Emma Ankeney, 2026 PharmD Candidate, University of Washington
My name is Emma Ankeney, and I’m a fourth-year pharmacy student at the University of Washington. I recently had the privilege of completing a rotation at Centralia Pharmacy, and it completely changed my perspective on what independent pharmacy can be.
Centralia Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy owned and operated by Courtney Quinby. They proudly serve their local community by pairing old-fashioned customer care with modern, personalized pharmacy solutions. From my first day, I could see that this wasn’t just a tagline—it was how they operated.
A Lesson in Community Care: Flexibility That Puts Patients First
One of the first things I noticed was how the team didn’t just talk about patient-centeredness—they lived it. I was welcomed into a learning environment where I could jump right in and see independent pharmacy in action. Staying open late to accommodate patients from the local suboxone clinic? That’s just what they do. It showed me that independent pharmacy has the freedom to meet patients where they are, and for patients navigating difficult circumstances, that flexibility can be the difference between staying on track with their care or falling through the cracks.
A Team That Loves Their Community
Another moment that stood out was when the entire staff wore red for National Wear Red Day to kick off American Heart Month. It was a small gesture, but a powerful reminder that this pharmacy is woven into the fabric of the neighborhood it serves. The staff here aren’t just employees—they’re community members who genuinely care. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s a reminder that when a pharmacy is truly part of its community, patients feel seen, supported, and more connected to their care.
Advocacy in Action
Beyond daily patient care, what really inspired me was discovering a team as passionate about keeping independent pharmacy alive as I am. I had the opportunity to join them for legislative day in Centralia/Chehalis alongside their residents and pharmacists. It showed me that advocacy isn’t abstract—it’s personal, it’s local, and it matters. For independent pharmacies to continue serving their communities, they need pharmacists and patients alike to speak up for their value.
The Bottom Line
This rotation reminded me why I chose pharmacy in the first place: to make a real difference in people’s lives. Independent pharmacy isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving because of dedicated professionals who care deeply about their patients and their community. Experiences like this one show how important independent pharmacies are to improving access, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of patient-centered care. If you’ve never visited an independent pharmacy, I encourage you to seek one out—you might be surprised by the difference it makes.