Deidra Dickerson didn’t have a good fifth grade math teacher. She had an affinity for math, was hungry to learn, and felt frustrated that she couldn’t find the challenge she craved in class. So, she asked a different math teacher for additional textbooks and taught herself the concepts she wanted to know.
“That was the earliest lesson I can remember — that sometimes you have to do things for yourself if there’s an outcome you want, but you’re lacking the tools to achieve it,” she said.
That experience guides the work ethic and leadership approach she brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center almost six years ago as the Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding Pharmacy manager and that she continues to hone today as the director of Pharmacy Operations for Vanderbilt University Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy Services.
“I don’t want others to have that same yearning to grow, learn and develop without the tools to be successful. I want to serve the individuals who report up through me in any possible way I can,” she said. “I try to make sure everyone feels supported and is growing and reaching their full potential. I adjust my management style depending on what the person needs from me in the moment, and I always try to lead with the individuals impacted in mind, hearing their perspective and being as collaborative as I can when it comes to decision making.”
Dickerson takes leadership to the next level by mentoring and coaching; she is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, and she coaches people in and outside her department and the organization.
“I really enjoy helping people navigate their pathway to leadership, develop their leadership acumen, and ultimately chart a path to success as a leader,” said Dickerson, who received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University. “I enjoy holding space for others, listening to them and helping guide them, not by telling them what to do, but by asking pointed questions to help them to realize their own next steps. It’s been a joy to do that with pharmacy residents, staff members and leaders, whether they report to me or not.”
For her innovation in her field, and investment in the people with whom she works, Dickerson’s colleagues and peers nominated her for the VUMC Five Pillar Leader Award, which she received at the May 2024 virtual Leadership Assembly.
“It truly humbled me to know people thought of me in that way,” she said. “I come to work every day and do the best job I can, and I hope it makes a difference for people. It’s been rewarding to know what I do each day means something to my team and that it’s landing with them the way I want.”
In addition to her supportive nature, one of the repeated themes among Dickerson’s many nominations is honesty — especially concerning employees who didn’t receive promotions for which they applied.
“Deidra offered her time and guidance … when I was disappointed in not getting the promotion within her team,” one nominator wrote. “Deidra graciously offered to meet with me on a consistent basis as a mentor to help develop and cultivate my skills and abilities to better prepare me for future leadership opportunities. I have since been promoted twice within the organization. Deidra could have easily refrained from mentoring me along my journey in leadership at VUMC; however, her initiative was instrumental in enhancing my leadership skills to help get me where I am today. Deidra might have simply told me what I wanted to hear when I was first turned down for promotion. Instead, Deidra told me what I needed to hear to make me a better potential leader.”
Dickerson sees honesty as her duty.
“We’re often hesitant to be honest because we are uncomfortable or think people know their opportunities for improvement already when sometimes they have no clue,” she said. “There’s only so much you know about yourself. Everyone has blind spots. You don’t always see the things that could help transform you. Me being honest with people is always with the intent to make them better. The feedback I share is with love. It’s an opportunity to build trust or tear a person down, and I’m always going to work on building trust.”
The idea to pursue pharmacy was planted in Dickerson during her high school years when she worked in a Memphis community pharmacy.
“I loved the direct interaction pharmacists have with their patients,” she said. “Along the health care journey, at times patients can feel rushed and lack desired attention. Within pharmacy, you’re often able to grow close relationships. You have patients coming in monthly to pick up their medication, and you’re able to build a rapport with them. You’re able to be an advocate, ensuring their safety along the medical journey.”
She thought community pharmacies were her future, but one of Dickerson’s early mentors noticed she had the skill set for health system pharmacy leadership and explained a potential path forward.
“She saw something in me, even in those early stages,” Dickerson said. “When I think back to when I made the decision to pursue pharmacy leadership within a health system environment, it was to make a difference for those who practice on the front lines. I want to make sure I take care of people so they can do their jobs well in taking care of our patients. If I ensure that, I believe my impact to health care will be greater.”
View Deirdra Dickerson’s video from Leadership Assembly.
If you are a VUMC employee, you can nominate a colleague for an Elevate Credo Award, Five Pillar Leader Award, or Team Award. Visit the Elevate website to fill out a nomination form. Employees demonstrate credo behaviors when: they make those they serve the highest priority; respect privacy and confidentiality; communicate effectively; conduct themselves professionally; have a sense of ownership; and are committed to their colleagues. Elevate award nominations are accepted year-round. If a nomination is received after the cut off for an award selection period, the nomination will be considered for the next period. VUMC VOICE will post stories on each of the award winners in the weeks following their announcement.