Gwidt Pharmacy hires new pharmacist

Part time in Pulaski works into full time in Wittenberg
By: 
Miriam Nelson
News Editor

If you ask pharmacist Katie Hanke what inspired her to her profession, she will admit that she’s pretty nerdy and that her love of science and teaching is a good combination to have in this industry.

Having worked in a hospital setting as part of her training, she realized she didn’t like just meeting with patients once and then hoping to never see them again. Her one-year community residency included very focused training in community pharmacy practices. That community focus brought her to Wittenberg.

”We’re very excited to have her join our group,” said Shane Resch, owner of Gwidt Pharmacy in Wittenberg. “She brings lots of clinical background and expertise to our pharmacy.”

That background and expertise includes both a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and her pharmacy doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hanke’s pharmacy training included outpatient care at an independent pharmacy in Two Rivers. Hanke feels that particular training experience prepared her for her work in Wittenberg. The focus was on looking at the clients’ overall health and administering immunizations — not just dispensing medications.

Hanke had taken a part-time job at the Pulaski Pharmacy, also owned by Resch, and worked Tuesdays in the Wittenberg location. She met her future husband, Paul, in Wittenberg, and they settled in Wausau.

A chance meeting at a Walls of Wittenberg event led Resch to offer her a part-time position again, which became full time on June 22, the Hankes’ first year wedding anniversary.

Hanke is excited to work for Resch again, and they are planning to expand their services. Hanke noted there is a lot of interest in vitamin supplements, oils and more holistic treatments, and that they are hoping to help serve the community with quality, science-based information. Hanke acknowledges that it’s important to know what is safe to use with prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

“It’s very satisfying to meet with them and help them with questions or make sure they know what they’re taking, why they’re taking it and how to manage any side effects,” said Hanke. “It’s most important that I’m being honest, respectful and patient with them.”

Hanke enjoys getting to know her clients. Her overall philosophy for providing customer service is to listen to carefully so that she can calm any fears or frustrations and address any concerns.

“I love seeing patients, and I’m excited to be here to use my knowledge to be able to help and serve the community,” said Hanke.

In addition to the Gwidt Pharmacy drug store in Wittenberg, Resch owns the Pulaski Pharmacy, Oconto Falls Pharmacy and the Manitowoc Pharmacy.

mnelson@newmedia-wi.com