A PCCA member since 2009, Gopesh Patel, RPh, is the compounding pharmacist-in-charge and owner at VLS Pharmacy and New Drug Loft. He focuses on providing high quality prescriptions and compounded medications, as well as overseeing the state-of-the-art sterile compounding facilities at VLS Pharmacy, which is accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. A 1979 graduate of MS University in Baroda, India, Patel has extensive clinical knowledge in hormone replacement therapy, dermatology, urology and IV therapy, which he willingly shares with fellow compounders during his frequent lectures at PCCA educational seminars.

Patel’s philosophy is patient-centered, and this can be seen in the effort that he and the staff undertake to provide only the best products and services to all customers. He takes great pride in the quality of the compounded medications that he prepares and works closely with all staff to instill this same mindset and commitment to excellence. He frequently gives his time within the communities of Brooklyn and the Upper East Side, educating young people about pharmacy compounding.

Patel is also a member of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and American College for Advancement in Medicine. He is a Preceptor for pharmacy students from Long Island University College of Pharmacy, Touro College of Pharmacy and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University in Boston. Plus, Patel regularly contributes to industry trade publications including Pharmacy Times.

Patel served a two-year term on PCCA’s Advisory Council 5 (2016-2017) and is a long-time member of PCCA’s Concierge Compounding Program. He frequently attends educational seminars and symposiums to learn new, more effective ways of treating his patients, and his networking with fellow compounding colleagues extends across the country. He is especially passionate about advocating for compounding pharmacy in New York and on Capitol Hill. He recently hosted New York Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke in his pharmacy to share patient access barriers and the role compounding plays in health care.

“Thank you for this honor. I’m truly humbled by it,” Patel said. “I always want to serve – anyone who has a problem or a difficult time. I like to help them. That’s how my family grew up, that’s what I’m following, and I tell my daughters to do the same. I like teaching and sharing with others, so that we can save lives. My reward has always been helping people feel better.”