Dr. Chirag (Chi) Patel
Degree(s) Earned: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
Alma Mater(s): McMaster University, Ferris State University
Graduation Year: 2009
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Position: Chief Operating Officer, Creative Director
Chirag was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. After graduating from Pharmacy School in Michigan (Ferris State University) with his Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Chirag moved to Texas, where he continued work for chain drug store – Walgreens.
During his time as a pharmacy manager at Walgreens, Chirag amassed countless hours of experience leading the busiest and most difficult 24-hour pharmacies in the country. Looking for a change and wanting to return to the East Coast, Chirag moved to Charlotte, NC, where he met Dr. Vipul Patel and formed the Carolina Pharmacy Group, a group of neighborhood drug stores in the Carolinas.
In less than 10 years, with a mission to focus primarily on the health of the patient, Chirag has helped the Carolina Pharmacy Group grow in the Charlotte area. Chirag is the Chief Operating Officer and Creative Director for the company.
Why did you become a pharmacist?
I previously worked for 4 years at Walgreens and I witnessed many disparities in care for our communities, as well as a total lack of care and compassion at the retail pharmacy level. I learned that independent pharmacies face numerous challenges that retail chain drug stores do not, yet the latter provide much lower pricing, more convenient and comprehensive service for families that most in our community were unaware of.
What interests do you have that you do in your spare time?
I spend most of my spare time with my family, in particular, my two children. We try to travel as much as our schedules allow and enjoy visiting new restaurants.
Favorite Musician/Group
Drake
Do you have a favourite sports team?
I am a diehard Toronto Sports Fan! I support the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Liverpool FC, and the Carolina Panthers.
What is your favourite food?
Sushi, Mexican, and Pizza.
What is the country you most want to visit?
Japan and the Serengeti in Central Africa
What is your favorite place to have travelled to?
Hard to pick just one place but England, Dubai, Maldives, Italy and Hawaii.
Brief info about your family?
I met my wife Reena at McMaster University in Canada. We have been together for over 10 years and have two beautiful children – Lucan and Kira.
What is one interesting fact about you?
Everyone in my family was born in a different country and continent (Myself – Canada/North America; Sister - England/Europe; Mom - Uganda/Africa; Dad - India/Asia).
If you had to choose a celebrity to play you in a documentary about your life, who would it be, and why?
David Blaine because I get told we look alike.
Favorite Thing About Carolina Pharmacy?
Our culture. We place great emphasis on fostering an environment where coming to work is enjoyable and personally rewarding. This allows us to focus on personalized patient care and building relationships with our patients, who become part of our pharmacy family, or "Pharmily" as we refer to them as!
