Humankindness at Work: Joe Gonzales, Pharmacy Ops Coordinator

In a hospital environment where the rhythm of healing often focuses on diagnostics and treatments, Joe Gonzales, CPhT, makes it a point to tune into the healing power of human connection. As a pharmacy operations coordinator at St. Luke’s Health - Brazosport Hospital, Joe's work is critical, ensuring the seamless flow of medications vital to patient treatment and recovery. Yet in hospital hallways and elevators and on daily patient rounds, Joe’s impact extends far beyond the pharmacy, touching hearts with humankindness and ensuring every person he encounters feels seen. 

For Joe, the practice of humankindness is simply a part of who he is. But those who know him say his focus on compassion and connection is deeply moving and inspiring. He presses in where others might move on; he notices what others might miss. Recently, the husband of a patient reached out to share Joe’s positive impact on their experience.

Joe had first met the gentleman in the hospital elevator, noticing his military hat and striking up a conversation. After learning the man was in the hospital caring for his wife, Joe made it a point to visit the couple the following week. During a lunchtime visit the week before Thanksgiving, Joe asked the patient’s husband if he had eaten. When the man responded that he would simply eat what his wife couldn’t or wouldn’t eat, Joe immediately went down to the hospital cafeteria and requested a plate of food. It happened to be the staff Thanksgiving lunch, and when he delivered the meal, the husband was especially appreciative. It was a simple act for Joe, who saw the man not just as a visitor but as someone carrying a heavy emotional burden.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Joe remarked, “connecting with people, taking time for each other.”

The patient’s husband was so moved by Joe’s compassion and care that he was determined to share his experience with hospital leadership. Knowing that a neighbor worked for the hospital, he waited outside one morning to share the story of the pharmacy operations coordinator who saw him, heard him, and provided comfort when he needed it most. 

Behind the scenes, Joe's role spans managing inventory and ordering essential supplies to overseeing automated dispensing machines and compounding IV bags. His attention to detail ensures critical medications reach patients safely. And while his role doesn’t include direct bedside care, he understands that his work directly impacts patient care. It’s this understanding that fuels his desire to connect with every person in the hospital community.

Joe’s health care journey began 27 years ago in retail pharmacy, which eventually led to his now six-year career at Brazosport Hospital–an environment that allows his natural inclination for human connection to flourish. He credits his late mother for nurturing his deep sense of empathy. “My mom was a very outgoing person, and she was very loved in the community,” Joe recalled, “Kindness is what she taught us.”

This instilled value shines through in every interaction Joe has. He takes time to chat with visitors and staff alike, always offering a kind word or a helping hand. He understands that a hospital stay is inherently stressful, not just for the patient, but for their loved ones as well. “Patients are going through a challenging time, of course,” Joe said. “But family members are experiencing the same thing in different ways. They are dealing with a whole different level of stress, and if I can help make them a little bit happier, I try to.”

For Joe, humankindness isn’t always about grand gestures. More often, it’s about the conscious choice to tune into the humanity of those around us, and to acknowledge and have compassion for their experience. And sometimes, the most powerful medicine is a moment of connection, a shared meal and the gift of being seen.