This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Bob Mehr, BScPharm, FAPC, President and CEO of Pure Integrative Pharmacy #25 in Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada. He has been a proud PCCA member since 2000.

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

I became interested in compounding when I realized that many patients cannot tolerate certain commercially available pharmaceuticals, especially women suffering from symptoms of menopause. I could not imagine that one pill or one strength could look after everyone’s pharmaceutical needs.

I started to look into options. I started to do some research on the internet while also asking my colleagues in the U.S. where I could learn about the art of compounding. All signs pointed toward PCCA. So I made a call and made the commitment to attend the Primary Training course (now CORE Compounding Training) in Houston. After attending the training, I fell in love with PCCA and continued my educational path by attending all their seminars and courses, including aseptic training.

What was your toughest patient problem?

My toughest patient problem involved a postmenopausal woman unable to alleviate hot flashes, night sweats and all her other symptoms. We finally found a solution that worked for her using balanced dosing with unique formulations. I monitored her symptoms daily, and I was on the phone with PCCA clinical compounding pharmacists regularly trying to figure out how we could solve her problems. After three months of research and looking for a solution, while also working with her physician closely, we were able to relieve all her symptoms.

What has been your most satisfying patient experience?

It was back in 2003. I attended PCCA’s Aseptic Training course (now Sterility Assurance Training) in Houston. After learning all the techniques, I built a clean room in one of my pharmacies. This was a big step for me. There was a patient who had a spinal injury due to a motor vehicle accident. She would be wheelchair bound for rest of her life. Her doctor called me and asked if I could create a sterile compound for an intrathecal pain injection on a bi-weekly basis. I agreed to do it.

I just wanted to make sure I was doing all the right things to help this patient. The first time I made this sterile injection, I was so nervous. I was by the phone all day long until the doctor called me and said the procedure went well and helped the patient.

That was truly one of the moments that I will never forget in my life. I ended up making that compound every two weeks for four years. This patient came to our pharmacy every single week in her wheelchair and thanked me for giving her a higher quality of life. She still sends me thank-you letters on a regular basis.

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

When I first visited PCCA back in 2001, I was so impressed with the quality of experts they had and also the quality control for their ingredients.

What is your favorite PCCA base, and why?

VersaBase® Cream. It can be used in formulations for HRT, dermatological issues or cosmetics. It has no smell, is easy to work with and feels great on the skin. Our patients love this base.

What is your favorite PCCA educational event, and why?

The HRT Symposium in Las Vegas. There are always great speakers at this event, and I learn so much.

What advice would you give a new compounder?