Dr. Charles A. Champion, a registered pharmacist and expert herbalist, is recognized for his ability to integrate modern pharmacy with the healing powers of herbs. A pharmacist since the early 1950s, he has witnessed the field's shift from natural remedies to scientifically produced medications, and he believes both methods have merit.

His familiarity with what he calls "folk medicine" began in his childhood, where it was common for families who could not afford health care to rely on natural cures. He studied pharmacognacy at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, which focuses on the medicinal properties of plants, animals and minerals. "Having gone to school in New Orleans, I learned about the unique culture there, where it was very typical to know about voodoo and herbs," Champion said.

He then spent two years in Germany as a pharmacist for the United States Army and returned home to practice pharmacy at John Gaston Hospital, where he worked for 12 years. After another 12 years as a pharmacist in a chain drugstore, he was ready to return to his roots -- literally.

Champion opened his first independent pharmacy in 1981, and 10 years later bought his own land and building. The 2,900-square-foot location was designed to include a large herb shop along with a regular pharmacy, an area for receiving and fulfilling Internet orders, a counseling room for patients, and a compounding room.

"I decided to pursue herbal medicine because I wanted to satisfy my clientele, which was asking for herbal supplements such as wild cherry, quinine and golden seal," he said. "At times it was difficult -- I remember going to association meetings and being laughed at by my peers -- but I believe it's such an intricate part of an independent pharmacy."

Today, Champion says that alternative products make up approximately 65 percent of his profit. "The independents are still struggling. However, I don't consider myself in competition with the chain stores because my business is different. People still want the personal attention that we provide, and in some cases they are willing to come from miles away to get it," he said.

Champion's dedication to his practice not only impacts his clients, but also influences his family. His wife, Carolyn Champion, is a pharmacy technician; and his oldest daughter, Chandra Champion, is a certified pharmacist technician. His other two pharmacist daughters are Dr. Charita Champion-Brookins and Dr. Carol "Cookie" Champion.

With an entire family dedicated to scientific endeavors, 74-year-old Champion has no plans to retire in the near future. "When you retire you die, so I have a feeling I will always be practicing pharmacy, even when I'm up there," he said.