by PCCA

This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Jeffery R. Bray, MBA, MAED, SHRM-SCP, CEO of MedQuest Pharmacy in North Salt Lake, Utah. Jeff has enjoyed being a PCCA member since 1996.

How did you start compounding?

MedQuest Pharmacy started compounding in 1996 to meet a personal need for high quality and consistent personalized medication. PCCA has been with us since the beginning, offering training, formulas, consulting services and high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients. 

What has been your toughest patient problem? 

When MedQuest started, the first few prescribers we worked with had patients from all over the United States. They would travel to meet these prescribers for their individual health needs and then would need ongoing help, education, services and medications thereafter. This created several problems and opportunities. We saw a need to facilitate the process between prescriber, patient and testing lab companies. This led to us creating MedQuest Testing Services, which helped patients and prescribers get the information they needed to develop their treatment protocols. 

What has been your most satisfying patient experience? 

I get to see all of the patient feedback we receive, and it is very rewarding to know how many patients sincerely appreciate the services and benefits we provide. It is also fun to share the patient feedback with the pharmacy team, as they enjoy working with our patients and prescribers. It is equally rewarding to know they make a difference in our patients’ quests to live better lives.

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

Getting involved in advocacy has been my biggest personal “aha” moment as a member of PCCA. One of the biggest benefits that PCCA offers is their Public Affairs team. There are considerable amounts of time, effort and resources that PCCA invests for the benefit of the entire industry, patients and prescribers. Their advocacy efforts on building awareness about compounding and the importance of preserving patient access to compounded medications makes a significant difference. From my first PCCA ACT Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., I could see the benefits of getting more involved. There are great resources and information on the Public Affairs webpage, and their team is always willing to help out. I would highly encourage every PCCA member to attend PCCA ACT, become familiar with the Public Affairs resources available, be introduced to the talented Public Affairs team, and help us take advocacy and awareness even further. Having had several members of Congress visit MedQuest Pharmacy, I would also highly encourage reaching out to your elected officials for tours and visits of your own pharmacies. 

What is your favorite PCCA base, and why?

VersaBase® Cream. It’s hypoallergenic and offers great absorption. It’s easy to work with. It also has great FormulaPlus™ data that extends beyond-use dates, which is extremely beneficial.

What is your favorite PCCA educational event, and why?

PCCA ACT is definitely my favorite educational event, and I would encourage all PCCA members to attend. It is a great opportunity to meet with lawmakers about pharmaceutical compounding and explain how regulations are affecting your patients. The importance of advocacy and awareness should be emphasized more, and I would encourage everyone to get involved.

When was the last time a patient thanked you, and why?

Since I receive all patient feedback, we receive thanks every day. Sometimes it is the time spent with a patient in counseling. Often it is a compliment on a pharmacy technician’s attention to detail. Sometimes it is based on the impact that we have had on a patient’s health and life. I like to share the positive feedback with the team and reward those individuals mentioned.

What advice would you give to a new compounder?

Attend as many educational and training opportunities as you can. Learn from others and ask for help. Get involved in advocacy and make it a part of your practice. Invite your representatives from the House and the Senate to visit your pharmacy, and help them learn more about compounding.

What is your favorite thing about your job right now?

My favorite thing about my job is definitely the talented people I get to work with, support and serve. The team is the reason we are successful. I also enjoy having our elected officials visit, tour and become champions of compounding.

What is your personal motto or words to live by?

To quote Steve Prefontaine: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” 

What is the best word to describe your life?

Fortunate.