Maria Gil-Flores PharmD, District Leader
Pharmacy has always been part of my life. I come from a long line, four generations, of pharmacists. Growing up, I spent my time outside of school in the independent pharmacy my mother owned. I saw firsthand how the community relied on her and how much patients trusted her, sometimes even more than their doctors. My experience has shaped how I approach pharmacy today as a District Leader.
“Being in the pharmacy is not just about knowing medications or filling prescriptions. It’s about building relationships and being there for people when they often need it the most.”
In my role at CVS Health, I have the privilege of supporting multiple stores and teams, and I get to see the impact our work has every day across each of them. Whether it's helping our colleagues deliver exceptional patient care, supporting operational excellence, or ensuring our teams have what they need to succeed, I see firsthand how every effort contributes to the healthier communities. There are many moving pieces that I am keeping track of as a leader to ensure operations run smoothly. From making sure stores are open and staffed to supporting colleagues so they can provide the best care possible, communication is key to my success. I want to make sure my teams feel supported, valued, and know what’s expected of them. Everything runs more smoothly when everyone understands expectations.
The most important part of my role is supporting my team through every opportunity and challenge. It has been the difficult moments in my career that have taught me the most about being a leader. While it’s not something that happens often, managing the closure of a store really tests you as a leader. It requires a significant amount of coordination, from transferring inventory to managing store logistics, and of course, taking care of your team. I make it a priority to meet one-on-one with each colleague to understand how to best support them. Whether that’s moving to another store or exploring other options within CVS Health, transitions can be difficult.
“It’s important to communicate directly and often as a leader, so your team feels valued.”
Being a District Leader at CVS Health requires flexibility and preparation. We are responsible for ensuring stores open and close on time, that the environment is safe, clean, and organized, and that the right people are in place each day. It may sound simple, but there is a lot that occurs behind the scenes that people may not always realize. District Leaders wear a lot of hats. Our success depends on the strong relationships we build across our teams. We need to trust each other and communicate when things come up, and things always come up. We have a plan on how to collaborate and support each other across the district.
“I love the relationship we have as a team and how well we engage and support each other.”
Some of the most meaningful moments in my career come from helping patients by collaborating with my team. When a patient needs medication and it’s not covered by insurance, it can be overwhelming for them. This is especially true when they are dealing with a difficult diagnosis. In these moments, I’ve worked closely with pharmacists, prescribers, and external teams to help get those medications approved so the patient can receive the care they need. It takes persistence and coordination, but when it works, it makes a real difference.
“When we’re able to help a patient get the medication they need during a very vulnerable time, it’s extremely rewarding. Those experiences reinforce why this work matters.”
Career growth is another part of my work that I’m very passionate about, both for myself and for others. There are so many programs and opportunities available at CVS Health. If you are willing to speak up about what you want and where you want to go, there are people who will help guide you. From my peers to my leaders, the organization has always made sure I feel supported, I can continue growing, and I’m doing the work that feels meaningful. That support, along with the tools and development opportunities available here, has helped me develop in my career and feel confident as a leader. Here, you can create a career that aligns with your passions and interests.
“My biggest piece of advice is simple: the sky is the limit at CVS Health, you only need to raise your hand.”
If someone were considering CVS Health, I would tell them this is a place where you can build relationships, grow your career, and truly make an impact. Community pharmacy is unique because of how accessible it is to patients. The ability to connect with people, support them in real time, and be part of their care journey is something you won’t find in the same way anywhere else. At CVS Health, the relationships you build, with both patients and colleagues, are what makes this work meaningful.
Every member of #TeamCVS contributes to a greater sense of purpose. If you are looking for a workplace that values compassion, embraces challenges, and champions career growth, then CVS Health is the place for you. Join us in building careers, strengthening communities, and redefining what health care can be.
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