Providing high-quality, compassionate, and personalized healthcare is the mission at Brookings Health System. Dr. Steve Timmerman is Brookings Health’s Pharmacy Director, and he is this week’s South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations’ Healthcare Hero. Nominated by his colleagues, they say Dr. Timmerman lives up to the System’s mission, is dedicated to his work and those he serves. “By staying up to date on the newest pharmaceuticals available to fight COVID-19, Steve enables our team to deliver the highest quality care possible for the patient.” –Lynne Thompson R.N., Case Management Director
For the past 26 years, Dr. Timmerman has been part of the Brookings Health System pharmacy department. This past year he took on an additional role as the site’s coordinator for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to staff and residents. Like many in the healthcare community, Dr. Timmerman took the pandemic head on making adjustments and decisions 
as needed while providing quality care to patients. When asked how he felt about the impact COVID-19 had on his job, Dr. Timmerman said, “The things that needed to be taken care of were part of my duties and responsibilities. There was more variability in my workload, I had to learn new medications and new ways to take care of patients.” Dr. Timmerman’s colleagues say he is doing an excellent job keeping up with the ever-changing medications and therapies for both inpatient and out-patient treatments. “Part of this includes staying informed and researching pharmaceuticals as they come out of clinical trials and are granted Emergency Use Authorization or approval by the FDA, as well as securing necessary medication to have on stock for patient treatment.” Lynne Thompson R.N., Case Management Director
A South Dakota native, Dr. Timmerman has spent most of his career in his home state. “I have worked as a pharmacist in two other states prior to returning to South Dakota. It is rewarding to serve the profession regardless of the location, but it is particularly rewarding to help people that you know and recognize in the community.” Dr. Timmerman was inspired to go into the healthcare profession by his parents, a couple of high school teachers and two pharmacists. He says he was in high school when he realized he wanted to be a pharmacist and pursued his dream. His favorite part about the job, “solving problems and creating processes that improve patient care.” Team members say Dr. Timmerman strives for 
excellence and delivers the highest quality care for those he serves. Dr. Timmerman is quick to recognize all of those who work in the healthcare industry. “There is great teamwork with all of the different disciplines that take care of patient needs. The essential workers greet the people at the door, clean rooms, prepare food, clean laundry, provide direct care to patients and families, and communicate to meet the needs of the patients and their families.”
When asked how he feels being called a Healthcare Hero, Dr. Timmerman says heroes don’t stand alone. “Every vocation has people that strive to do their best to serve others. There are many people that do their work well so quality healthcare can be delivered to those that need it.”
SDAHO congratulates Dr. Steve Timmerman, Pharmacy Director with Brookings Health System, and to all the healthcare professionals standing up and being heroes – thank you for all you do.
Do you know a hero that should be highlighted? Click here to nominate your healthcare hero.
