Anyone who has ever been associated with the Lundy Packing Company is well aware of the motto: Service above self, one used by Charlotte Fetterman’s great-grandparents, B. T. and Mable Lundy.

It is now the younger Fetterman’s mantra and the reason she decided to return home to work.

Fetterman has recently accepted a position at Butler’s Pharmacy as a pharmacist, and she said it’s a move she’s thrilled to have made.

The daughter of Joni Fay Fetterman and the late Dr. Louis Fetterman Jr. and the granddaughter of Annabelle and Louis Fetterman Sr., she completed her undergraduate studies at Meredith, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry prior to entering Campbell University’s School of Pharmacy. At Campbell, Fetterman earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy and a Masters in Business.

She is also a graduate of Clinton High School.

She credits her hometown for providing the support she now wants to return.

“I want to give back to the community that has given so much to my family and to me,” said the young druggist. She also stated that she liked the small-town experience that Clinton and Sampson County offer, where people know and care about each other.

Fetterman worked at Butler’s Pharmacy during one of her rotations while in school, so it seemed a natural fit to return.

“I really enjoyed working for an independent pharmacy. You get to know and interact with the people. That is what I want to do, is to know my patients and better serve them, providing the best care possible,” Fetterman said last week.

The pharmacist also worked for a big chain drugstore and a mid-size one during her rotations. “There are a wide variety of paths a pharmacist can take. I just found that I liked the small, private business best.”

Other rotations Fetterman had were in oncology and geriatrics.

Deciding to go into pharmacy just before her senior year at Meredith, Fetterman explained that she knew she wanted to be in some type of medical profession. “I went to East Carolina and participated in their prospective physicians program. I discovered that being a doctor was not for me. Becoming a pharmacist just fell into place.” She admitted that by being a pharmacist she was more accessible to patients more than most other health care providers.

She sees herself as part of the triangle of care for patients between the patient and doctor, the patient and pharmacist and the doctor and pharmacist.

“The relationships developed between the pharmacist and the patient and doctor are vital if we are going to provide the best medical care that is available,” she noted.

Through this relationship, she will be able to guard against drug interactions that may be harmful to the patient or see that potential duplication of medications doesn’t occur.

Future new programs that Fetterman is excited about starting at her new job relate to serving the public better and providing a high standard of service. “I am excited to help start a medication therapy management program. We are looking into hosting a ‘Brown Bag event’ where patients bring in all the medications prescribed and over-the-counter medicines that they are currently taking so we can review any duplication of medications or possible interactions that might be happening.”

She also is working with others at Butler’s to begin diabetic counseling. The business already fits patients for shoes, but hopes to be able to expand into providing more offerings, such as how to eat right, taking and monitoring blood sugars and dealing with insulin. “I am really excited about getting these programs started.”

“We do more than push pills. That is why I enjoy being in a smaller, private business. I can come from behind the counter and talk to my patients and explain how their medicines should affect them and how it properly should be taken.”

Fetterman expressed that she wanted to know her patients and see them on a regular bases where they can come in or call to ask questions or express their concerns. She also received her immunization certification through school and is able to administer the flu vaccine and other medications like the shingles vaccine.

In essence, she just wants to help, where and when she is needed, she attested.

“My parents, especially my dad, always told us to try to give to those who were less fortunate than we were. I hope that is what I am doing. This community has done so much for me and for my family, I just want to give back to them. I am so glad to be here, and I truly appreciate all that everyone has done to help me get here.

“I base everything I do on the three F’s, faith, family and friends. Because of all the support and encouragement I have received from the three F’s I am where I am today. I have to say a special thanks to my little brother Trey also.”

The new pharmacist also expressed her gratitude to Jack Waters, senior pharmacist at Butler’s, and Cindy Sanchez,one of the pharmacist assistants and a “hard worker” for assisting her in getting adjusted and teaching her so much in such a short amount of time. “Jack and Cindy have been so helpful in helping me to understand all there is to do; I cannot imagine doing this without them.”

Waters stated that he was extremely glad to have Fetterman with them. “We are delighted to have Charlotte here. Her enthusiasm and youth, along with her vast abilities, are a great benefit for us. We are excited and very pleased to have her.”

The new pharmacist shared that she sees herself in the retail business down the road and feels that she would like to remain close to her roots.

She is not just learning her new job, though. She is planning her upcoming marriage to Mark Harrell on Dec. 4. Harrell is from Wallace and is the district executive director for the Boys Scouts in Sampson and Duplin counties.

Where they will live is still to be decided, but Fetterman expressed that she would not mind living in Clinton.

The two met at McDonald’s here in Clinton. “Mark has been with me since before pharmacy school and has been with me through all the studying, tests and struggle. We are excited about starting our lives together.”

Fetterman hopes that people will come by Butler’s and if they do not already know her, get to know her. “I want to be able to provide the best possible service to the people of Sampson County that I can.”

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail siobits@heartlandpublications.com.