Two UTHSC Pharmacy Alums Contribute to the Development of Future Pharmacy Graduates
The Reeves-Sain Foundation Inc. of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has made a charitable gift commitment of $100,000 to the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). The five-year gift will provide scholarship support and highlight the Reeves-Sain model of pharmacy to future generations of pharmacists.
The Reeves-Sain Foundation is the philanthropic division of the Reeves-Sain Family of Medical Services, which opened its doors in Murfreesboro 35 years ago. Half of the five-year, $100,000 gift will support the existing Reeves-Sain Endowment, which provides scholarships to current UTHSC College of Pharmacy students. The remainder of the funds will support the maintenance of the College of Pharmacy’s state-of-the-art building and establish an educational gallery highlighting the business model developed by Drs. Reeves and Sain, which enhances and improves the role of the community pharmacy in the health care of its customer base.
“The commitment of our alumni to the development of our students is humbling, and both the Reeves-Sain business model and their innovative ideas to bring it to our students will be informative and inspirational as our students explore their career options,” said Marie Chisholm-Burns, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FCCP, FASHP, dean of the UTHSC College of Pharmacy.
“We are proud to be innovators but are even prouder to be community pharmacists, and we look forward to providing our support to develop the next generation of outstanding pharmacists,” said Shane Reeves (PharmD ’94), co-owner of Reeves-Sain.
During its life span, Reeves-Sain has transformed from a family-owned community pharmacy into a multifaceted health-service provider, while maintaining the business’ initial community service mission.
“Through every change, every innovation, and every relationship, we have been reminded that this career helps us change lives. We are excited about this expanded relationship with UTHSC, and we look forward to championing pharmacy innovation in products, services, and training — all for the health of pharmacy patients across the state,” said co-owner Rick Sain (PharmD ’89).
The pair hopes to expose more UTHSC students to their model and inspire them to develop their own innovative ideas to improve the delivery of patient care by community pharmacies.
“The success of Reeves-Sain is built on our families’ legacy of enhancing the impact of community pharmacies,” Dr. Reeves said. “We frequently remind people that one of the most fundamental parts of their health is knowing their pharmacist, and that sentiment is expressed most in community pharmacy. Their health care knowledge, commitment to their customers, innovation, and personal touch combine to make them critical parts of their communities.”
Work on the gallery, which will be located in room 238 of the Pharmacy building at UTHSC, will begin this spring. An unveiling ceremony is planned once renovations are completed. The area will include study space for students and a visual component highlighting the progression of Reeves-Sain.
Reeves-Sain, founded in 1980 and locally owned throughout its existence, is a comprehensive medical operation, providing everything from infusion services, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, diabetes and oxygen services, and specialty services such as its in-store soda shoppe. More information is available at www.reevessain.com