Meeting in Review - May 17, 2023
By W Todd MillerSaturday, May 20, 2023
_og.jpg "Meeting in Review - May 17, 2023")
On May 17, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speakers, Joan and Michael Kim, pharmacists and entrepreneurs. President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians, which included a large contingent from Richard Wright Public Charter School and Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC), Rotaractors, and prospective member Sydney Warren.
Sterling Hoffman recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week and awarded a Paul Harris pin (+7) to President Elect Lisa Cohen.
Taron Lawson, a graduating senior at Richard Wright Public Charter School, presented his 4-Way Speech test. He focused on the fact that everyone needs a break and to practice mindful learning to focus on mental wellness.
Kyando Baylor, a student at CHEC, provided his 4-Way Speech test. His discussion centered on labels (e.g., liberal v. conservative) and the benefits of diversity in the melting pot of humanity.
President Marilyn inducted Amber Cornwell as a new member. Amber noted her excitement to be a part of the Club and will provide more details about herself at a later date during her Member Moment.
Youth Exchange Program participant Tabitha Vasquez gave an update on her upcoming placement in the Republic of Korea. In addition to general packing tasks, she has been learning Korean.
President Nominee Bob Schott urged everyone to purchase cases of pink gin. All proceeds benefit the Club’s Foundation which in turn funds virtually all of the Club’s programs.
Alexander Tu introduced the speakers Michael and Joan Kim, pharmacists and entrepreneurs. They currently have ownership in multiple pharmacies in the District of Columbia and have owned eight different pharmacies since 2005.
Dr. Michael Kim graduated from Howard University College of Pharmacy in 1998 and was part of the first ever entry-level PharmD class to graduate from the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Joan Kim graduated from St. John’s College of Pharmacy in New York in 1995 and worked in both hospital and retail settings before moving to Maryland to start a new life with Michael.
Dr. Joan Kim has helped countless patients' lives over the years with her vast knowledge of alternative medicine and nutrition. She has been featured in local newspapers and has been a featured speaker representing women in pharmacy. She has been able to juggle being a business owner, pharmacist, wife, and a fantastic mother to six children.
Dr. Michael Kim has been the recipient of several awards since graduation, including the Bowl of Hygeia award, the Howard University College of Pharmacy Alumnus of the Year award and the Washington DC Pharmacy Association Pharmacist of the Year award. He has been featured in multiple pharmacy publications and has been interviewed by many news media outlets. Dr. Michael Kim is the current Chairman of the Care Pharmacies Board of Directors, was a Vice President of the National Community Pharmacist Association (NCPA) for six years and is a board member of the Howard University College of Pharmacy Board of Visitors.
Dr. Joan Kim enjoys cooking, traveling, gardening, walking, ballroom dancing, hanging out with her children, and hosting dinners at her house. Dr. Michael Kim enjoys anything that Dr. Joan Kim enjoys because he has become wiser in his later years. He also enjoys playing ping-pong and billiards, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, bungee jumping, and jumping out of airplanes for fun.
Dr. Michael Kim provided a brief history of his career culminating with his purchase of Grubb’s Pharmacy (326 E. Capitol St., NE). He discussed the importance of community pharmacies, which are more closely tied and committed to their local communities than the large chain pharmacies. Dr. Joan Kim discussed how pharmacists play an important, but very under-utilized, role in the prevention of ailments. She also discussed homeopathic medicine and the importance of nutrition. She provided a great deal of practical guidance on vitamins and other dietary requirements.
After an extremely active question-and-answer session about health, diet, and pharmacy services, President Marilyn presented the Drs. Kim with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
President Marilyn announced the next “Red Line Happy Hour” to held on May 31st from 6-8 PM at King St. Oyster Bar (22 M St., NE). Sign up details will be provided by email.
Amber Cornwell conducted the Raffle, which was won by Balraj Gupta, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Sarah Ross the producer in the room. Dylan White was the greeter and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
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