The field of pharmacy is evolving rapidly, offering diverse career paths beyond traditional roles. From research and drug development to pharmacy informatics, new opportunities are emerging. To highlight these unique career settings, we’ve introduced a new section on our website—Novel Pharmacy Practice Settings—where you can explore unconventional career pathways in pharmacy.
In this feature, we spotlight Franklin Roye, PharmD, co-founder and President of IndyCare, a retail health and wellness center in North Carolina. IndyCare integrates technology-enhanced, collaborative healthcare within independent community pharmacies, creating a unique patient care model.
A Unique Approach to Community Pharmacy
Unlike traditional retail pharmacies with in-store clinics like CVS Minute Clinic or Walgreens Healthcare Clinic, IndyCare redefines patient engagement by embedding a medical clinic within an independent community pharmacy. This model allows pharmacists to deliver direct patient care and get financially compensated for their services. Learn more about how pharmacists are redefining their roles in community-based healthcare.
A Journey from Biopharmaceuticals to Entrepreneurship
Dr. Roye’s path into frontline healthcare wasn’t planned. After earning his pharmacy degree, he spent most of his career in the biopharmaceutical industry, working in sales, marketing, account management, and strategic consulting. His professional journey took him across the globe, from GlaxoSmithKline in North Carolina to a market access consulting role in Singapore. Eventually, he returned to the U.S. to co-found IndyCare with fellow pharmacist Greg Vassie.
Balancing Operations and Growth in a Fast-Paced Industry
A typical day for Dr. Roye starts early, balancing clinic operations, employee management, service expansion, and vendor collaborations. Three days a week, he is onsite at IndyCare, focusing on real-time problem-solving and patient engagement. On other days, he works on business development, exploring new services and partnerships to enhance patient care.
The consumer healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology, insurance models, and regulatory policies influencing daily operations. Staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptability.
Overcoming Challenges in the U.S. Healthcare System
One of the biggest challenges in Dr. Roye’s role is navigating the complex healthcare system. Even with a clear, patient-centric approach, legal, financial, and insurance barriers can hinder implementation. Adapting to regulatory constraints while maintaining a high-quality patient experience is an ongoing challenge for healthcare entrepreneurs.
Understanding healthcare policy and business dynamics is crucial for pharmacists looking to enter non-traditional practice settings. A deep dive into healthcare regulations can help professionals navigate this ever-changing landscape.
Advice for Future Pharmacists
For pharmacy students and professionals considering a similar career path, Dr. Roye emphasizes:
- Expand Your Knowledge Beyond Clinical Training – Business acumen is just as critical as clinical expertise. Take elective courses in business, finance, and healthcare management.
- Develop Data Fluency – The ability to analyze and act on healthcare data will be essential in future roles.
- Gain Diverse Experiences – Supplement clinical training with exposure to entrepreneurship, technology, and policy-making.
For high school students considering pharmacy careers, Dr. Roye advises keeping an open mind about the profession’s evolution. With automation and technology reshaping traditional pharmacy roles, new opportunities in healthcare innovation and digital pharmacy are emerging.
Making a Difference Through Patient-Centric Care
IndyCare’s nimble, patient-first approach enables it to solve real-world healthcare challenges. One example is a recent case where a family struggled to find a provider willing to test a homebound Alzheimer’s patient for COVID-19. Despite contacting multiple healthcare systems, they faced bureaucratic hurdles. IndyCare stepped in and provided the service, demonstrating the impact of flexible, independent healthcare models.
This level of adaptability and patient care is what sets entrepreneurial pharmacy practices apart. For those looking to explore similar opportunities, staying informed on emerging healthcare innovations can open doors to new career possibilities.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Pharmacy is Entrepreneurial
Pharmacy is no longer just about dispensing medications—it’s about driving innovation in patient care. Whether through retail health hubs, telehealth services, or data-driven decision-making, pharmacists have the potential to transform healthcare delivery.
Also Read : Top 10 UK Universities for Pharmacy and Pharmacology Degrees
