LDN Social Media
Get connected with us on social networks
Meet Susan Merenstein
Preferred Provider for Hillman Cancer Center Integrative Oncology
“She's thoughtful, intelligent and articulate and is one of the let's-do-it-right pharmacists.”
-David Miller,
CEO International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists
"Thanks for your time, expertise, and kindness today. I am blessed to know you and you teach me so much! You help so many people and, like I tell the patients, you are one in a million!"
- Physician
What jump-started your career as a pharmacist?
I took my first steps in my father's corner drugstore Drug Lane in Washington, D.C. and as a kid I ran up and down the wide planked floors to the soda fountain where I stood on an old wooden box to "serve" the customer a cold root beer float. My dad was called “Doc” and mixed up concoctions for cough/cold, aches and pains, and dished out TLC when needed. He knew all of his customers by name and their families too! As I got older I worked as a front end clerk, clean up girl, and as a pharmacy technician. I decided to go to pharmacy school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1981 to work at a small independent pharmacy where we stilled typed RX labels on a Corona typewriter! Since then, I have advanced technologically, but I will never forget my independent roots!
What training and experience do you have?
I have been a practicing pharmacist for 33 years and I became a compounding pharmacist 13 years ago. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from University of Pittsburgh and my area of study was Pharmacy. I have an active license to practice pharmacy in the state of Pennsylvania.
I have obtained more than 300 hours of continuing education in hormone balancing and compounding, holistic approaches to individual patient problems with focus on the biochemistry and interactions of thyroid, adrenals and sex steroids.
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
I am currently involved with The International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists and The Professional Compounding Centers of America as well as the National Association of Professional Women. I was chosen as the 2011-2012 VIP Business Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women for my hard work and dedication to the pharmacy profession as well as credibility in business ownership.
Do you support or give back to any organizations or your community?
I frequently teach community health seminars and have been an instructor for adult education classes in the OSHER program at Carnegie Mellon University and Community College of Allegheny County. I have also lectured about hormone balancing to physician assistant students at Chatham College. I have taught elective classes on pharmacy compounding and alternative therapies for pharmacy students at Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. I am a preceptor for pharmacy students on clinical rotation for the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. I have also been a presenter at annual meetings of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists & Western Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists Association. I was just recently interviewed by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Animal Compounding. Check out my video here.
I am often called on as a pharmacist expert for WTAE news and I have recently been featured on Mind Body and Soul on KQV radio, as well as previously hosting a radio show called “Adventures in Natural Medicine”. I also contribute a monthly column called “Ask Susan” for our local newspaper. The charities that I am most passionate and drawn to are non-profit organizations involving women and animals such as Women and Girls Foundation, the Humane Society of Western Pennsylvania, and Animal Friends Pittsburgh.
What inspires and motivates you?
In life, there are only challenges and opportunities. I am motivated by both! My creative inspiration comes from listening to people. My brain is always humming with ideas to help people face health challenges.
What do you like to do on your personal time, when you’re not at the Apothecary?
My hobbies and special interests are family, reading on my Nook, walking my 2 adopted rescue dogs on the beautiful trails of Pittsburgh, photography, movies, live shows, and plays.
How has owning a small business changed your life?
Opening a small business enhanced my passion for helping, educating and guiding people in their quest for health. "I love being able to help patients achieve balance, quality of life, and lasting health".