This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Anne Henriksen, PharmD, of Malley's Compounding Pharmacy in Richland, Washington – a PCCA member since 2006.

When was the last time a patient thanked you?

We received a thank you note just the other day from the owner of a St. Bernard patient who was suffering from a vicious kennel cough. We worked with the veterinarian to adjust the dose to the ideal dosage for this specific dog for clinical efficacy while reducing the side effects. The owner was thrilled!

I also had a customer come in yesterday who was concerned with her memory and needed help with her supplements. I recommended several different therapies, as well as explained the disease course and set realistic expectations. She thanked me multiple times. She brought her husband back with her later in the day to show me the supplements they had at home. We reviewed the supplements and developed a plan for her and her husband moving forward. She left by stating, “You are just what I needed.”

How did you get into compounding?

We had just bought the pharmacy in 2006. I did not like compounding when I was in school. I had awful memories of hand punching capsules and making coal tar ointment. My husband, who is not a pharmacist, is the one who discovered PCCA and mentioned that we should add compounding services to the pharmacy. I was not thrilled with the idea at first. I was still traumatized from the compounding lab in school and had not yet learned how compounding could help solve clinical challenges. I took almost a full year to learn everything I could before making my first compound, then fell in love with not only compounding, but also PCCA. The rest is history.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Being such a unique pharmacist and owning a unique pharmacy that serves our local community. I love serving my community in a way that no one else is able to: nutritionally, functionally and personally with my rock-star staff.

What is something you would like new compounders to know?

Compounding pharmacy is a lifelong learning process. There is a lot to learn in the beginning, and there is still a lot to learn as you go! Learn from the best, keep learning and reach out to colleagues, mentors and organizations to continually grow. Our patients deserve it!

What is one of your most satisfying patient experiences?

Caring for our critically ill pediatric patients. It can be both heartbreaking and heartwarming to get to know them and their families. We solve patient problems by working with flavors, insurance coverage issues, parents, caregivers, you name it. As one dad says, “We are just as much of a part of the care team as any other.”

What was your biggest "WOW" moment as a PCCA member?

The connections I am able to make with other members and PCCA team members. PCCA isn't just a supplier. It's all about connections.

Do you have a favorite PCCA base?

I have two favorites! LoxOral® = increased productivity! We use LoxOral in almost all of our capsules. We love it because it allows us to make capsules faster and easier. I also love all of the anhydrous bases.. Our patients and providers get great results!

And your favorite PCCA Education Program? 

PCCA’s Concierge Program. I have met so many friends and mentors in my Concierge group. Our industry is challenging; connection and support are essential.

What does “Compounding: It’s Personal” means to you?

Compounded medications are not one size fits all, unlike commercially available medications. My pharmacy’s database of formulations is in the thousands. Each of those represents a patient, and a patient need is a problem solved.