Interview with Richard “Rick” Schaeper

Richard “Rick” Schaeper: A Lifetime of Service in Community Pharmacy

Richard “Rick” Schaeper graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy in 1985 and immediately entered the independent pharmacy business alongside his father. Together, they purchased their first pharmacy that same year and eventually operated two independent pharmacies serving Cincinnati communities, including Northside and Westwood.

For more than 40 years, Rick dedicated himself to providing accessible, personal healthcare services to residents throughout the area, especially underserved populations. Known for taking time with patients, educating families, and ensuring people received medications quickly when they needed them most, Rick built a reputation for compassionate, community-centered care.

Throughout his career, he worked closely with organizations, including the Center for Respite Care, helping ensure vulnerable individuals received timely medications and support. Though now retired, Rick reflects proudly on a career built around service, relationships, and treating every patient with dignity.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your pharmacy background.

I graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy in 1985, and that same year, my father and I purchased our first independent pharmacy. We eventually operated two independent pharmacies from 1989 through 1997.

My dad and I worked together for many years before he passed away from esophageal cancer in 1997. After that, I continued to operate the Northside pharmacy and serve the community for decades. Looking back, it was truly a privilege to care for people in Northside and the surrounding neighborhoods for more than 40 years.

Q: What made independent pharmacy meaningful to you?

The most important part was always the relationships with people. I liked spending time with patients, educating them about medications, helping them understand blood pressure or blood sugar management, and making sure they felt cared for.

We knew our customers personally. We knew their families, their pets, and their stories. I always believed healthcare should be personal and compassionate.

Q: How did you begin working with the Center for Respite Care?

Our involvement grew through relationships with healthcare providers and behavioral health organizations in the community. Some nurse practitioners and physicians connected with the Center were already working with us, so naturally, we became part of that support network.

Because we were an independent pharmacy, we could move quickly. If someone needed medication the same day, we could make it happen. Our delivery driver would often go above and beyond to ensure patients received what they needed immediately. That flexibility and personal connection really helped support the Center’s work.

Q: What are your personal community priorities?

Serving underserved populations was always very important to me. No matter a person’s economic status, everyone deserved to be treated with respect and dignity.

I always tried to make sure people received the help they needed, especially those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Many patients needed help understanding insurance paperwork, Medicare plans, or healthcare systems that had become increasingly complicated. We took the time to walk through those things with them.

Q: How has healthcare changed during your career?

Healthcare changed dramatically over the years, especially with insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers. In the early years, pharmacists had more time to focus directly on patient care. Toward the end of my career, the administrative pressures became overwhelming.

What I miss most is helping people. I don’t miss fighting insurance companies or dealing with audits, but I do miss the daily interactions and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

Q: What are your impressions of the Center for Respite Care?

I was always proud to work with the Center because the people they serve genuinely need help and support. The staff was wonderful to work with, and everyone was committed to making sure patients received care quickly and compassionately.

It’s an incredible organization that fills a very important role in the community.

Q: Looking back, what stands out most about your career?

It was truly a pleasure serving Northside for all those years. It’s a diverse and welcoming community, and I learned a tremendous amount both professionally and personally.

Not every moment was easy, but the vast majority of those 40 years were incredibly rewarding. I’ll always be proud of what we accomplished as a locally owned independent pharmacy dedicated to helping people.