Pace Wellness Creates Health Solutions Through Unique Medication

Dr. Esther Alabi-Nyarko is at the forefront of medicine. The Pace Wellness pharmacy founder graduated from pharmacy school in 2001 and has since held countless roles in the medical field — from pediatric clinical pharmacist to pharmacy clinical manager to director of pharmacy services. These roles have served as enriching life experiences for Alabi-Nyarko and led her to found Pace Wellness Pharmacy in March of 2016 with the goal of finding solutions to unique problems through customized medicine.

Most people simply receive a prescription for their doctor and pick up what was prescribed from the pharmacy of their choice. This may not always work for you or me, as Alabi-Nyarko described it, because “medicine is not one-size-fits-all.”

Pace Wellness stands out among other pharmacies as Alabi-Nyarko is able to create customized medications from scratch to meet unique needs. The process might sound strange at first, but it is safe, FDA-approved and -regulated, and specifically tailored to an individual’s health needs.

For example, recently, a mother visited Pace because her daughter had difficulty taking regular medicine. To solve that problem, Alabi-Nyarko created a lollipop infused with medicine, allowing her little patient to take it without even noticing. A situation like this is exactly why Pace exists in the first place, but the solutions offered aren’t exclusively candy-based.

Alabi-Nyarko’s ability to create medicine from scratch makes it possible to tailor medication specifically to one’s needs. For instance, if someone is managing a chronic illness, Alabi-Nyarko is able to create medications that vary in dosage, size, form and taste, and she can combine multiple compatible drugs into one formula, thus maximizing therapeutic effect. For patients on more than five medications (polypharmacy), she can work with the patient and the physician to consolidate the number of pills that need to be taken depending on education. Alabi-Nyarko always keeps in constant contact with the patient and the physician to determine the most beneficial medication to best suit the needs of the patient.

This focus on individualized health as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach, Alabi-Nyarko said, “gives patients better control over their health and a better understanding.”

Alabi-Nyarko places a strong emphasis on individualized health care, but she also stresses the importance of proactive care as well.

“To really take care of patients, it has to be on the outpatient side; it has to be that preventative care,” she explained. “And really, that’s where I come in. When I think of people, I think, ‘What can I do for these patients so they can attain health and wellness, and they don’t end up with chronic conditions that have no solutions?’”

In order to promote this proactive care, Pace Wellness offers health screenings every Wednesday for those looking to gain a better understanding of their health. These health screenings consist of not only traditional screenings like blood pressure readings but also innovative and integrative tests like micronutrient testing, food and chemical sensitivity tests, pharmcogenetic testing and much more. “I am very detail-oriented and I want things to make sense to my patients,” Alabi-Nyarko said, ensuring that the screenings are helpful and not filled with confusing medical jargon.

In addition to testing, Pace offers disease management as well as hormone therapy management. Alabi-Nyarko said that she enjoys offering varied services to the public, as it is her “sincere desire to solve problems, to have alternate solutions to create success and really help people.”

Alabi-Nyarko served as a consultant pharmacist and director of pharmacy clinical services for a few years prior to opening Pace earlier this year. The business is still blossoming, but she said she’s thrilled by the kindness of those who have visited her already.

She looks forward to building her business in the area, and she is excited to find new solutions to her patients’ problems.

“If you need some help finding solutions to your health concerns, just come and see me,” she said. “We’ll figure out the best treatment plan to help you feel better, liver long and be more energized.”

Pace Wellness is a full-service pharmacy that offers customized medication in addition to commercially available medication. Some insurance plans are accepted, and Alabi-Nyarko plans to take more in the future. Pace also offers immunizations, in-home medication management and delivery within 15 miles. Pace is open from 10:00am until 6:00pm Monday through Friday and from 9:00am until noon on Saturday. For more information, call 410-553-4345 or visit www.pacewellnessrx.com.