Editor’s note: This story is part of a five-part community pharmacy series covering College of Pharmacy alumni who operate independent pharmacies in rural or underserved communities across Tennessee.
For 50 years, Beckman’s Prescription Shop has embraced those who enter the pharmacy as family, not just as patients.
UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy alumnus Milton Beckman, RPh, and his wife, Sylvia Beckman, RPh, served the community through this cherished local institution, founded in 1973 and relocated to downtown Murfreesboro in 1976. The couple instilled exceptional care, compassion, and kindness into the very being of its service.
While there were many independently owned pharmacies in downtown Murfreesboro at its founding, Beckman’s is the only one still operating.
Today, Keith Beckman, PharmD, and Shannon Beckman, PharmD, UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alumni and husband and wife, are the next generation to carry on the family legacy of Beckman’s Prescription Shop. Preserving and cultivating Dr. Milton and Sylvia Beckman’s compassionate spirit remains a primary focus. “We aim to recognize every face and know every story,” Dr. Shannon Beckman says. “And for those we’re yet to meet, we’re eager to learn about them, their families, and their unique journeys.”
Dr. Keith Beckman vividly remembers his father, Dr. Milton Beckman, as someone who exhibited empathy and kindness to all who walked through their doors. “My dad was able to use his knowledge to help people genuinely,” he reflects. “He believed that if your heart is in the right place, you will be successful.”
“Keith has inherited his father’s profound compassion and patience,” Dr. Shannon Beckman adds.
After Dr. Milton Beckman’s passing in 2007, Dr. Sylvia Beckman managed the business until their son graduated from pharmacy school and could begin managing the pharmacy operations. Dr. Shannon Beckman worked at another local independent pharmacy before joining her husband at Beckman’s in 2019. In 2021, the younger Beckmans officially purchased Beckman’s Prescription Shop.
Beckman’s Prescription Shop goes beyond being just a downtown Murfreesboro fixture. It is a symbol of generosity and philanthropy. Beyond simply filling prescriptions, placing people first is a central aspect of the new owners’ philosophy. Partnership with local nonprofits such as Community Helpers, which provides vital support such as rent, utilities, and medication assistance to Rutherford County residents in financial distress, exemplifies Beckman’s enduring commitment to the community’s welfare. Through this and similar partnerships, Beckman’s is a lifeline to many in need.
“When you listen to their stories, you realize some are just facing a rough patch,” Dr. Keith Beckman says. “Connecting with the people in need allows us to make a positive difference.” Both echo this sentiment as they create an environment in which compassion and personal attention are paramount.
Serving as preceptors for College of Pharmacy students, the couple’s P4 student rotations illustrate their commitment to training the next generation of pharmacists. Not only do they give pharmacy students new health care experiences in their rotations, they also prioritize educating students on the realities of running an independent business. “I want them to know the great things about owning your business. But also, they must know its challenges,” Dr. Shannon Beckman says.
Independence allows Beckman’s Prescription Shop to serve Murfreesboro wholeheartedly and without restraints, providing medical services like vaccinations or blood drives and uplifting the community through teaching at local colleges or sponsoring local events and sports teams. “We love being in downtown Murfreesboro; there’s a cool, vibrant feel. It’s very local with all the local businesses. It’s great to be able to take care of your friends and neighbors,” she says.
“We aim to be here for another 50 years,” Dr. Keith Beckman says. “Remaining accessible so anyone can drop by with their concerns brings a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of times when community care was paramount.”
This story was originally featured in the Fall 2024 issue of the College of Pharmacy Magazine. If you have a story to tell about making a difference in your community or would like to highlight your community pharmacy, contact Nathan Ball, communications and marketing manager for the College of Pharmacy, at nball2@uthsc.edu.