TidalHealth is proud to feature Pharmacist Samantha Brooks, PharmD, of TidalHealth Home Scripts in Salisbury, in this month’s “Grow With Us” team member spotlight. Brooks’ journey reflects a deep commitment to her community, her profession, and the patients she serves.
Brooks grew up in Laurel, Delaware, and moved to Salisbury nearly a decade ago to remain close to her family, who reside throughout Sussex County and Salisbury. She graduated from Laurel Senior High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University. She went on to receive her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy in 2021. She is licensed to practice pharmacy in both Delaware and Maryland.
Her connection to TidalHealth began in the fall of 2018 during her first pharmacy school rotation at TidalHealth Home Scripts. What began as a standard community pharmacy experience quickly turned into a pivotal moment in her career. By the end of her second week, she was invited to join the team as an intern — an opportunity she eagerly accepted.
Throughout pharmacy school, Brooks worked weekends and filled shifts during breaks. TidalHealth Home Scripts became a place where she could apply what she was learning, sharpen her clinical and drug‑information skills, and grow under the mentorship of pharmacists and technicians. The exposure helped her excel academically, particularly in courses like “Top 200,” and taught her how to collaborate with prescribers, nurses and care coordinators to ensure patients received the medications they needed in a timely manner.
Brooks remained an intern until graduating in 2021. She then served as a per diem pharmacist for a little over a year while gaining additional experience at several local pharmacies during the height of the COVID‑19 vaccination and testing surge. Although the environment was often hectic, she brought positivity to each workplace, striving to build morale and support her colleagues. She says fostering a positive work environment is fundamental to excellent patient care.
Even while working elsewhere, Brooks continued to rely on TidalHealth Home Scripts as a source of support and professional guidance. “They were more than just my coworkers; they were my family,” she said.
Her goal, however, was to work at TidalHealth Home Scripts full time. In late 2022, that opportunity arrived. She applied for the open position and transitioned to full‑time pharmacist in January 2023, a role she continues to cherish.
A typical day for Brooks includes reviewing overnight prescriptions and messages, verifying and filling medications, counseling patients, resolving insurance challenges, and collaborating across disciplines. She also conducts Medication Therapy Management (MTM) calls, helping patients understand their medications, potential interactions, and side effects.
She finds purpose in solving patient challenges — whether helping someone understand medication directions or navigating a complex insurance issue. She values the relationships built with TidalHealth team members and patients, and she describes TidalHealth’s culture as highly collaborative, with teams working across disciplines to achieve the best outcomes.
During her time at TidalHealth, Brooks has been recognized as Team Member of the Quarter and is proud to celebrate her seven‑year anniversary with the organization this month.
Brooks credits her early TidalHealth Home Scripts rotation as the most significant turning point in her career. It introduced her to ambulatory pharmacy in a way that felt meaningful and mission‑driven. She appreciated the shift away from corporate metrics toward patient‑centered care — a philosophy that continues to inspire her daily.
As a mentor to students and new team members, Brooks encourages questions, curiosity, and continuous learning. She believes positive feedback motivates people to go the extra mile and notes that supporting others through their educational journeys is deeply rewarding. “When I think back on the mentors that I have had over the years, I feel so much appreciation for them. Little words of encouragement meant more than they knew,” she said.
Her advice to new team members is simple: bring positivity to the workplace and treat patients like family.
Looking ahead, Brooks hopes to pursue certification in Medication Therapy Management and continue expanding her role in ambulatory pharmacy. “I am always open to new challenges and opportunities for growth in the realm of ambulatory pharmacy,” she said.
