by PCCA

This Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Michelle Moser, RPh, FACA, FACVP, of Makers Compounding Pharmacy- in Mount Vernon, Washington. A PCCA member since 2011, Michelle graduated from the University of Washington in 1987 with her Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy.

When did you start compounding? What led you to PCCA? 
I started compounding in 1989 but found out about PCCA when I changed employers in 1999. 

What was your toughest patient problem? How did you solve it? 
A patient had been prescribed topical testosterone, but it seemed like with every base we made his prescription in, the preparation would bead up rather than absorb into the skin. We tried several bases during subsequent refills. I then found out that he was going through heavy-metal detox, so we asked him to change shower soaps. That allowed him to start absorbing his testosterone compound.  

What has been your most satisfying patient experience? 
We have so many success stories of women who finally have their lives back after balancing their hormones through testing and individualizing their estrogen, progesterone and testosterone doses. This includes a gynecologist who had written me an email in which she stated that she believed an “equine estrogen product was much closer to that of a human structure than a plant could ever be.” She was therefore very resistant to write any bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) prescriptions. When she hit menopause, I was there for her, and now she is on BHRT herself.

What’s the biggest “aha” moment you’ve had as a member of PCCA?  
It’s a tie between two events: After many years of not wanting to spend the extra money, I joined PCCA’s Compounding Pharmacy Management Services (CPMS). Every month, I find value in having Bryan Prescott, PCCA’s Director of Management Coaching Services, look over my numbers to validate the wonderful gains our team makes on a monthly basis. The other is when we joined PCCA Concierge Compounding Group #9. I was welcomed by warm friendships — the sharing is open and always useful. 

What is your favorite PCCA base, and why?  
WO6® Anhydrous Topical Gel— It’s just so easy, and now we can extend the BUD for many compounds.

What is your favorite PCCA educational event?  
Concierge Congress, hands down.

When was the last time a patient thanked you, and why?
About an hour ago, because I took the time to listen to the patient’s needs and find professional-grade supplements and a compounded prescription to help them feel better. This is after they had been searching for the right provider for many, many years.

What is the one thing you would say to new compounders?
Take time to invest in yourself to gain knowledge of how to compound, when to compound and why to compound. It’s a passion, not just a profit center.

What is your favorite thing about your job right now?
I absolutely love my staff. They are amazing, support each other and are always looking to make compounding better. They really take care of our customers. 

What do you enjoy doing for fun?
Cooking for my family, talking around the dinner table and just spending time with them.

What is the best word to describe your life?
Blessed.

My personal motto/words to live by: 
Don’t worry, just believe.