Before I ever stepped behind the counter at Clinicare Compounding Pharmacy in Maylands, I knew I wanted a career where science and patient care met in a way you could see and feel. Compounding gave me that and more. It let me combine my love of chemistry with problem-solving and creativity, and it gave me the chance to work one-on-one with patients to make something just for them.

I wasn’t interested in simply handing over what came from a manufacturer’s box. I wanted to collaborate with prescribers, hear from patients about what wasn’t working and then create a solution that could. That’s what keeps me inspired: Compounding is science with a human touch.

Why I Joined PCCA — and Why I’ve Stayed

When I started, I needed more than formulas and ingredients. I needed education I could trust, a reliable source for quality materials and a community of people who understood the challenges of this work — the very definition of what PCCA offers. Their training keeps me sharp. Their bases and ingredients give me confidence that every prescription provides quality and safety for my patients. And their network of fellow compounders means I’m never on my own. That kind of support has shaped not only my skills but my practice.

If I had to describe compounding in one word, it'd be customized. Every patient is different — allergies, preferred dosage forms, even flavor preferences. We can meet those needs in ways no mass-produced medication ever could. I weave that philosophy into everything I do.

Changing Lives, One Solution at a Time

A middle-aged woman with fibromyalgia once came to me after struggling with oral pain medications. They upset her stomach and didn’t bring much relief. Working with her pain management specialist, we created a topical cream in a PCCA permeation-enhancing base. By bypassing her digestive system, we delivered targeted relief with fewer side effects. Her comfort improved, and so did her daily life.

Then there was a young child with autism spectrum disorder who needed antipsychotic medication but couldn’t swallow pills and refused anything with a strong taste or smell. We compounded a flavored liquid suspension in PCCA’s SuspendIt® base, masking the taste and making it easy for the child to take. Compliance improved overnight, reducing stress for the family and giving the treatment a real chance to work.

For topical formulations like that fibromyalgia cream, I often turn to PCCA Lipoderm®. It enhances absorption, it's easy to work with and patients like the smooth, non-greasy feel. I’ve used it in hormone therapy, pain relief and other applications where consistency and stability are as important as efficacy. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes tools that quietly make a huge difference.

Why Compounding Matters Now More Than Ever

In a health care system that often feels one-size-fits-all, compounding is where personalization lives. We fill gaps during drug shortages, remove allergens for sensitive patients, create formulations for animals and adjust dosages outside the standard range. It’s a space where pharmacists can innovate and directly impact outcomes.

The gratitude I hear from patients makes it all worth it. Sometimes it’s a quick thank-you. Other times it’s more profound, like the husband who told me his wife’s compounded medication “saved our marriage.” Those moments stay with you.

We also work to keep compounding visible in Maylands. That means showing up at local health fairs, collaborating with clinics and hospitals, and offering consultations to help people understand their options. The more the community knows what’s possible, the more people we can help.

Advice for Future Compounders — and Why I’ll Never Stop

If you’re considering compounding, invest in your training and get hands-on experience wherever you can. Learn the regulations, master the techniques and stay curious. This field rewards persistence and attention; a willingness to keep learning is essential.

For me, compounding has been a career of constant growth and fulfillment. Every prescription is a problem to solve, an opportunity to help and a chance to make a difference. That’s what keeps me going, and that’s what personalized medicine means to me. I can’t imagine doing anything else.