Advanced Health Pharmacy Provides Personalized Care

Arun Tandon, RPh, is the president and owner of Advanced Health Pharmacy in Portage, Michigan. With a bachelor’s degree from Delhi University, India, and over 35 years’ experience in the pharmacy field, Tandon has a unique story of growth and community impact.

After working for 21 years at Meijer Pharmacy, part of Meijer supermarkets in the Midwestern US, Tandon opened Advanced Health Pharmacy on November 1, 2010. Starting with no prescriptions and 1 employee, Tandon’s vision was clear: to create a pharmacy that provided exceptional patient care and fostered a supportive work environment for its employees. Today, the pharmacy employs more than 20 staff members and recently doubled its footprint.

At Advanced Health Pharmacy, innovation meets compassionate care. The pharmacy utilizes advanced technology, including 2 machines for precise pill counting, a vial-filling robot that dispenses the top 180 drugs, and a pouch-packing robot for long-term care and medical-at-home patients.

“Our goal is to ensure that our patients receive their medications with the utmost efficiency and accuracy,” Tandon said. “These technologies not only streamline our operations but also help us maintain the high standards of service we are committed to.”

Beyond technology, Advanced Health Pharmacy stands out for its comprehensive range of services. Last year, the pharmacy conducted more than 50 off-site influenza and COVID-19 vaccine clinics, serving assisted-living facilities, offices, and factories. With a nurse on staff, the pharmacy ensures that community members receive timely and professional care.

“We’ve found that being proactive with vaccination clinics allows us to support our community in a meaningful way,” Tandon said. “Our patients appreciate the convenience and the personal touch we bring to these events.”

Tandon’s dedication to patient care extends beyond his pharmacy. In the past year, he took on an additional challenge as an interim executive pharmacy director for a local federally qualified health center. There, he revamped processes, improved patient satisfaction from 40% to over 80%, and significantly reduced employee turnover. His efforts also included renegotiating 340B contracts, saving the clinic substantial money.

“This experience was a test of applying my understanding of human behavior and management in a new environment,” Tandon reflects. “The success we achieved was a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and effective communication.”

The consultancy earnings were used to boost staff bonuses and establish a profit-sharing program at Advanced Health Pharmacy, reinforcing his commitment to his team and the broader health care community. Tandon emphasized that investing in the staff is crucial because their work and dedication make the pharmacy stand out.

“Our staff embodies a culture of compassion and engagement,” Tandon said. “Every transaction, every interaction reflects our commitment to our patients.” Tandon added that this dedication is evident in how the pharmacy staff knows many patients by name and treats them like family.

One example of this personalized care is reflected in a letter from a grateful customer. The letter praised the pharmacy’s meticulous handling of medications for the customer’s now-deceased husband, ensuring timely deliveries and accurate prescriptions during a difficult time. The customer also appreciated the pharmacy’s proactive communication about medication costs and the personal touch of speaking with a real person who genuinely understands their needs. When the patient misplaced a 3-month supply of medications, the pharmacy’s understanding and resourcefulness in resolving the issue without excessive costs left a lasting impression.

“We were truly moved by this customer’s words,” Tandon said. “It reinforces why we do what we do—every detail matters, and making a difference in our patients’ lives is our greatest reward.”

Advanced Health Pharmacy’s commitment to the community extends beyond its walls. Tandon is an active local community member, serving on the Friends of the Portage Senior Center board for the past 10 years. He also speaks on health and wellness topics, such as a recent presentation about stress management during Senior Health Day.

The pharmacy’s community involvement is further exemplified by its outreach efforts. From hosting influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics to providing essential health services like tuberculosis testing and cognitive assessments, Advanced Health Pharmacy plays a vital role in promoting public health.

As Advanced Health Pharmacy continues to grow, Tandon’s vision remains focused on maintaining the high standards of patient care and employee satisfaction that have defined the pharmacy’s success.

“We are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our patients and our community,” Tandon said. “Our employees are the best people you can find, and their dedication is what makes our pharmacy truly special.”