West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
Army Combat Vet Fights the War on Opioid Addiction
Norman Hooten, Pharm.D. is a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and former Delta Forcer operator who fought in the Battle of Mogadishu. He spent the last few years as a resident in the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center's Pharmacy Service helping Veteran battle opioid addiction. (Photo Credit: Joanne Deithorn)
Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and former Delta Force operator Norman Hooten, Pharm.D. fought in the October 3-4, 1993 battle experiencing first-hand the devastation and carnage.
“There were so many vivid memories from that day, but the one that stood out the most was the moment that [Black Hawk] helicopter took that hit and was going down,” said Dr. Hooten. “Prior to that moment, we were pretty much done with our mission but when that happened we realized it was going to be a long day.”
Today, Dr. Hooten is far-removed from his days of battling opposing forces across the globe and has taken on a new mission of tackling the opioid epidemic facing our nation’s Veterans. He is a clinical pharmacist who just finished his residency with the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. After rotations in several clinical areas at the medical center, Dr. Hooten discovered a passion for working with Veterans recovering from substance use disorder.
Dr. Norman Hooten served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years and deployed as part of the Delta Force to support military missions all over the globe. He is pictured here (bottom right) with other members from one of his old military units. (Photo Courtesy of Norman Hooten)
“I lost a couple of close friends that died of drug related overdoses and they were really good guys – special operations guys,” Dr. Hooten explained. “Losing my fellow soldiers to substance abuse was almost as bad as losing them in combat. All their talent and potential was lost and I wanted to do something about it.”
Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Postgraduate Year One Pharmacy Residency Director Dr. Donna Beehrle-Hobbs, couldn’t be prouder of Dr. Hooten’s accomplishments. “I have watched him grow throughout his residency and it’s been so inspiring to work alongside him at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center,” she said. “His heart is truly in the right place and our Veterans are in great hands with Dr. Hooten at their side.”
Dr. Hooten’s wife, Bonnie who is also a pharmacist encouraged him to pursue the profession but his journey from U.S. Army Special Forces to VA Pharmacist wasn’t an easy one. He initially retired from the military in August 2001 and started pharmacy school that same month but was recalled to active duty after the September 11, 2001 attack. After a deployment to Afghanistan, eight years with the Federal Air Marshal Service and contracting work in Jordan he returned to pharmacy school in 2012.
Dr. Norman Hooten uses his experience as a combat Veteran to relate to other former service members. He cites his ability to relate to other Veterans experiences has been helpful when developing successful treatment plans. (Photo Credit: Joanne Deithorn)
Many sacrifices were made along the journey to completing his education but Dr. Hooten persevered because he was determined to make an impact. “It's never too late to make a difference and go back to learn and grow,” said Dr. Hooten. “You should give back until your last dying breath. I started [pharmacy] school at 52 and at 57 I'm finishing up my residency.”
Dr. Hooten completed his residency at West Palm Beach on June 29 and will assume his new role as a clinical pharmacist for the Orlando VA Medical Center on July 1. With his residency complete, he’s ready to put his experience to use.
“I can’t stand idle while Veterans suffer with addiction,” he said. “If I can help just one Veteran, or have just one call me later to tell me that I was able to help them get off opioids then that would tremendous.”
