Pharmacist celebrates first year at MRU

Over the last year pharmacist Thomas Yueng has advocated for students over everything from specific medications to trying to install a postal box.

Yeung’s pharmacy opened in the basement of Wyckham House in January 2011.

Yeung described serving a clientele made up of mostly students as a fun challenge.

“They want to learn, they’re really inquisitive. So, it tests my knowledge too,” he said.

“This generation is a little more invested in their health than some of the older generations.”

Before Mount Royal, Yeung worked for a pharmacy in Forest Lawn. One of the biggest reasons for the move, he said, was freedom.

This transition means Yeung can now focus on what he said matters most: caring for his customers.

He said his biggest goal for the next year is to tailor his business to meet the specific needs of students.

“It needs some tweaking still,” he said. “I’m always open to suggestions.”

Certainly one of the largest issues with Yeung’s business is getting the word out it exists. But, he said, being located in a basement isn’t always a problem.

“I think privacy is a big deal,” he said. “Not everyone likes to have a lot of people around when they’re filling a prescription.”

While Yeung described his experience at Mount Royal as mostly positive so far, there are some challenges.

Thomas said his biggest peeve is theft.

“Some students don’t understand that when you’re taking something you’re taking food off my table,” he explained.

He said even if students can’t afford a medication, there are better ways to get it.

Even so, Yeung said he stands by his decision to open his own business.

“It’s because you care,” he said. “I have pride in (Wyckham House Pharmacy), just watching it grow.