Pharmacy’s Tom Balsega to retire after more than 40 years at WVU Medicine Children's

Tom Balsega, a pharmacy technician in the inpatient pediatric pharmacy, is retiring after 41 years at WVU Medicine Children's.

“He has been the face of the pediatric pharmacy for the last 41 years,” Lisa Garavaglia, inpatient pharmacy manager, said. “If you ask any employee in the Children’s Hospital about the pediatric pharmacy team, they know and love Tom.”

Balsega was one of the first pharmacy technicians that Garavaglia met when she came to WVU Medicine in 2013. Garavaglia and the inpatient pediatric pharmacy staff developed a meaningful bond with Balsega that felt like family. “A lot of us say that we ‘grew up’ with Tom as our ‘dad’ in the pharmacy,” Garavaglia said.

Balsega said working at WVU Medicine has been one of the best experiences in his life, and he has met so many wonderful people. “The inpatient pediatric pharmacy staff here is one of the best groups I’ve had the privilege to work with. They really practice the true meaning of teamwork,” Balsega said. “I will miss working with my pharmacy friends and fellow co-workers throughout the hospital.”

Balsega often went out of his way to make co-workers feel welcome and to check on them. “Tom makes everyone feel like they are part of the team and that they are doing a great job from day one,” Garavaglia said. “Tom is kind – if it’s a busy or slow day, Tom always asks you ‘Are you doing ok?’ What I will miss most about Tom is his smile and his hugs when you are having a bad day.”

Balsega and his wife have not made any specific retirement plans yet, other than relaxing and reflecting on what they might like to do with this new beginning. Balsega’s last day at WVU Medicine is Friday, June 3.