Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Rooney.
Hi Ivy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in pharmacy began in 1991, just four years after the first treatment for the HIV/AIDS epidemic was approved. I had graduated from high school the year before and chose to begin full-time work at a pharmacy that dispensed these life-saving treatments both locally and nationally.
I was fortunate to work in customer service, where I spoke with patients every day. It didn’t ever felt like a job—I got to talk to people about life, love, family, the disease, the stigma, the secrecy, and the loneliness. Over time, I continued working in pharmacies dedicated to HIV/AIDS care. The trust patients placed in me was an incredible gift, one I never took for granted.
As the years passed, the pharmacies I worked for were acquired, and I found that my dedication to providing exceptional patient care did not always align with the priorities of larger corporations. This ultimately led me to open Ivy Pharmacy, driven by a mission to provide compassionate care grounded in expertise. I consider it a privilege to be part of someone’s healthcare journey and remain committed to creating a safe space where that care can truly flourish.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles for me have been losing patients, especially at the beginning of my journey working in HIV, also working in a predominantly LGBTQ+ community, I’ve had a front row seat to discrimination and hate. The insurance industry operates on greed and profits and that has taken over healthcare making it very difficult to navigate the complexities that patients have to go through to get care.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say that I specialize in pharmacy, specifically to assist in managing chronic conditions. I am know for having a vast knowledge in pharmacy operations as well as being committed to the community that I serve. I am proud of being a leader in my space, an advocate, an ally, and friend. What sets me apart from others is that I work with the purpose of having an impact on people’s well-being.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is not so much one thing, but a feeling of having security and family. Because we lived in a semi-rural area, my siblings and I were able to be creative and carefree. We lived near the Tijuana border where we had one neighbor that was an acre away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ivypharmacysd.com
