Inspiring Conversations with Fatima Hamade of Rancho Pharmacy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Hamade.

Hi Fatima, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the founder and head pharmacist of Rancho Pharmacy. Originally from Michigan and moved in 2015 to San Diego. I graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, with a bachelor’s in biological sciences and then went on to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy from Ferris State University. I’m also an immunizing pharmacist and board-certified pharmacist in ambulatory care with ten years of specialized clinical practice. In addition, I served as an adjunct instructor at Henry Ford College and taught pharmacology to health care professionals.

I have extensive training in compounding pharmacy and hold certifications in veterinary medicine and dermatology. I am committed to empowering patients to reach their goals by providing health education.

When I moved to San Diego, I was surprised by the limited options patients had for independent pharmacies. Back in Michigan, you would find an independent pharmacy just about every mile. I would always fill my own prescriptions an independent pharmacy as I knew that they could offer better-personalized care. So this was my drive that led me to open Rancho Pharmacy.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges that all independent pharmacies face is contracting with insurance companies. As a small independent pharmacy, we do not have the negotiating power that big chains may have and therefore are sometimes faced with accepting contracts that may not reimburse the pharmacy as well as the big-box chains. In addition, Rancho Pharmacy was created in the middle of a pandemic that has had its obstacles. We normally hold events and classes; however, those have been put on hold due to the pandemic.

However, each time a patient comes in and we are able to help in ways that a chain pharmacy can not it puts a smile on our face and reminds us as to why the community needs us.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rancho Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy that provides a variety of services. We go beyond just filling your prescription, by offering a variety of additional services and products, including compounding, vaccines, testing, educational classes, community events. We also strive to save customers money. Although most people have prescription insurances, not many patients are aware that some may still be able to save money. We take time to look at every prescription to ensure that you are not overpaying. We also offer free delivery for nearby vicinities.

Our brand is the small town neighborhood pharmacy where people fill their prescriptions and gather as a community. We strive to know every customer by name. We also have a kid corners so children can play while parents are filling their prescriptions. In addition, we offer delivery and curbside pickup which many patients find to be convenient and easy.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Caring. Wanting to genuinely help out is what has resulted in my success. I have been lucky to have been surrounded with great mentors. And every single one of them had one trait in common. They cared about others. At the end of the day, you may not be able to solve every problem, but when you can express compassion, it helps people.

Contact Info:

• Email: Info@myranchopharmacy.com
• Website: Myranchopharmacy.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/ranchopharmacy
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ranchopharmacy/