West Baltimore Community Pharmacist Inducted in Dean’s Hall of Fame

Owner of Harlem Gardens Pharmacy recognized for her leadership, entrepreneurship, and passion for independent pharmacy.

By Becky Ceraul
May 9, 2011

Michelle Andoll, owner of Harlem Gardens Pharmacy in West Baltimore, was inducted on April 28 into the Dean’s Hall of Fame for Distinguished Community Pharmacists as part of the annual banquet of the School’s student chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).

The award, created in 2006, recognizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and passion for independent pharmacy and is presented each year to a pharmacist who embodies those characteristics.

In selecting Andoll for this year’s honor, School of Pharmacy Dean Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, said she can think of no one who better lives those ideals on a daily basis. “Michelle took over ownership of Harlem Gardens Pharmacy and accepted the challenge that is independent pharmacy because of her commitment to the community her store serves,” said Eddington.

“Receiving this award at this point of my career inspires me to continue the work I am doing,” said Andoll. “It is wonderful to know that someone or somebody sees the value in what I am doing, understands the many forces that make independent community practice extra challenging and acknowledges that any success in independent community practice today is worthy of recognition.”

Andoll graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1990 and furthered her education by enrolling in the University of Maryland School of Law, which she graduated from in 1996. During her law school years, Andoll worked in almost every practice setting, including community, long-term care, pediatrics, and home infusion, making her the well-rounded pharmacist/owner she is today.

Andoll’s career has taken her from volunteer legal work with the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings and the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division Health Advocacy to four years as a pharmacist compliance officer with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.

In 2003, Andoll made another career move, becoming manager of the new Harlem Gardens Pharmacy, which sits just a few blocks from our School. A short time later, she accepted the challenge of independent pharmacy ownership and took over the store from its previous owner.

“One of the most important influences for me is having the support of the Harlem Park community,” said Andoll. “Many years ago the neighborhood council was asked to identify what services they wanted brought to the community to make it more complete, more livable. A community pharmacy was high on their list. I am proud to say that, with their continued support and encouragement, I have been able to fill that void. Our relationship has been a major factor in my store’s success, and I am so very grateful to be part of the Harlem Park Community.”

In addition to her dedicated service as a community pharmacist, Andoll volunteers her time to many pharmacy and health care organizations such as the Maryland Pharmacists Association, the Maryland Pharmaceutical Society, and the Harlem Park Neighborhood Council. She serves as a preceptor for the School of Pharmacy and is a pharmacist participant in the Maryland P3 (Patients, Pharmacists, Partnerships) Program. She is also a member of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s Task Force on the Discipline of Healthcare Professionals.

“This list is a prime example of a distinguished career and commitment to public service,” said Eddington.

“While I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far as an independent community pharmacy owner, I feel there is much more success to come and much more I hope to achieve,” said Andoll.

The NCPA annual banquet recognizes the School’s Leavitt Student Chapter’s yearly achievements and new chapter officers are installed.

“This outstanding group of students is the future of the profession and based on what we’ve seen and heard here tonight, a group of which we can be especially proud,” said Eddington.
The Leavitt Chapter’s goal is to promote independent pharmacy with the intent of increasing student awareness of its advantages, encourage newly practicing pharmacists to pursue pharmacy ownership, and support independent pharmacy’s already established positive image.

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