BOSTON — McKesson’s RxOwnership team has partnered with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to sponsor its ninth Pharmacy Ownership Workshop, to further advance community pharmacy ownership. The Pharmacy Ownership Workshop takes place October 4-6, ahead of the NCPA Annual Convention.

According to statistics from the NCPA, more than 50% of past Pharmacy Ownership Workshop participants currently own their own pharmacy.

RxOwnership supports the future of pharmacy ownership by giving pharmacists the knowledge, support and tools required to achieve their ownership goals. In the past year, RxOwnership assisted more than 350 owners in launching a new pharmacy. Since 2008, the RxOwnership team aided in the ownership-transfer process of more than 5,000 pharmacies.

“RxOwnership is your one-stop shop for pharmacy ownership questions, apprehensions or ambitions,” said Chris Cella, national vice president, RxOwnership. “With this investment in NCPA professional development, we’re supporting both current and future pharmacists interested in owning and operating a community pharmacy. We’re serious about the future of independently owned pharmacies because we know patients and communities depend on them.”

McKesson also supports the Student Ownership Boot Camp Series. Both sessions are designed to provide current pharmacists and pharmacy students with tools to guide them in pharmacy ownership and enhance their current management skills.

“I decided to participate in the Pharmacy Ownership Workshop as my first step before ownership, which was extremely helpful,” said Christine Lee-Wilson, owner, Professional Pharmacy in Baltimore, Maryland. “A close friend told me that the workshop was very educational so I knew I should attend, and I’m glad I did.” Lee-Wilson is an accomplished pharmacy owner and an active member of RxOwnership’s Women in Pharmacy program.

With seven out of ten McKesson ideaShare attendees identifying work/life balance as the most important consideration for women in pharmacy, RxOwnership has committed to mentor more than 200 women in their Women in Pharmacy program. As a community of women who help other women succeed, the program focuses on four key areas: ownership, mentorship, leadership and work/life balance and also matches pharmacy students with owners and empower pharmacy ownership.

McKesson will also participate in the official NCPA student education program. Jim Springer, vice president, South Region, RxOwnership, will present the Importance of Buying and Selling a Pharmacy on Saturday, October 6. For more information about independent pharmacy ownership, visit RxOwnership.com.