Profile
Mission
We are a family-owned and locally-operated compounding pharmacy creating customized medications and integrated wellness plans; while fostering relationships with doctors and a foundation set in patient service excellence to better our community’s quality of health and life.
Our Vision
Hand-crafting customized medications while offering personalized wellness consultations in our state of the art laboratory and community pharmacy setting so our patients can lead a healthier quality of life.
Our Team
Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castañeda, PharmD
Owner & Pharmacist
Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castañeda was born and raised in Miami, Florida by Cuban parents who instilled a love of family, faith, and food. Wellness became very important to him during his time in college; needing to make a lifestyle change himself. His journey led him to personally transform his relationship with food, fitness, medications, and disease. As a result, he decided to apply himself in a quest to educate and further help others in the medical field.
In 2010, Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castañeda received his Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) from The University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. He is a licensed pharmacist in the states of Florida, Michigan, and Virginia. Dr. Norman’s pharmacy career began in the community retail setting and transitioned into the independent pharmacy, specializing in compounding for the past 8 years. He is currently working towards his Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative Medicine (FAARM) with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).
With his extensive education and experience, Dr. Norman is able to tailor his patient’s treatments with a personable individualized approach. Focusing on integrative medicine and a relationship with the patient’s doctor; he consults and treats each patient with their unique plan. This sets the foundation to better position his patient’s in achieving optimal health by incorporating disease management, hormonal balance, weight-loss and overall well-being.
Christy Ruiz-Castañeda, RPhT
Patient Relations, Marketing & Registered Pharmacy Technician
Christy Ruiz-Castañeda, also born and raised in Miami, Florida, met Norman in high school where they both started dating at the age of fifteen. A flourishing relationship led both of them to pursue their undergraduate studies at The University of Florida.
In 2008, Christy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and went on to pursue a Master’s of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. They both moved to Naples, Florida after their wedding and made their home here together. In the last year, Christy has successfully completed her certification for Pharmacy Technician to assist in creating specialized medications for their patients.
Christy’s education and 15 years of hospitality experience working for Marriott International, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and private local hospitality businesses; positions her to bring a personalized, creative and patient-centered approach to Uptown Chemist. Her love for creating a memorable experience coupled with a passion for community, marketing, design and wellness will provide our patients with a feeling of well-being and family with every visit to their hometown pharmacy.
Dian Gates, CPhT
Lead Certified Pharmacy Technician & Pharmacy Lab Manager
Dian joined the Uptown Chemist team on September 20, 2021. We are so excited to have her ‘womanpower’ managing the compounding labs. Dian’s pharmacy career begin in 2007 working in both compounding and retail settings.
Dian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Her expertise in specialty compounding, keeping inventory, staying up-to-date with new equipment and materials, and training our rotating students has proven to be invaluable asset to Uptown Chemist.
Personally, Dian was born in Indonesia, is a mother to three beautiful daughters and is an amazing cook! She enjoys time with her family and friends.
Fun fact: Norman and Dian have worked together on and off since 2011, attributing Dian’s for Norman to transition from retail pharmacy into compounding. She has watched Norman and Christy’s kids grow and having her join the Uptown Chemist family brings it full circle.
Jessica Bedwell, RPhT
Registered Pharmacy Technician
Jessica [Jess] joined the Uptown Chemist team on February 23, 2022 bringing a wealth of pharmacy and hospitality experience to our team! After graduating from Gulf Coast High School locally in Naples, FL she attended Florida Southwestern State College and graduated with her Associates in Arts degree in 2019.
The practice of pharmacy came way when she began her career at CVS Pharmacy in 2019 after working throughout high school and college in the Hospitality Industry. She became a Florida licensed and registered pharmacy technician with CVS. At the start of the pandemic, she was offered the unique opportunity as a remote pharmacy technician with Pharmco working with Patients in an online setting.
Personally, Jess enjoys to read and spend time out on the water with her family.
Fun Fact: Jess is one of our beloved Patient’s [and biggest fans] little sister and it was meant to be for her to join our family here at Uptown Chemist!
Renee Catalano, RPhT
Registered Pharmacy Technician
Renee joined the Uptown Chemist team on February 28, 2022 opening up the opportunity to bring her back into the world of pharmacy. After graduating from Miramar High, Renee attended Florida Institute of Careers Miami, Pharmacy Technician program where she gain an extensive knowledge base in pharmacy. She graduated in 2001 with her pharmacy technician certification and Florida license.
Upon moving across the state, she began her career working in an array of pharmacy environments; retail, independent, compounding and hospital pharmacy. From CVS to Physician’s Regional, she gained the valuable experience that she brings now to Uptown Chemist. Her patient relation experience shines having spent 8 years managing the front office of a few prominent dermatology centers in Naples, FL.
Personally, Renee loves spending time at the beach, outside in nature and traveling with her husband and children.
Fun fact: Norman, Dian & Renee worked together many years ago at an independent pharmacy, where they grew to love the art of compounding!
