College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Mercer University

East Marietta Drugs is an independent pharmacy, located in Marietta, Georgia, approximately 20 minutes outside of downtown Atlanta. It has been serving its customers for over 50 years. The current owners, Pam and Jonathan Marquess purchased the pharmacy in 1993. East Marietta Drugs is committed to patient education, which is evident in the store’s layout. There are 4 semi-private counseling booths as well as a large conference room available for one-on-one teaching and group discussions focusing on diabetes, dyslipidemia, asthma, smoking cessation and osteoporosis education and management programs. East Marietta Drugs has recognition from the American Diabetes Association for its diabetes self-management education program and its diabetes education center.

East Marietta Drugs offers a complete range of pharmaceutical care services in which the resident plays an integral part. The pharmacists at East Marietta Drugs are involved with institutional home health care including medication administration, antibiotic therapy and pain management. The resident is involved with disease state management programs including asthma, diabetes, smoking cessation, and infertility; specialized human and veterinary drug compounding; drug information services; and durable medical supplies including oxygen therapy management.

East Marietta Drugs has been involved in the Mercer University Community Pharmacy Practice Residency Program since 2001. The residency at East Marietta Drugs offers a wide variety of programs and services in which to become involved. The resident's activities include, but are not limited to:

participation and expansion in existing clinical services;

developing and implementing new pharmaceutical care programs;

participation in educational and training services such as continuing education programs;

participation in management aspects of independent pharmacy;

participate in various health care screening events

experiential and didactic teaching within Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences;

development of a research project, including grant proposals;

a scheduled staffing component;

compounding;

involvement in community based research studies;

attend local and national pharmacy organization meetings;

oversee and mentor pharmacy students;

develop marketing strategies;

enhance drug information skills;

partake in the immunization program

elective rotations; and other areas of interest to the resident

In addition to opportunities at East Marietta Drugs, the resident has opportunities to work with the Institute for Wellness and Education, which is a health screening, monitoring, and educational organization run by Jonathan Marquess. The resident is able to take part in various health screenings for diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension by testing and educating patients. The resident also has the opportunity to participate in the education component by giving professional seminars to health professionals.

East Marietta Drugs has a diverse patient base which facilitates a unique opportunity for the resident to explore many aspects of independent community pharmacy. The pharmacy environment offers an exceptional opportunity to enhance clinical community pharmacy practice skills.