Larry L. Flynn: Anchorage MedSet Pharmacy.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
• Position: VIEW FROM THE TOP

Larry L. Flynn, registered pharmacist and president of Anchorage MedSet Pharmacy (AMP), graduated from the University of Utah in the mid-1970s and opened a pharmacy in California two years later. In 1984, he moved to Alaska to practice at Longs Drugs and continued to learn the ropes in various pharmacy environments.

In 2004, he and his wife, Louanne, opened AMP, which was incorporated in 2007. AMP is a "closed door" pharmacy, meaning most medications are delivered to the patient's home, office or clinic. Sales of about $7 million in 2008 are projected to rise in 2009 to about $10 million. There are 12 employees.

A fleet of four Hummers with heated leather seats, remote starts and fierce tires kept drivers comfortable and helped assure deliveries during a cold spell that dropped temperatures into the 25-below range.

ABM: So how's the view from the top at AMP?

Flynn: Magnificent. We have done so much in such a short period of time, it makes my head spin. My role is to help insure viability and profitably, and, along with the manager, Paul Brotherton, to shape strategic decisions.

ABM: How can local pharmacies help improve Alaska's health system?

Flynn: By continuing to stay involved in local pharmacy associations and do diabetic screening, hypertension clinics and flu shots, etc.; this will keep local pharmacies and pharmacists at the forefront.

ABM: How are you proactive in customer service?

Flynn: We're proactive to the degree that we try to think "outside the box" in our relationships with physicians, nurses, clinics, assisted living homes and patients. We recently started a program where, if we have a slight misstep--say we were unable to deliver all of a patient's meds at one time--we'll offer a gift certificate to a local fast food restaurant. In addition, we routinely buy lunch for our patients in the four largest assisted-living homes. We have informational seminars and meetings with physicians and clinics. In February, we hosted breakfast at the pharmacy convention here.

ABM: What advice might you offer families and the elderly regarding their prescription needs?

Flynn: Watch your meds. No one will care for your health as much as you do (or should). Know what meds you are on and what...