Drug Topics - October 13, 2008 - (Page 25)

25 Celebrating Community From wine tastings to disaster relief, these pharmacists are making a difference T Alaina Scott to staging fundraisers after natural disasters, and they match the sums they raise. The pharmacy even offers a 24-hour delivery service. “Our customers are loyal,” Flint said. “We make sure they are all treated like queens and kings when they walk through our doors.” Another attribute that sets the pharmacy apart from its competitors is its variety. A big draw, especially during the month of October, is the store’s costume section. The store offers everything from Batman gear to fake blood. “Not just the cheap stuff,” Flint boasted. “We sell the stuff they use in Hollywood.” It’s not unusual for more than 100 people to squeeze into the store during their hunt for the perfect Halloween costume. “Cars can be seen parked six or seven blocks away from people checking out the selection,” Flint said. Situated in a snug 1,300 square feet, the pharmacy makes the most of its space, finding room for a post office and a wine display in addition to its specialty costume area. The real fun for Flint comes when he can give back to his community. It’s not unusual for him and his employees to thank patrons with a special customerappreciation day. The pharmacy recently organized a cookout with hot dogs and bratwurst. Flint even dressed up as Elvis. “You just don’t get that everywhere,” he said. “There really is a festive atmosphere in our store all the time.” hey’re forces to be reckoned with. They’re the stars of their class. They’re the independent pharmacies nominated by wholesalers in response to Drug Topics’ 2008 Call for Excellence in the following categories: • Exceptional pharmacy and nonpharmacy services • Exceptional merchandising/advertising/promotion • Overcoming competition • Handling a crisis For each category, we’ve featured an outstanding independent pharmacy. And the winners are: Overcoming competition With three large retail pharmacies within five miles, Mike Flint, RPh, knows the importance of doing the things he says “the big guys won’t do.” Flint, owner of Mallatt Pharmacy in Madison, Wis., was working toward his degree in pharmacy when he started working at the store. “I just kind of jumped behind the counter,” Flint said. “It was odd because they used the same old-fashioned cash register that I had used in high school, working in a pharmacy. It was my first sign that this was where I was meant to be.” By the time he bought the pharmacy in 1992, it had become a pillar of the community. Mallatt Pharmacy prides itself on going the extra mile to help a customer. Pharmacy employees have driven sick customers to the hospital. They are accustomed Photography: Black Star / Thomas Edwards

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Drug Topics - October 13, 2008

Drug Topics - October 13, 2008 Contents Latebreakers Letters Kansas Pharmacists Partner with Law Enforcement to Fight Meth Use Pharmacy Board to Oversee Med Distribution at West Virginia Free Clinics Rx Care JP�at Large Celebrating Community Special Report Self-Care Government and Law Newer Treatment Option for Type 2 Diabetes New Products Advertisers Index Technology Classified Viewpoint:�Pharmacists Must Change our Ways

Drug Topics - October 13, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.