"Local person becomes new owner of Pharmasave"

OHSWEKEN - The Pharmasave Health Centre Pharmacy located in the Gane Yobs Medical Centre is now under new ownership.

As of March 1st, Susan McNaughton, licensed pharmacist, took over the local drug store.

MacNaughton began working at the pharmacy while still a student at Western University in London.

"I always knew I wanted to do something in the health services field," said McNaughton who first contemplated becoming a Medical Doctor.

"My family all work in the health profession. My sister is a physio therapist and two of my brothers are lab technicians."

Aside from considering medical school, she also had thoughts of becoming a nurse or a dentist.

However, it became apparent to McNaughton during her final years at Western University that she did in fact want to pursue a career in pharmacy.

"I enjoyed the work I was doing during the summer (holidays) at the pharmacy."

Therefore, after completing a four year Bachelor of Science degree at Western University, McNaughton was then accepted into the Pharmacy degree program at the University of Toronto.

With her Science degree she was accepted into the second of a four year program at U of T. Upon graduation McNaughton returned to Six Nations to assume a full time position at the medical centre pharmacy.

"Everyday is different. Its almost like visiting with people rather than a job. You get to know people, its nice," says McNaughton.

For McNaughton one of the best aspects of her job is that she giving back to her home community. "I think its nice to have grown up here and to be able to come back and work in the community like this."

The pharmacy was originally owned and operated by Keith Flexman in 1979. Flexman will remain working twice a week to assist McNaughton and the staff.

Of her accomplishment Flexman has said, "Susan is a role model for local students to encourage them to pursue their dreams and eventually return to serve their own community."

As for future plans for the pharmacy McNaughton says she has hopes of expanding the pharmacy to offer a better selection.

An open house will be held at the Pharmasave April 20th.