Pharmacist of the Month:

DR. ANDREW LAU

Interview with Andrew Lau, RPh., Pharmacy Manager for Walgreens
by Olga Krymskaya.

What made you decide to go into retail pharmacy?

I worked at a restaurant in high school and experienced dealing with customer service. Going into retail was natural for me.

Can you tell us more about what a pharmacy manager does?

A pharmacy manager runs the whole pharmacy. I am responsible for everything, from inventory and deliveries to administering drugs to the patient. I make sure that the entire process is smooth and supervise the pharmacy staff to get the job done. Of course it is done under the guidelines of the company's policy.

What are some things that you like and dislike about your job?

I like it when patients come back and tell me that they are grateful, and dealing with the patients in general. Dislike? The paperwork when working with third parties such as insurance. They might not cover a prescribed drug.

Do you have any advice for pre-pharmacy students?

Yes, just study hard. And when you get out, always serve the patient's welfare and you will do good.

Do you have any general comments about the field of pharmacy?

Right now insurance is getting more and more national, there is more paperwork. But it's minor. I mean it is major, but you can still live with it. Good things are still there, the job is satisfying, financial reward is good. There is a shortage of pharmacists because the pharmacy business is expanding, there are more pharmacies left and right, and because of the aging of the population. At least the next ten years look like a great, secure future.