Mike Gilbow Named to State Board of Pharmacy
Mike Gilbow has been with North Sunflower for the past 12 years. But that is just part of the story of his 43-year career as a pharmacist. So it’s no real surprise that the leadership of our state wanted to learn a few things from Mike’s decades of experience – and passion for patient care.
Last month, Mike was named by Governor Tate Reeves to the State Board of Pharmacy. The mission of the Board is to “protect and promote the health of Mississippi citizens by regulating and controlling the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of prescription drugs and devices.”
Last week, Mike told the Bolivar Bullet, “Here at North Sunflower, where I work, we have six pharmacists and I am very thankful to have their full support. And I also have the hospital administration’s support which means so much to me. To be able to do the service work for the state of Mississippi, the Delta, and for the pharmacy is just wonderful to me.”
The Important Challenges Facing Pharmacies
We asked Mike what he felt were some of the most important challenges facing pharmacies in Mississippi. He was happy to provide some thoughtful insights into the industry.
“Like a lot of other rural states, Mississippi faces a shortage of pharmacies. Many of the business factors of operating a pharmacy are really hurting small town, corner store pharmacies,” Mike told us. “A lot of the people we serve don’t drive. When a pharmacy in a small town shuts down, the patients they served now live even further from the pharmacist that has their medications. We have had to come up with some innovative solutions to get our patients the prescriptions they need to stay alive.”
Mike wants to bring some of the commonsense solutions North Sunflower Medical Center has pioneered to the state pharmacy board. “We had Mississippi Sports Medicine here in Ruleville recently. It was packed with people needing to have their knee or shoulder or any other ailment looked at,” Mike told us. “They were able to see some of the best orthopedists in the state without having to go to Jackson. We do the same with hearts. I want to take that kind of thinking to the state board to help address some of the challenges pharmacies all across our state are facing.”
Mike Gilbow is Part of An Amazing Team
But don’t worry about all the accolades going to Mike’s head. “I am lucky to be part of an amazing team. Some of the biggest names in pharmacy are on that board. I’m going to work hard and study hard and do my very best.”
The more you talk with Mike, the more you see why our world needs more Mike Gilbows. “The opportunity to help the State of Mississippi just fills my heart with joy. I love what I do. I believe in what goes on around here at North Sunflower. It’s not always easy, but what we’re doing is what I love. Taking care of friends and family and new acquaintances daily – it’s just right down my alley.”
Mike’s term officially started on the first of July. So if you see him around Ruleville, tell him to keep up the good work.