Jim Cherry awarded MSI Franchisee of the Year for community commitment, innovative pharmacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Medicine Shoppe pharmacy owner Jim Cherry takes customer service to a whole new level in Somerset, Ky., and it’s his commitment to the community and innovative pharmacy solutions that this year earned him the Medicine Shoppe International Franchisee of the Year award.

John Fiacco, VP of Medicine Shoppe International, presented Cherry with the award during this week’s Cardinal Health Retail Business Conference in Washington, DC.

“Jim and his employees go out of their way to help patients,” stated Ron Wilkins, senior consultant for franchise operations at MSI. “Jim drops prescriptions off to patients on his way home. Other employees have even stopped at supermarkets to buy groceries to deliver to home-bound patients.”

Cherry’s pharmacy, which is nestled in a town of 11,000 residents located about 75 miles south of Lexington, Ky., is a healthcare leader and innovator, too. Its pharmacy conducts one-on-one medication reviews with customers and uses an innovative medication therapy management program to help patients better understand and adhere to their medications. The pharmacy has multiple offerings to meet specialized needs of patients, including vaccines, long-term care products and weight-management services, among others.

Cherry gives educational talks on health at retirement homes. His pharmacy staff also contributes to local programs, schools and health causes.

“This Medicine Shoppe is the caring, one-stop shopping healthcare destination that represents all of the ideals of community pharmacy,” Wilkins said.

The Medicine Shoppe Franchisee of the Year Award, which comes with a $5,000 donation to the nonprofit organization of the recipient’s choice, is each year awarded to a pharmacy that serves as a model for other franchisees to emulate.