The Personal Touch

Sunriver residents have a new reason to be happy about their quaint mountain village. The Sunriver Pharmacy opened its doors Sept. 9, ending a 25-year gap in the local supply of pharmaceutical needs. With a focus on personalized care and convenience, the Sunriver Pharmacy seeks to serve Sunriver as well as other south Deschutes County communities.

“We saw the homeowner survey showing the wants of the community,” explained Judy Gilbert, who co-owns the pharmacy with her husband Greg. “Having a pharmacy was top of the list.”

While Judy’s background is in business, Greg has 39 years in the health care industry. As an administrator, he has opened pharmacies within clinics of other health care facilities, such as at the Oncology Clinic in Medford.

In addition to Judy, who is there every day, and Greg, who helps out when he’s not working at the Bend Memorial Clinic, the Sunriver Pharmacy is staffed with a wealth of experience. Lead pharmacist Chris Reynolds has 38 years in the business, pharmacist technician and compounding specialist Julie Punsuk brings 22 years experience to the table, while pharmacist technician Laurie Zook has been in the medical industry for 15 years.

Located in the Sunriver business park, Sunriver Pharmacy offers both prescription medications and over-the-counter care items. They bill insurance and can usually get something to the store within a day if they don’t already have it.

In addition to medications, Sunriver Pharmacy has a large gift boutique, selling Sunriver souvenirs along with sunglasses and readers.

“We thought it would be great for Sunriver,” said Judy. “We chose our location because we thought it would be advantageous to help the surrounding communities as well.”

Kent Elliott, executive director of Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

“Having a pharmacy in Sunriver means local residents now have a place where they will have personalized service with a pharmacist who understands their personal needs,” he said.

So far community response has been positive. Residents have shown their appreciation for the pharmacy’s convenience and the saved trip to Bend. At the same time, the Gilberts appreciate their acceptance into the community.

“It really has been a delight,” said Judy.