William “Bill” Yee ’83, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP credits the theater for changing the trajectory of his life. Originally from Alameda, he planned on returning to the Bay Area after earning his doctor of pharmacy but acting in “The King and I” at San Joaquin Delta College gave him a reason to stay in Stockton. A few years later, he met his wife, Kimberlee, while working behind the scenes of Stockton Civic Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods.”

For 32 years Dr. Yee served in various roles at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, including clinic coordinator from 1989 to 2012 and director of pharmacy from 2012 to 2016. He is currently a lead ambulatory care pharmacist in the oncology department at Kaiser Permanente in Stockton, a role centered on patient care.

“I get to see patients on a regular basis and help them through one of the most challenging and emotional times of their life,” he said.

William “Bill” Yee ’83, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP named CSHP-Central Valley Kelli Haase Memorial Pharmacist of the Year

Dr. Yee received the 2023 Kelli Haase Memorial Pharmacist of the Year Award from the Central Valley chapter of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP), in recognition of his contributions to the profession and his commitment to the community. The honor holds special significance as it is named in honor of his former colleague, Kelli Ann Haase ’88, PharmD.

Actively engaging with CSHP has significantly impacted Dr. Yee both personally and professionally. In addition to providing networking opportunities which developed into lifelong friendships, he had a tradition of attending the annual CSHP seminar with his father-in-law, Gilbert Castillo ’76, ’79, PharmD.

“Some fathers-in-law and sons-in-law bond through fishing trips, we bonded through pharmacy meetings,” he said.

Dr. Castillo’s successful career included roles at Scenic General Hospital in Modesto and Green Brothers Pharmacy, as well as several positions as a pharmacist within the correctional system and for San Joaquin County. He also served on the California Board of Pharmacy as a board member and supervising inspector.

“To be honest, I was initially intimidated by Gilbert,” Dr. Yee said. “I first knew him when I was a student, and he was a member of the Board of Pharmacy and someone who wrote questions for the Board exam. Later, when I met my wife, I got to know him as a person and as a pharmacist. I miss him terribly and attending meetings without him is just not the same.”

Pacific has been a through line in his life since the first time he stepped foot on campus. Dr. Yee continues to stay connected by serving as an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience preceptor. Through this role he has helped train future pharmacists for almost four decades.

“Pacific has meant so much to me,” he said. “I was the first in my family to go away to college and the first to complete a professional degree. Initially, my parents didn’t want me to go away, but after touring the campus and meeting faculty, they agreed to let me attend college here. I credit Ralph Saroyan [’64] in winning my mom over, he’s the reason why I got to attend Pacific!”

One of his favorite ways to spend time with family is at the ballpark.

“I have been an Oakland A’s fan since they moved to the Bay Area in 1968,” he said. “Going to the ballpark is a great way to put the pharmacy brain in neutral and cheer on the team that has been a part of my life for the past 50 plus years. Going to the ballpark is a complete experience. Besides the game, it’s the atmosphere, the aromas of ballpark foods and commiserating with fellow fans.”

While Dr. Yee continues to excel in his career as a pharmacist, theater remains a notable aspect of his life. Being a part of ensemble for the musical “Something Rotten!” at Stockton Civic Theatre was a notable occasion as it marked his 50th performance in a local production. His most memorable roles include Patsy from Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” Stanley in “Caught in the Net” and Wally in “The 1940s Radio Hour.”