Long-standing relationship continues to grow and benefit community pharmacists

The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) and the Office of Continuing Professional Education has maintained a partnership with Mutual Drug since the advent of Campbell’s pharmacy program in the late 1980s. Founded in 1952, Mutual Drug provides product distribution, business support, marketing support, and advocacy for independent pharmacies, as well as in-house continuing education opportunities. There are three annual Mutual Drug continuing education events where the CPHS Office of Continuing Professional Education assists with coordination and provides ACPE accreditation.

Dr. Traci Roberts-Collier (’94 PharmD) is the current executive director at the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy and is the only alumna to serve as an executive director for a State Board of Pharmacy. She and the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP) Past President, Dr. Andy Bowman, co-led a Multi-State Law Update for the Mutual Drug members on Sunday, September 29 at the North Raleigh Hilton. Dr. Bowman is the current NCBOP Southeastern District Representative and is the CPHS Director of Continuing Professional Education. Dr. Katie Trotta, assistant clinical professor of Pharmacy Practice and pharmacy manager of the Campbell University Health Center Pharmacy, also provided a smoking cessation lecture during this most recent CE event.

Gray Stewart, director of Pharmacy Professional Services at Mutual Drug and member of the CPHS Pharmacy Advisory Council, is a long-time friend of Campbell University. Gray grew up in Erwin, NC and frequently attended Fighting Camels sporting events, an activity he continues today. Among his many responsibilities at Mutual, Gray coordinates continuing education events and assists with development of topics with Dr. Bowman.  Numerous pharmacy faculty members have provided programming at these events during the three decades long relationship. The continuing education topics are generally geared toward community pharmacy practice, and there are typically 400 to 500 Mutual Drug pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in attendance.

In addition to the continuing education partnership, Mutual Drug supports the CPHS White Coat Ceremony, provides Endowed and Annual Scholarships, gives backpacks annually to the pharmacy students, and provides preceptor sites at numerous Mutual Drug stores. Gray Stewart explained, “We have relationships with Colleges/Schools of Pharmacy in four states, and Campbell is one of our most favorite and cherished. “

Dr. Bowman shared, “Campbell wholeheartedly values this three decade relationship with Mutual Drug, and we look forward to another thirty years as partners.” Campbell embraces the uniqueness of Mutual Drug and its pursuit of and service to community pharmacy.