There’s a new independent drug store brand in town. Whole Health Pharmacy Partners launched earlier this year with several stores in Southwestern Ontario. Its first president & CEO, Dean Miller, has a long career in pharmacy retail, having previously held key operational and executive roles for Loblaw’s, Remedy’s RX and Shoppers Drug Mart. He is also the past chair of the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association.
Dissatisfied with the amount of corporate control held by large chain pharmacies, Miller says, “We launched because we saw a real need, and opportunity to bring a new model of independence back to pharmacy. There are a lot of great pharmacists out there who are delivering amazing patient care within their communities, and who are committed to helping improve the profession. These are the pharmacists that we want to bring together.”
The fledgling chain expects to open 20 stores over the next few months and Whole Health Pharmacy Partners plans to establish a national partnership of like-minded pharmacists who also wish to provide the best possible professional care to their clientele independent of corporate control. The group says that hundreds of pharmacists have already expressed interest in their new model which according to their web site is “To create a personalized pharmacy experience that blends empathy with high quality health care.”
