Lawrence finds niche in healthcare as pharmacist

Ben Lawrence says his new role as a pharmacist at the Cornell Pharmacy seems like the perfect fit for him, as he has always enjoyed the rural side of healthcare. Lawrence says he likes being a resource for people, and will be on-hand if people have questions about medications or health in general. Photo by Julia Wolf

By Julia Wolf

Ben Lawrence is back to his roots and is ready to support healthcare in rural areas, as he serves as the new pharmacist at the Cornell Pharmacy.

Lawrence was born and raised in Eau Claire, attended Concordia University St. Paul for undergraduate studies and played football, before attending Concordia University Mequon for his graduate degree.

“I’ve just really enjoyed, kind of, the rural side of healthcare,” said Lawrence. “I’ve always thought there is kind of an unmet need.”

He says he thinks having someone on-hand that can answer questions about medications and health in general, is important, as people tend to see their pharmacist more often than they see their doctor.

“I enjoy being a resource,” said Lawrence. Lawrence said he knew about the Cornell Pharmacy’s parent company, Prohaska Pharmacy Group, for a while and they had a job opening right after he graduated.

“It kind of felt like the perfect fit,” said Lawrence. He got hired on in June, and helped where needed at various locations, while he was taking his exams and boards. Lawrence started full-time in Cornell, after he was fully licensed, just a few weeks ago.

Lawrence, his girlfriend and their little rescue dog live in Jim Falls, not far from the rest of his family, who still live in Eau Claire. When he’s not working, Lawrence says he spends most of his free time outside, year-round.

“I’m a huge outdoorsman,” said Lawrence. “So, I love hunting, fishing, everything that there is to do outdoors.”

In the winter, he says snowmobiling is the main activity. Lawrence also likes to watch Packers, Brewers and Bucks games.

He says he looks forward to serving the community. “I just love getting to know everybody and I’ll be here if they have questions,” said Lawrence.