Alan Corley, owner of Corley Pharmacy in Greenville, Tennessee, represents a compelling story of dedication to community pharmacy spanning more than four decades. As a second-generation pharmacist following both parents' footsteps, Corley's journey offers unique insights into the evolution of pharmacy practice and the enduring value of independent community pharmacies.
From Family Legacy to Community Leadership
Born into a pharmacy family, Corley's path was shaped by early exposure to the profession through his pharmacist parents, who met at Southern College of Pharmacy in the 1950s. "One of my earliest memories of 'a job' helping them with the pharmacy was carrying cases of Maalox down the hospital hallway to the nurse's station," Corley recalls, highlighting his lifelong connection to pharmacy practice.
At just 23 years old, Corley purchased his first pharmacy immediately after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 1977. Over the years, he expanded his impact by owning five pharmacies, with a particular focus on mentoring the next generation of pharmacy owners.
"We have helped young pharmacists who may have needed some financial mentoring help to get into pharmacy ownership position," Corley explains. This commitment to nurturing new independent pharmacy owners has resulted in successful transitions, with most locations now operated by his former junior partners.
Witnessing Transformation in Pharmacy Practice
The technological evolution of pharmacy practice has been dramatic during Corley's tenure. He describes the transition from manual prescription filing and typewritten labels to modern computerized systems, highlighting how technology has revolutionized prescription processing and patient care.
Perhaps more significantly, Corley notes the extraordinary advancement in pharmaceutical therapeutics: "Probably 75% or 80% of the prescriptions we dispense today were not even available when I graduated from pharmacy school." He cites the introduction of now-common medications like Motrin and Tagamet as revolutionary developments that transformed patient care options.
The profession has also seen significant demographic shifts. Corley points out that when his mother graduated in 1953, she was one of only three females in a class of 125. Today, pharmacy classes typically comprise about two-thirds female students, reflecting broader changes in healthcare professional demographics.
Contemporary Challenges and Enduring Rewards
While celebrating progress, Corley expresses concern about modern healthcare complexities that can impede direct patient care. "One of the biggest changes that hurts my heart is the number of roadblocks that are between us and our patients now," he says, citing challenges from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and restricted networks that can limit patient choice and access.
Despite these challenges, Corley maintains that the most rewarding aspect of pharmacy practice remains unchanged: the ability to positively impact patient lives and health. "I saw the respect that people in the community and prescribers had for my parents as I grew up, and they trusted them, and they listened to them," he reflects, noting how this same community trust and respect continues to make the profession deeply fulfilling.
Building on Traditional Values in Modern Practice
As pharmacy practice continues to evolve, Corley's experience demonstrates how maintaining focus on patient care and community service remains crucial. His career exemplifies how independent community pharmacists can adapt to changing times while preserving the core values of healthcare service and community leadership.
