Pharmpreneur of the week Sony Poulose: ‘It fills me with immense joy when we are able to help our patients in their times of need.’

SnapshotEducation:PharmD, University of FloridaM.Pharm, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India Role/Title:Pharmacist/Owner, Sherman Specialty Pharmacy, Hamilton, ONAwards and achievements:2016, Bowl of Hygiea Award, Ontario Pharmacists Association2015, Exceptional Achievement in Research and Academia Award, Ontario Pharmacists Association What excites you about being an entrepreneur?I feel that community pharmacy ownership is an exciting part of our profession. Ownership gives you the freedom to shape and practise pharmacy at full scope. Community pharmacies and pharmacists play an integral role in Canadian healthcare. Through my entrepreneurial journey I explored the opportunity to design a pharmacy based on my expertise and interest. My pharmacy provides unique services to our patients in the community. We specialize in compounding, addiction and pain medicine, and diabetes care. How has your entrepreneurial career evolved since your graduation?I moved to Canada in 2002 from India where I was working in the field of drug discovery as a pharmacologist at Dr. Reddy’s Research Foundation. In 2003 I became a registered pharmacist in Ontario and in 2006 I became an Associate/Owner of a Shoppers Drug Mart in Hamilton. This role gave me the opportunity to learn the intricacies of running a business, and juggling business, customer service, and retail pharmacy practice together. After 12 years of franchise business, I decided to open an independent specialty pharmacy, which turned out to be one of the best decisions.What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?Helping patients to reach their health goals and help them resolve their complex medication problems. Working at corporate-run chain pharmacies hinders one from exploring the brighter side of pharmacy. One is restricted to performing traditional roles like dispensing, managing labour and pushing staff to fulfil targets set by corporate office. Entrepreneurship provided me the freedom to practise my profession without any unwanted pressures. How do you define success?Success is not only the profit the business makes, but also the difference you make in peoples’ lives. One of our most successful programs is addiction medicine, where we partnered with addiction specialist doctors to provide comprehensive treatment to people with opioid dependence. We have close to 80% of our patients discontinue street opioid use and are on the road to recovery. We have also discharged several patients successfully by tapering off their opioid agonist therapy and they are now leading productive and successful lives. As a successful entrepreneur, what continues to drive you?Seeing the smiles on patients' faces and when they value and appreciate your advice and service. During the Covid pandemic as well as in recent times we were confronted with unprecedented drug shortages. Through our specialty compounding services we were able to offer patients alternatives and meet their healthcare needs. It fills me with immense joy when we are able to help our patients in their times of need. What is the biggest challenge to being an entrepreneur?Taking calculated risks. Retail pharmacy ownership is a big challenge. Your capital investment is quite high as well as you lose the comfort of a steady income as a staff pharmacist. From time to time, you may get significant pressures from insurance companies and public drug benefit programs, which can directly affect your bottom line. How do you manage work/life balance?I love to go for nature walks, cook and travel. I try to take regular breaks and vacations, which is crucial in maintaining one’s sanity and getting recharged. What advice would you give to colleagues who want to become entrepreneurs?Don’t be hesitant to reach out to your colleagues who run business and ask them what went well and what didn’t. No book can replace real life experiences. Follow your dreams. Entrepreneurship is rewarding and fulfilling. There are several challenges, but it is exciting and rewarding at the same time.

Pharmpreneur of the week Sony Poulose: ‘It fills me with immense joy when we are able to help our patients in their times of need.’

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