McNabb Pharmacy: A Century of Local Care
What was a pivotal moment or person in your life that inspired you to become an independent pharmacist?
Our pharmacy has been incorporated since 1928, so we’re approaching 100 years in business. It started with my great-grandfather, then my father, and now me. I grew up working here from a young age, but after going to college and earning a biology degree, I explored other career paths before deciding to go to pharmacy school. My father really encouraged me to take that step, and after working a few different jobs, I eventually came back to the pharmacy to work for him. Now, I own the pharmacy. My dad, who passed away seven years ago, was a huge inspiration to me, and I credit him for guiding me to where I am today.
How will iCare+ help you streamline pharmacy operations or improve patient services?
Our community was really impacted by the Stewart Health System situation. Some of the hospitals in that system, including one close to us, ended up shutting down due to mismanagement. That left a huge gap in care for a lot of people, and we’re hoping iCare+ can help bridge that gap.
Another aspect I’m really excited about is the weight loss program. With all the interest in GLP-1 medications right now, we see a big opportunity to help patients with weight management through iCare+, and we’re looking forward to implementing that in our pharmacy.
With chain pharmacies dominating the market, how does your independent pharmacy stand out?
We’ve structured our business to be more than just a retail pharmacy. In addition to filling prescriptions, we operate a durable medical equipment (DME) store, provide diabetic shoes, offer compounding services, and handle long-term care. By diversifying, we’ve been able to protect ourselves from some of the challenges that come with being an independent pharmacy in today’s market.
Another thing that sets us apart is our immunization program. When pharmacy technicians started getting certified to give vaccines during COVID-19, I made sure to get as many of my staff certified as possible. Now, one of my certified technicians handles about 80% of our immunizations, and people come specifically to her for their shots. Even if they fill their prescriptions elsewhere, they trust us for their vaccines, which has been a great service and a strong revenue stream for our pharmacy.
What’s one unexpected challenge you’ve faced as a pharmacy owner, and how did you overcome it?
PBMs have been one of the biggest challenges, and while there have been efforts to hold them accountable, they’ve historically blindsided us with takebacks that cut into our reimbursements.
To stay ahead, I use multiple wholesalers instead of relying on just one. I have four different pricing platforms up on my screen at any given time, constantly comparing costs. I know which medications we typically lose money on, so I make sure to check pricing before making purchasing decisions. I use IPC a lot, along with other wholesalers, to get the best pricing possible. Pharmacists really need to take an active role in pricing—it’s not just about filling scripts, it’s about making sure your business stays profitable.
Is there a patient interaction that’s left a lasting impact on you?
During COVID-19, we saw a lot of seniors who felt isolated. Many of them didn’t have family nearby or anyone checking in on them regularly. Our pharmacy—and specifically our delivery team—became a major point of contact for them.
One of the things that really stuck with me was hearing how much our deliveries meant to people. For some, our staff was the only human interaction they had during that time. It made me and my team realize how important those little moments are—not just for providing medication but for offering connection and reassurance. It really reinforced the role we play in the community, beyond just being a pharmacy.
