Business Feature- Medicine Shoppe – Megan Tanner

1 day ago
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Updated: 24 hours ago

Medicine Shoppe – Megan Tanner | Slave Lake

This month, we’re excited to highlight Megan Tanner, owner and pharmacist of Medicine Shoppe in Slave Lake — a local business built on heart, dedication, and a strong commitment to personalized care.

Megan’s journey started all the way in Nova Scotia, where she studied at Dalhousie University. She always knew she wanted to become a pharmacist, so she completed a Bachelor of Science focused on Chemistry and Psychology before being accepted into the Pharmacy program. After graduating in 2014, she was awarded a scholarship in pharmacy school that required her to practice in a remote community for two years and that opportunity led her to Slave Lake.

Medicine Shoppe officially opened its doors in January 2019. For Megan, becoming a business owner wasn’t just about running a pharmacy - it was about creating a space where she could practice healthcare in a way that aligned with her values.

After working in larger retail pharmacies, she felt there was room in the community for something more personal. She wanted to focus on patient relationships, thoughtful care, and services that made life easier for local families.

When reflecting on why she chose Slave Lake as the place to build her business, Megan shares that she felt at home almost immediately.

I loved Slave Lake from the minute I arrived. This town has a unique balance of "small town feel" without being "too small" - we have enough amenities and services that people can still thrive here. I met my husband in 2015 - he has been here his whole life and his career is here as well. We didn't necessarily "need" another pharmacy in Slave Lake at the time, but I had plans to do things a bit differently and offer additional services that others don't!

Filling a Need in the Community

Even though Slave Lake already had pharmacies, Megan saw an opportunity to offer something different. One of her early goals was to provide specialty medical supplies and equipment rentals — services that previously required a trip to the city. Whether someone needs a wheelchair after surgery or extra support at home, Medicine Shoppe aims to make those resources accessible right here in town.

Personalized Care Comes First

What really sets Medicine Shoppe apart is the personal touch. Megan and her team take the time to get to know their patients, help navigate insurance questions, and find cost-effective options whenever possible.

Megan has also continued expanding her skills through additional certifications in travel medicine, ostomy supplies, compression garments, lab testing, and most recently, becoming a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. Her goal is simple - keep learning so she can better support the people she serves.

Challenges

Like many entrepreneurs in small communities, the early years weren’t always easy. Pharmacies require a licensed pharmacist to be present at all times, which meant Megan often worked long hours and had limited flexibility. Finding relief staff in a rural area can be challenging, but as the business grew and she built a team, she was able to create more balance while continuing to provide reliable service.

Vision

Megan’s vision for Medicine Shoppe is rooted in growth and community impact. She hopes to continue investing in staff training, expanding services, and supporting local initiatives - including an annual scholarship for students interested in health-related careers.

She also encourages anyone curious about working in pharmacy to reach out for a chat. From pharmacy technicians to pharmacists, there are many rewarding paths in this field, and she would love to see more local students explore them.