Photo by Liza Winkler

Pharmacist David Yousenasna opened Tomball Health Mart in the Tomball Medical Plaza in August 2009.

Tucked inside the Tomball Medical Plaza, Tomball Health Mart offers a convenient alternative to the traditional, big-box neighborhood pharmacy with personalized patient consultations and a prescription delivery service.

"I really do believe we're like a hometown pharmacy," said David Yousenasna, Tomball Health Mart owner and pharmacist. "It's not like when you come in here, you're just a number, and we don't know who you are. We get to know who you are and get to know your situation. Nowadays, I think that is kind of unique."

Since opening in August 2009, Tomball Health Mart has seen an estimated 20 percent growth in sales volume each year due to an expanding customer base, Yousenasna said. The pharmacy sells a wide variety of brand name and generic health products ranging from medications for the common cold to over-the-counter prescriptions and dietary supplements.

With an increase in sales volume, the pharmacy has made investments to modernize its technology and offer shorter wait times for prescription pickups, he said.

"Now we have an automated dispensing robot that's able to fill at least 60 percent of our [sales] volume," Yousenasna said. "We feel when you come here, you're not waiting. If you're waiting, definitely 10 minutes or less is our goal. [The robot] just helps free us to not just be tied up in the dispensing role but be able to talk to and engage people."

Before opening Tomball Health Mart, Yousenasna graduated from the University of Houston in 2002 and quickly landed a job as manager of the Eckerd Pharmacy in Tomball. Yousenasna said he had a crash course in learning how to operate a pharmacy, manage a staff and care for patients during his time at Eckerd.

In 2004, Yousenasna opened the CVS Pharmacy on Main Street and continued to establish relationships with physicians and patients over the years. While visiting local doctors to promote CVS' services, Yousenasna spotted the early metal framework of a new medical plaza under construction across from Kindred Hospital.

Yousenasna said he began researching the Health Mart business model—one of the largest independent pharmacy chains in the country—as the foundation for his own business at the medical plaza.

Through the Health Mart network, Yousenasna is able to obtain McKesson medical products, labels, marketing materials and computer pharmacy systems at wholesale prices. The pharmacy contracts with major commercial plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and advises residents through the consultation process.

"I never really thought of doing my own business or pharmacy, but that kind of opened my eyes when I found out which physicians [were coming to the medical plaza]," he said. "For me it was the right location, the right situation and the fact that we were able to do well because I was able to use those relationships I had with the area physicians and the patients."

In addition to looking after their three children, David Yousenasna and his wife, Laylee, who also works as a pharmacist at Tomball Health Mart, enjoy building positive relationships with patients. With Tomball's small-town mentality, David said he enjoys the down-to-earth, relaxed nature of the residents.

"I think when you're able to be honest with [patients], really help them and earn their trust—when there are bumps in the road it's a lot easier to communicate that," he said. "We do it because it's the right thing to do and [fosters a] better working environment."

David said he plans to expand Tomball Health Mart's pharmacy and delivery services to reach more patients in the coming years.

Delivery service

Tomball Health Mart operates a prescription delivery service open to all customers at no cost, including patients in hospice care, mental health treatment and senior facilities. The pharmacy routinely delivers medications to patients in Tomball, Magnolia, The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, Waller and along the FM 1960 corridor.

"I think one thing we're going to focus on is [delivery] multiple times throughout the day and every day that we're open—six days a week," Yousenasna said. "I think that whole delivery [service] has really been a big part of our growth."

Tomball Health Mart, 506 Graham Drive, Tomball 832-559-6413, , Hours: Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., closed Sundays