FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2017 3 Yes, the local pharmacist who recently received the Pharmacist of the Year Award from the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, goes by Doug. Not Mr. Brown. Not Dr. Brown. Not Douglas Brown, B.Sc. Phm., R.Ph., graduate of the University of Toronto, 1989. “I’m an informal person,” Doug says. “The most important thing I can do, for the best possible patient care I can provide, is be approachable. And get to know my patients.” Yes, he has patients, not custom- ers. Doug explains that customers is a term to describe retail shoppers. Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry is not a typical retail drug store; it’s more like a modern version of an apothecary. There’s no giftware or eyeshadow on the shelves. All of the products available are geared towards the enhancement of health. “The key message is that we do one thing and we do it very well,” Doug philosophized. “Our employ- ees are here to take care of people.” Upon entering 11 Water St., the first thing you notice is the pleasant but professional atmosphere created. There’s a bank of comfortable chairs facing a wide screen television set with CP24 playing. On the side table, there are live plants – a touch of home – complimentary hand sanitizer, a few magazines and a little bowl of Werther’s Originals. Awards and a pestle and mortar are on display. There are private rooms where pa- tients can consult confidentially with a pharmacist about everything from controlling diabetes to the side ef- fects of medications. There’s a strong emphasis on travel consultations before any trip, “except to the cottage for the weekend,” Doug jokes. Ask how to prevent travellers’ diarrhea, or if a vaccine for yellow fever is recommended before you take that cruise on the Amazon. There is also a treatment office for immunizations on-site. “Inviting, warm, non -threaten- ing and non-judgmental” are some of the words Doug uses to describe the staff’s approach to counselling individuals about their health care re- quirements in a private office setting. At Pharmacy Associates, “you don’t have to talk about your private health problems while someone is ringing in frozen pizzas,” Doug noted. You can make an appointment or just drop in for a consultation. By the end of this year, pharmacist Doug Brown will be the proud owner of Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry. “Most people probably assumed I owned it anyway,” Doug commented, with a smile. “People will likely be more surprised that I didn’t already own it.” Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry Award-winning friendly face of pharmacy makes major announcements ...................... Please turn to page 4 PHOTO BY JONATHAN VAN BILSEN