02/06/2026
We invite you to join us in recognizing our owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Family Drug Mart - Bell Island, Mr. Philip O'Keefe, for being honoured with the Honorary Life Membership Award by the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland & Labrador (PANL - Pharmacists NL).
This award is presented annually to a pharmacist in the province for their long-term service and distinguished professional record. This award was proudly presented to him by Mr. O’Keefe’s daughter and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Family Drug Mart - St. John’s, Dr. Kara O’Keefe, who serves as an Executive Member of the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland & Labrador Board of Directors.
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Philip O’Keefe graduated as a pharmacist from the College of Trades and Technology in 1980 and has spent his entire career in independent pharmacy practice - both in community and long-term care. Philip is the owner of Family Drug Mart with pharmacies located in St. John’s and on Bell Island.
Throughout his career, Philip has demonstrated devotion to his
community and profession. He has been an advocate for the profession of pharmacy in Newfoundland and Labrador for the last 45 years and continues to serve his patients as Pharmacist-in-charge of Family Drug Mart Bell Island.
Philip served as a member of the former Committee of Newfoundland Community Pharmacists (CNCP) from 1995 to 1996. He served as elected member of Council of the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL) from 2004 to 2006, also serving on
PANL’s Executive, Government Relations Committee and Finance Committee. Philip served as a Director of the Council of Independent Community Pharmacy Owners from 2008-2019. He is a founding member of the independent pharmacy alliance The Alpha Group and served as its President from 2010 to 2018. He continues to serve as an Executive Member of The Alpha Group and is Co-Chair of its Purchasing Committee. Philip was included in the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board’s 100 Pharmacists of 1910 to 2010 list.
Philip has played a key role in supporting his hometown community of Bell Island. Family Drug Mart has provided sponsorship to the Bell Island Jr. Blues, the Bell Island Minor Hockey Association, the Wabana Boy’s & Girl’s Club, the community’s softball teams, and many individual athletes.
Family Drug Mart has also supported the community’s schools and Tourism Bell Island. This year Philip and the staff of Family Drug Mart were awarded the Town of Wabana’s Heart of Health Award for unwavering commitment to the community of Bell Island. As Pharmacist-in-charge, Philip continues his daily ferry commute to the pharmacy to serve his patients - oftentimes sacrificing nights at home to ensure his community has access to medication therapy and pharmacist care when there is no ferry service available.
Philip has served as a preceptor to pharmacy students throughout his career. This year, Philip established the O’Keefe Family Award in Pharmacy Endowment Fund at the School of Pharmacy, Memorial University. The Award aims to foster a deeper appreciation of entrepreneurship and business acumen amongst pharmacy students.
Philip has been a champion for the role of independent pharmacies across Newfoundland and Labrador. He has a passion for entrepreneurship, his profession, and serving his community. He is a mentor to his colleagues in navigating the economic landscape of community pharmacy. Philip is not only an entrepreneur - but a pharmacist first. The patient is always the top priority. Philip - always known for his candor - will admit that despite the demands of modern pharmacy practice, the expansion of his scope in recent years has made his profession more rewarding than ever.
Philip’s nomination was supported by both new and seasoned peers.
“When I was a new pharmacist, Phil was someone I looked to for support when I was unhappy in my early career and was seeking advice to pursue ownership and autonomous practice. He has always been a “tell it like it is” pharmacist, which can be both refreshing and stressful -- but you know you’re always getting the truth. He has served as a pharmacist in his community and been a strong advocate
for health care access in rural communities. His community has also acknowledged his commitment to Bell Island and I couldn’t be happier than to honour Phil with a lifetime membership award.”
“I have known Philip O’Keefe for most of my pharmacy career, having graduated in 1978 and Phil in 1980. I have always found Phil to be hardworking, professional, passionate and a gentleman. I was fortunate enough to witness these traits while working on various committees together. Phil has been a great supporter of the pharmacy profession in NL, always attending meetings and conferences.
Phil has spent his entire career in community practice and long-term care. He is the owner of Family Drug Mart pharmacies located on Bell Island and in St. John’s. He is extremely passionate about Independent Pharmacy, and his keen interest in the profession can be seen with his active involvement in advocacy activities for the last 45 years.
Phil, and his daughter, pharmacist Kara, along with the Family Drug Mart staff offer excellence in front line health care needs for the residents of Bell island, as well as for the residents of Chancellor Park in St. John’s. Philip has been a proactive and important member of the pharmacy community in our province - a real leader. I hope you all agree that Philip O’Keefe is very deserving of the Honorary Lifetime Membership award for 2025.”
