GRMC Welcomes New Pharmacists

Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomed two new pharmacists to the medical team caring for inpatients. George A. Papineau, PharmD, and Lisa Hart, PharmD, join Rick Van Cleve, PharmD, this fall to complete the staff of full-time pharmacists.  

Papineau received his doctor of pharmacy degree, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is also board certified in nuclear pharmacy, by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. He holds active pharmacy licensure in multiple states including: Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Papineau comes to GRMC from Adair County Memorial Hospital in Greenfield, Iowa, where he served as the pharmacist-in-charge since June 2009. Previously he worked in urban and rural hospital pharmacies, nuclear pharmacy, short-term contract relief pharmacy, and multi-state telepharmacy.

Through his unique experiences and education, Papineau has developed a thorough understanding of the challenges faced in many different medical disciplines. He is continually searching for improved methods for fostering staff development and enhancing patient safety.

Papineau’s interest in chemistry and human physiology goes back to his high school days. He admits, “I was fascinated by the ability of medications to alter human physiology and treat disease. I still find chemistry interesting but now my passion is quality evidence-based care and patient safety. I really enjoy working with technology to maximize quality care, safety, and efficiency.”

Papineau is married to Julie, also a pharmacist. Together they have a son and live in Des Moines.

Hart earned her doctor of pharmacy from Drake University College of Pharmacy. She previously served as a pharmacist at the Wal-Mart pharmacy for the past seven years.

She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with Bachelor’s degrees in both in biology and chemistry.

Hart explains her path to her career as a pharmacist. “When I was in high school, I wanted to be in the medical field, but I wasn't sure where the right fit would be. When I started at UNI, I found I enjoyed and excelled at chemistry and biology. I started working at a pharmacy and was intrigued by drugs and how they worked in the body to produce desired effects. I knew then that becoming a pharmacist was the right career for me.”

Hart lives in Grinnell with her husband, Shane, and four children.

Pharmacists in GRMC’s internal pharmacy work with physicians and the medical team to ensure the right medication is being dispensed in the right dose to the right patient. GRMC uses a double safe dispensing system to reduce potential for errors in medications. The pharmacists also educate patients while at GRMC on their medications, side effects, and any possible interactions with other drugs and diet.

“We are so pleased to have George and Lisa in the GRMC pharmacy and as part of the GRMC care team for patients,” says Doris Rindels, GRMC vice president. “Both bring exceptional skills in pharmacology and technology that will benefit our patients.”