The final prescription

After 40 years of slinging pills, Dr. Tony Cass’ time as a pharmacist has coming to an end.

Cass finished off his pharmacy career on Friday, June 30 at Greater Regional Medical Center. He first gained interest in this career from his uncle and aunt, Tony and Twyla Sienhage.

“They owned Hanson Drug Store,” Cass said. “In middle school, I started working in the drug store summers and after school.”

Cass and his wife Peggy took on the family business after the Sienhages retired in 1994.

“We were owner/operators of Hanson Drug until September of 2006 when I sold my business to Jeff Longstaff at Medicap,” Cass said. “Then I came onboard here at Greater Regional as a clinical pharmacist that same month.”

Between clinical work and community work, Cass said his favorite times was when he got to work directly with patients.

“They each had their aspect,” Cass said. “Between them, I really enjoyed working with patients, helping them with their prescription… I’ve just always enjoyed working with the public.”

Now in retirement, Cass said that the part of work he’ll miss the most is his coworkers.

“I’m going to definitely miss the people that I have worked with through the years, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter,” Cass said.

Cass’ retirement will bring about a variety of projects and time well spent.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends, being involved with the grandkids’ activities and maybe pick up a few hobbies that have been pushed aside through the years,” he said. “I have some house projects that I intend to complete. Maybe get back into golfing, a little fishing, just enjoy some downtime.”

For those looking to enter the pharmacy world, Cass suggests to look at their options.

“There are many opportunities to practice in different areas,” he said. “They would just have to explore those avenues. It’s a demanding career nowadays with the way things have changed.”

Despite the many changes, Cass wouldn’t change a thing.

“It’s been a rewarding career for me,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it.