Our March spotlight features Leigh Angell of Hugoton Drug in Hugoton, Kan. Leigh shared how she became a pharmacist and how it’s allowed her to make connections with patients in her community.

When did you realize that you wanted to become a pharmacist and why?

I realized I wanted to change career paths my junior year in college. I was on track for mechanical engineering but just did not enjoy what I was working towards. So, I went to my college adviser and asked about health care and she pointed me towards pharmacy. It was a great fit then and now.

What do you find most rewarding about working in an independent pharmacy?

This is an easy answer for me…patient contact. As a pharmacist, especially in retail, we are fortunate to learn about their health as well as their daily lives – children, grandchildren, work force and everything in between. We actually become very close friends with many of our patients.

What advice would you offer to students still in pharmacy school or those considering becoming a pharmacist?

Please work towards learning the medicinal intelligence of pharmacy, but do not forget how much human kindness means when offered in combination with this information that you have learned.

What are you most proud of that your pharmacy has accomplished? 

We go above and beyond for every patient that walks through our front door or calls us on the phone. That is how independent retail works for a community.

Independent retail will always work harder in any industry. We give back to the community and school system in many ways – mostly donations – and being a member of organizations that support our community and surrounding communities. We are a very proud independent pharmacy supporting our Hugoton community and surrounding areas!