NACDS names ER physician 'Pharmacy Great Communicator'

ALEXANDRIA, Va. An emergency room physician was saluted by a group catering to the drug retailing industry for her op-ed in The Washington Post discussing the role of pharmacy-based clinics in the healthcare system.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores recognized Jennifer Brokaw, M.D., as an NACDS “Pharmacy Great Communicator” for her column, “Save the emergency room for emergencies.” Brokaw discussed reducing the uptick in ER visits and costs by implementing retail clinics and allied health professionals.

“NACDS applauds Dr. Brokaw for her thoughtful perspective on how pharmacy-based clinics provide important health services to patients,” NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “A visit to a local pharmacy clinic can provide a patient with high-quality treatment for nonemergency ailments, in a cost-effective manner.

“As the face of neighborhood health care, a neighborhood pharmacy offers medication, counseling and other services to patients, and with many in-store clinics opening in retail stores, patients can utilize these centers to address other ailments while reducing overall healthcare costs” Anderson added.

NACDS designates a “Pharmacy Great Communicator” when opinion leaders inject into the public debate the positive story of pharmacy’s role as the face of neighborhood health care.