GRAYLING – When customers from pharmacist Tom Pratt’ former store come into Family Fare in Grayling, they often do a double-take.
‘I get that all the time, a second look,’ said Pratt, the new Grayling Family Fare Pharmacy Manager. Pratt started at Family Fare in May after working as a pharmacist at the Grayling Rite Aid.
Pratt, a 30-year pharmacist, worked with Rite Aid for many years in the capacity of pharmacy trainer, pharmacy manager, pharmacy training specialist and pharmacist – all in various states, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Michigan.
Pratt said he’ enjoying the new location.
‘Everybody’ very friendly,’ Pratt said. ‘They’ve made the change very easy. I’m so glad for that.
‘I’m really enjoying it, it was a very good decision,’ Pratt added.
Leaving his long-time affiliation with Rite Aid was not a decision Pratt made lightly. But with expected changes at Ride Aid due to its purchase by Walgreens, Pratt opted to make a change as well.
‘I really like it,’ said Pratt,an avid gardener and professional genealogy researcher, of his new location.
There are some differences in the software the stores use. But ultimately it’ the same process in regard to dealing with insurance companies. And staying engaged with the staff to ensure the best possible customer service.
‘Family Fare is very progressive and very patient oriented,’ Pratt said.
A pharmacy education wasn’t really what Pratt for himself as a young man. But a 1982 summer job at McMillan’ Drug Co. in Detroit helped determine what he would do for a career.
His first job, Pratt was stocking shelves and sweeping floors at McMillan’ when his boss, pharmacist Mike Rambus, suggested he become a pharmacist. Pratt, who enjoys learning and loves chemistry and science, thinks that is why Rambus made the suggestion.
‘He was right,’ Pratt said of Rambus’ suggestion. ‘It’ a great career and I’ve never looked back.’
Pratt settled down in Grayling in 2015 after a stint in Boston. As he looked at retirement, the confirmed bachelor wanted to be closer to his two brothers, who live in Harrison and Standish.
‘I just love it,’ Pratt said. ‘It was serendipitous stroke of good luck.’
‘Pharmacists are concerned with the whole person, not just counting pills and sticking them in a bottle.’
Pratt said he’s seen many positive changes in the field over the years. When he started it was primarily about counting pills, pouring liquids and ‘sticking and licking’ prescription bottles.
‘Now customers come to the pharmacy for immunizations and learn about drug interactions,’ Pratt said.
