you’re going to be using to do your work in a few years anyway.

Away from work, Mr. Perez and his partner enjoy trying out selections at locally owned restaurants, working on home remodeling projects, and doting on their two Shih Tzus.

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