Each June marks a time to remember the beginning of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) rights movement back in the 1960s. Today, Pride Month remains a time to recognize, honor and support the LGBTQ staff at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Join us in celebrating our LGBTQ staff and learn more about all they bring to our organization as well as how they support the mission to help children in our community. This month, we want you to get to know some of our LGBTQ staff, including Matt Werling, pharmacy director at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

What do you do at the hospital?

As the pharmacy director, I’m basically responsible for overseeing how medications are used throughout our pharmacies and facilities – including how they are procured, distributed, monitored and utilized. I work with a wonderful team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy business team members and have the opportunity to work with many departments and disciplines throughout the organization and health system.
 

What is your favorite thing about working at Johns Hopkins All Children's?

My favorite part is the sense of mission we have in taking care of our patients – it’s wrapped into everything we do. I feel lucky to work at an organization with so much energy and devotion behind this.
 

What does Pride month mean to you?

The meaning of Pride has certainly evolved for me over the years — 20 years ago I would have never thought that I could have the life I do now! I’m very fortunate to be married and have adopted two beautiful children and work at an organization that is very supportive of the LGBTQ community. Pride for me is a time to reflect on the family I’ve built and the advancements we’ve made as a whole. That being said, it’s also a time to recognize that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done and to refocus our efforts.