Rutland Medical Pharmacy welcomes every customer like family.
“Our business model is based on serving the needs of our customers. We ensure we have time to speak with our customers, explaining their medication, answering any questions they have, and working to improve their overall health from a holistic point of view,” says owner pharmacist Steven Hopp.
Rutland Medical Pharmacy embraces diversity.
“We welcome everyone and will individualize our service to each person’s needs,” says Steven.
“We embrace our clients’ differences and believe it is important that everyone feels safe and comfortable within the healthcare system.”
Steven adds: “When new clients find us, they often tell us their previous pharmacy had long wait times and just seemed too busy. Our clients get fast service without feeling rushed.”
Steven is the current chair of the board of the College of Pharmacists of BC.
“I get energized from human interaction and really enjoy working with people to improve their health,” he says.
“Pharmacy is a perfect mix of those two things. Travel medicine and mental health awareness are two passions of mine. Being a pharmacist provides an amazing opportunity to make a difference to people, support them during hard times and happy times and to improve the health of our community.”
As such, Steven has had the opportunity to work in small towns, provide care to long-term care homes, work in addiction and mental health-related care and be part of the first group of pharmacists to provide vaccines in BC.
“Every client that comes to our pharmacy is an opportunity,” says Steven.
“An opportunity to make a difference, to share a life, to improve a life, to help someone, to make someone feel better. That is extremely rewarding.”
Steven is excited for the future of pharmacy and his place in it.
The role of the pharmacist is expanding.
They can now prescribe contraception and treatment for many minor ailments, vaccinate, and refill many prescriptions when people can’t get to their doctor.
“There is such a shortage of front line healthcare workers and pharmacists. With our expanding scope of practice, pharmacists have the expertise to help fill the void,” says Steven.
“I believe public demand will result in the government expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists even more. This excites me.”
Rutland Medical Pharmacy is well-positioned to provide additional services because as an independent pharmacy operator we can truly put the customer first.
“We will always have the staff to deliver service with little wait time,” says Steven.
“You, our customer, are what we appreciate most, and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve you.”
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