Glenn Gilmore of Grand Manan was presented with the Bowl of Hygeia at the New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association's (NBPA's) PharmaNB conference on Saturday, June 11, 2016.
The Bowl of Hygeia is the most widely recognized international symbol for the pharmacy profession and is considered one of the profession’s most prestigious awards. This award recognizes pharmacists who make outstanding contributions to their profession and to their communities.
A pharmacist for nearly 40 years, Glenn began his pharmacy career in Fredericton as the pharmacist and license holder at the Rookwood Avenue location of Ross Drug. Later he was instrumental in the success of the Good Neighbor Drug Mart at King’s Place in Fredericton, and also covered shifts at Good Neighbor locations in Sussex and St. Stephen. He returned to his birthplace in Grand Manan and opened The Grand Isle Drug Store in March 1982.
The practice of pharmacy in an isolated setting has particular challenges, especially for someone who is the sole resident practitioner. There is usually no one else to call on in the case of sudden illness and even planned relief help, such as for medical appointments, can be difficult to obtain. Vacations are often postponed indefinitely. Travel from an island is always dependent on the ferry schedule and often the weather. There is no other pharmacy in the community to call on if you happen to run out of a medication.
Glenn, with the support from his wife Margaret, has met these challenges with dedication and fortitude. He is an essential contributor to the life of his community, and conducts the practice of his profession with humility and dignity, and with caring compassion for those he serves.