“You can only kick field goals in life if you determine where the goal posts are at.”

There are several things we must ask ourselves, and do before we can make our lives seem better or more fulfilled.

First, we must ask ourselves, "What do I want?" The second question to ask yourself is, "What do I need to do in order to achieve my goals?" Finally, the most important question should be, “Am I serving the Lord?”

Many years ago, I felt over educated, over worked and disrespected in my career at a major corporation. I just did not feel that I was using enough of my education and felt unhappy when I left work to go home each day.

I began to think about those aforementioned questions, and my answers to them. I got out a clipboard with paper, and a pen, and began listing my thoughts.

I wanted to open my own company because I needed self-satisfaction. I didn't want to be nailed to a desk. I didn't want anyone to tell me what to do or when to do it. I wanted to break free of corporate control. In corporations, it is all about the dollar. What I wanted to do is truly help others without being measured by production.

I still have those notes today! My list started out very basic stating that I needed a company name, mission statement, signage, office space, telephone, power, water and a website, just to get started! The first thing that I did was start selling things! I lived alone and even sold my home. I wanted to put a lot of resources behind this dream so I could turn it into a reality. Once I put my plan into action, I was in business rather quickly.

People wanted to know exactly what my practice was about. I would explain that I provide life-altering advice to patients who feel they have nowhere else to turn. I am a Pharm.D., a private medication counseling consultant with a community practice. I review patients’ medications, past medical history, disease states, symptomology, diet, and lifestyle during one-one-one consultations, uncovering problems that may otherwise go unnoticed and making vital recommendations to help patients feel and look better. This significantly improves the patient’s quality of life.

My goal is to get patients on the least amount of medication for the maximum benefit while still targeting their disease states, and symptomology.

I co-wrote a Medication Counseling Bill with TN. State Representative Nathan Vaughn, SB 1899 Dixon/ HB 1958 Vaughn Reimbursement for Medication Therapy Management Services, which PASSED May 2003. Senate status; SB1899 was passed in the full Senate, May 29, 2003 by a vote of 31-0. House status; HB1958 was passed by the full House on May 22, 2003 by a vote of 86-6-2. I have this bill framed, and it adorns the wall in the lobby of my office building.

This bill permits insurers to reimburse for up to two medication counseling sessions with a credentialed Pharm.D. for insured patients who use six or more medications.

I believe there is no one health care professional that has all of the answers. Every member on a patient’s health care team has a special contribution to make for the good of the patient. I enjoy helping solve medical mysteries for my patients, and other health care professionals!

Are you living your dream career?

**2 Chronicles 15:7
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com.

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life," and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.**