Lugo received the award at the Annual Combined Forces Pharmacy Seminar. CDR Eugene Delara, Bethesda’s Pharmacy department head, said Lugo has made a huge impression on Navy Medicine in only a short amount of time.

‘‘She hasn’t even been here for a full year yet and there isn’t a day that goes by when Dr. Lugo doesn’t pull off some form of magic for us,” Delara said. ‘‘There is no doubt our staff ... will be forever influenced by her great teachings and motivated for her ability to successfully maneuver any obstacle. Dr. Lugo is the ideal Navy pharmacist.”

‘‘When she first came aboard, she hit the ground running,” said CDR Ron Nosek, Bethesda’s Pharmacy assistant department head. ‘‘She has a great understanding of where [the pharmacy] is going and needs very little guidance to get there.”

Lugo said she’s always looking for new ways to help patients — whether that’s providing more comprehensive care or educating patients on taking their medication in a safe manner.

‘‘Improving medication use and advancing patient care is a personal aspiration,” Lugo said. ‘‘It’s the motto of the American Pharmacists Association and I think it sums up how I approach my work everyday.”

Delara said Lugo has helped Bethesda’s Pharmacy integrate with Walter Reed Army Medical Center and, he added, she will be instrumental to future integration endeavors.

‘‘She attended regular meetings with [Walter Reed Army Medical Center], ” Delara said. ‘‘In the process, she has been able to share best-business practices from both hospitals, which has had numerous clinical advantages.”

Lugo said she’s honored that her colleagues recognize her diligence, but she doesn’t plan to slow down. She’s currently developing a system that will allow pharmacists to work side-by side with primary health care providers, instead of serving as ancillary support.

‘‘Meeting the needs our patients and preventing adverse drug reactions and medication errors is a continuous job,” Lugo said. ‘‘I’m never fully satisfied because I always feel like there’s more to be done.”

‘‘It wouldn’t surprise me at all if she won the award again in the future,” Nosek said.