Two long-standing cornerstones of local health care — Carman Pharmacy and BenefitsRx Pharmacy — are entering a new chapter as ownership transitions from Wendy Clark to pharmacist Carmen Fotheringham and a business partner.
After three decades of service, Clark is stepping back from ownership while remaining involved to support the transition. Carman Pharmacy first opened its doors in September 1995 after Clark and her husband renovated the former Stylerite building. On opening day, the pharmacy filled a single prescription — the first of thousands that would follow as the business grew through its philosophy of community-minded, family-focused, and patient-centred care.
BenefitsRx Pharmacy, located in a building that has operated as a pharmacy since the 1800s under various names, joined the Clarks’ ownership in 2009 when they purchased it from Ken and Barb Stevens. The Clarks rebranded the store as BenefitsRx Pharmacy while continuing the long tradition of service to the Carman and Dufferin area.
Clark, who will remain for a time to help with the transition, said pharmacy practice has evolved greatly over her career.
“The biggest transition is that the profession now has a broader scope of practice as pharmacists can prescribe medications for some minor ailments and UTIs,” Clark said. “Pharmacists are also now leaders in the healthcare profession as immunizers. It’s a much more collaborative practice with other health care practitioners; our community is a testament to this as both BenefitsRx and Carman Pharmacy work closely with the medical teams in town.”
Her proudest moments include taking the risk to open a new pharmacy in 1995, serving the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, and being a female entrepreneur on the front lines of health care.
“I will miss the conversations with my customers, the laughs and sometimes tears, and my incredible staff who have put up with me over the years,” Clark said. “It has been a privilege to take care of you over the last 30 years. It has been an honour that you picked me to be your pharmacist.”
Clark said she is confident in her successor.
“I’m excited for Carmen. I have worked alongside her for the past 16 years. We share the same philosophy in providing care to our patients and passion for our profession, and that was an important part of my succession plan,” Clark said.
Fotheringham, who began her pharmacy career in Carman in 2006 as an intern with Ken and Barb Stevens, has worked at BenefitsRx and Carman Pharmacy ever since. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator and said she looks forward to expanding clinical services where possible.
“Ownership is a large endeavour, but with Wendy’s guidance, our wonderful pharmacy team, and the support of a business partner, I am very excited to take on this opportunity,” Fotheringham said.
Fotheringham said customers will not see immediate changes to services, hours, or staff.
“My vision moving forward is to continue to offer the community patient-centred pharmacies that go beyond dispensing medications and focus more on improving overall health outcomes,” Fotheringham said. “The future of pharmacy is very exciting and we plan to be at the forefront of changes that come with this profession.”
She credited customers for their support over her nearly 20 years of practice in the community.
“First of all, I want to say a big thank you to all of my valued customers for trusting me with your healthcare needs,” Fotheringham said. “I am looking forward to this next chapter and I am going to continue to work hard to provide a high level of care, personalized service, and compassion to everyone that comes through the door.”
