Local Pharmacy Lives On

Meet Brett Kvenild, one of many UW pharmacy graduates providing health care in the state.

By Micaela Myers

Whether it’s filling a prescription, receiving a vaccination or asking for an over-the-counter recommendation, most of us have regular contact with our pharmacists. These pharmacists play an essential role in disease management and health-care delivery. However, just as there’s a shortage of rural doctors, there’s also a shortage of rural pharmacists.

The University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy addresses the shortage of rural pharmacists by offering high-quality Doctor of Pharmacy degrees as well as continuing education for pharmacists in the state. Pharmacy students at UW get a feel for practicing in Wyoming and learning hands-on during internships and externships at approximately 225 pharmacies statewide.

One of those pharmacies is Pole Mountain Pharmacy in Laramie, which is owned by alumnus Brett Kvenild. Kvenild grew up in Medicine Bow and Laramie. He earned his pharmacy degree in 1998 and worked for local independent pharmacies as well as Walgreens before opening Pole Mountain in 2018.

“I interact with a lot of pharmacists in the state, and here at Pole Mountain we’re all UW graduates spanning many years,” he says. “I’m in a network of other independent pharmacists, and all of them are UW graduates. UW is a valuable resource, and we’re glad to see more of these independent pharmacies around the state. These graduates are able to stay here, give back and provide that local health-care piece.”

Kvenild serves as a preceptor for UW pharmacy students and offers paid internships. “I’m delighted to host these students,” he says. He tailors students’ experiences to their needs and interests.

The university atmosphere kept Kvenild nearby, and he can’t imagine living, working and raising his family anywhere else.

“I’ve always loved independent pharmacy,” Kvenild says. “It’s really fun to set your own priorities and feel like a member of the community. The community connections are a real big thing for me. To build relationships with providers and patients in Laramie and the surrounding towns over the years has been really satisfying.”