This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Angie Huff, PharmD, owner of The Wellness Corner Compounding Specialist in Prairieville, Louisiana. She has been a proud PCCA member since 2009.

How did you start compounding? What led you to PCCA?

During my clinical rotations in pharmacy school, I was blessed to rotate at a wonderful compounding pharmacy in my area, Prescription Compounds. I was intrigued by the work they were doing in the realm of autism and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). After a short time in the retail pharmacy area, I opened my own independent pharmacy in 2005. I knew that I needed to join PCCA to set my compounding practice apart and to gain invaluable knowledge.

What was your toughest patient problem?

My toughest patient case recently involved a woman with severe issue that left her with multiple organ lesions and subsequent pain. We worked extensively with her and her doctor to formulate a customized preparation that provided pain relief. She is a mom of three and a wife, and could not afford to be drowsy. We successfully formulated a rectal formulation that relieves her pain and causes minimal side effects.

What has been your most satisfying patient experience?

Our HRT practice allows me to develop lasting relationships with so many ladies. Time after time, these women relay stories to me about how customized, compounded HRT has made a tremendous difference in their overall lives, relationships and health. That is such a strong statement! It brings me so much joy to be able to make such a difference in their lives.

We compound customized intrathecal pain preparations as well. During follow-up calls with our patients, we hear statements like: “I can now garden with my grandchildren,” “This customized pain therapy has given me my life back,” and “Before this therapy, I could just lay on the floor. Now, I am back to hunting and fishing.” Providing these patients with an effective alternative to oral opioids and the accompanying side effects is rewarding.

What is the biggest “aha” moment you’ve had as a member of PCCA?

Discovering Wellness Works— it enlightened me to the fact that there was an entirely different facet that I could offer in my pharmacy to help patients achieve optimal health and complement our compounding practice. It led me to my interest and current practice in holistic health, nutrition and supplements.

What is your favorite PCCA base, and why?

Lipoderm^® — the versatility allows us so many topical therapeutic options.

What is your favorite PCCA educational event, and why?

International Seminar. I always learn so many pearls to come back with and better my business. I always return from International refreshed and refocused on my business.

Tell us about a rewarding patient experience.

Yesterday, because I took the time to fully listen to a patient and her husband and offer them feasible solutions to better health. 

In all honesty, the thank-yous are endless when you’re a compounding pharmacist. We are in such a position to help and serve.

What advice would you give to new compounders?

In the beginning of your practice, research, research, research. Call PCCA and ask questions, explore the formulas and attend the educational conferences. During the first couple of years, I called PCCA multiple times a day and spent hours browsing formulas and related studies. All of this time spent researching really led me to be a true problem-solver, which is what a compounder truly is.

What is your favorite thing about your job right now?

Serving patients, and my ability to be a resource for physicians. I love patient and physician interaction. I also love being a pharmacy owner. It allows me freedoms to explore many aspects of pharmacy and to be creative.

If you weren’t a compounder, what would you be?

A functional medicine physician. I love listening to patients and hearing their entire stories and showing them how, oftentimes, their symptoms are all related. I love holistic health care.

What is your personal motto or words to live by?

This motivational quote hangs in my office: “Enjoy Each Day; Be Present; Breathe Deeply; Show Gratitude; Live with Intention; Be Fearless; and Try New Things.”

What are the best words to describe your life?

Rewarding and balanced.