If you ask Almanfel ”Al” Baz, Assistant Manager for Pharmacy Operations at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, about his career journey at Cleveland Clinic, his reaction might best be described as surprise, even disbelief.

Having grown up in the Philippines and moved to the United States at the age of 20, he is deeply grateful – and more than slightly amazed – at where he finds himself today. “I never would have imagined myself working as an Assistant Manager in Pharmacy,” he says. “Cleveland Clinic has given me opportunities that I could have only dreamed of.”

Al was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare by his wife Sara, who is a Stepdown nurse in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit on Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus. Sara, who will be moving into the Neurological Institute’s new one-million-square-foot building when it opens next year, recently received a DAISY Award, which is awarded to “celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families and co-workers.”

“Seeing my wife working for Cleveland Clinic and her satisfaction in helping people really inspired me,” Al says. “The compassion and dedication that my wife brings to her patients motivated me to become a caregiver and have a positive impact on the lives of others.”

A new career, and help along the way

Al’s career in healthcare began 13 years ago, when he enrolled in the Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology. From the start, he pursued this new direction with vigor.

“Once I was accepted into the school, I worked really hard to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician,” he says. “And then, over the years, I was learning and growing

in every area in Pharmacy, just through dedication and hard work, until I got the opportunity to become an Assistant Manager.”

Al’s time at the School of Pharmacy Technology not only taught him about pharmacology, it also brought him into contact with mentors who guided him along the way. “Throughout my career here, I’ve learned so much from so many people,” he says. “We are fortunate to have a culture here that really supports and promotes mentorship.”

A manager and a mentor

In his role as Assistant Manager, Al works closely with the Pharmacy staff — coordinating daily workflow, managing schedule adjustments, resolving operational issues, and communicating departmental updates.

Part of his duties includes the mentorship he has benefited from. “We’re big on training and assisting with process improvement,” Al says. “I’m a fan of education and molding talent so that we can provide that skill set to maintain the level of quality of care for our patients. Luckily for me, the environment here at Fairview really promotes that.”

For Al, quality of care and top-level service are what resonate most. “What I enjoy the most about my job is knowing that everything we do contributes to providing our patients with the highest level of care,” he says. “I find a deep sense of fulfillment in being able to care for and support others.”

A positive environment

Contributing immensely to Al’s job satisfaction is the environment in which he works. “Being a part of a team that works hard, supports one another and shares the same passion for patient care makes the work both meaningful and rewarding,” he notes.

“I learned this quote in my classes: ‘The culture you permit is the culture you promote.’ On our team, everyone works together to ensure that our patients receive safe and timely care while also supporting one another in a fast-paced inpatient environment.”

The key term is “teamwork.” “I’m big on accountability and mutual respect among our caregivers,” Al says.

An ideal situation

Having found his place at Fairview Hospital, Al is a passionate advocate for Cleveland Clinic as an employer. “I can confidently say that Cleveland Clinic is the best company that I have ever worked for. I am living proof that dreams do come true through support, belief and encouragement!”