Since 2000, Pharmaca has expanded from one store in Boulder, Colo., to 23 stores in Colorado, California, New Mexico, Oregon,
and Washington.
Reflecting the goal of "taking healthcare to self-care," Pharmaca's services include prescription dispensing, compounding,
a pharmaceutical take-back program, nutritional and botanical dietary supplements, homeopathic and naturopathic services,
private consultations, and a "body-and-soul zone" devoted to nurturing physical wellbeing.
Professionals available for consultation include pharmacists, naturopathic and homeopathic physicians, nutritionists, herbalists,
and estheticians.
Pharmaca's green pharmacy initiative includes a medication take-back program, offsetting power use in stores and offices with
"100 percent wind power," use of sustainable materials, eco-conscious product selection, and more.
In 2008, Pharmaca secured $20 million in venture capital to support further expansion.
When it opened in June of 2000, the privately owned Pharmaca store in Boulder, Colo., was the nation's first European-style
integrative retail pharmacy space. Since then, that one location has grown to a chain of 23 stores throughout Colorado, California,
New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. The integrative philosophy of the chain embodies the strengths of traditional approaches
to the dispensing of prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as those of alternative/complementary medical products
and services.
Deanne Mitchell, RPh.Years of service: 5
The company strives to foster health through a committed patient-practitioner partnership. Its holistic approach, green pharmacy
programs, and patient-centered atmosphere have fostered a success reflected by the fact that over the past two years, the
chain has grown 77 percent. These programs and metrics made Pharmaca an outstanding choice for Drug Topics' 2009 Chain of the Year.
Christopher Turf, RPh. Years of service: 8
According to co-founder, President, CEO, and Chairman Barry Perzow, Pharmaca was envisioned as a place that would "focus on
health and healing, and treat the whole person with the best methods available, whether through prescriptions, homeopathic
remedies, or preventive supplements." Services include prescription dispensing, compounding, a pharmaceutical take-back program,
nutritional andbotanical dietary supplements, homeopathic and naturopathic services, private consultations, and a "body and soul zone," where
one can indulge in fine skin-care products, body oils, aromatherapy, and bath items, as well as products imported from Europe
for mothers and babies.
Helping patients help themselves
Erin Stokes,BA, ND. Years of service: 4.5
The integrative concept was born out of a desire to address the realities of today's healthcare landscape and help patients
"take charge of their own wellness." For example, Perzow noted that, despite the growing incidence of chronic diseases such
as diabetes, conventional medical practices only allot minutes to the patient encounter – scarcely enough time to address
all the healthcare needs of an individual. As a result, the patient finds himself or herself navigating a system that focuses
on acute illness rather than health and wellness.
Armand J. Potestio, RPh. Years of service: 8
Pharmaca representatives say they address this shortcoming in the healthcare system through patient advocacy, practiced by
an exceptional staff. "Our typical customer is a woman who recognizes that health is her greatest asset," Perzow said. "She
is selective about the products she uses on her skin, in her home, and for her family." Beyond the merchandise, though, "for
our customers, the real point of difference is our staff," he said. "Everyone who works for us is a patient advocate. We offer
our customers experts to guide them and licensed practitioners to recommend options. Our pharmacists can advise on alternatives.
Their expertise lends credibility in that they apply the rigors of scientific evidence in the pursuit of wellness."
Drug Topics is a monthly news magazine, guided by a board of pharmacy leaders, reporting on all phases of community, retail, and health-system issues and trends. We cover managed care and professional, national, and state activities as well as new therapies involving prescription and OTC drugs.
How do you deal with the physically stressful side of work in the pharmacy (e.g., being on your feet for 12 hours a day, cradling the telephone handset between your shoulder and neck, etc.)?
I receive chiropractic/massotherapy/acupuncture/etc. as needed
28%
I am receiving physical therapy
6%
I have had some form of surgery
9%
I have no physical problems connected with work
19%
Denial is working well for me
37%
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Key Points
Drug Topics archives are now available on ModernMedicine.com, a new online resource designed to meet the evolving needs of physicians.