Last year Apothecary by Design was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held businesses in Maine. “At Apothecary by Design our role is to champion for patients as they navigate their health care journey,” says Catherine Cloudman, principal and chief financial officer. “Most people don’t think of their pharmacy in the role of patient advocate, but it is central to our mission.” In 2014, the organization accessed approximately $4 million in patient assistance funds and in many cases patients were able to receive lifesaving treatments. Cloudman attributes Apothecary by Design’s success to the company’s talented team, and also a strong local health care community, the pharmacy schools at the University of New England and Husson University, and the economic development support from the City of Portland and the State of Maine. Now in its seventh year, Apothecary has created 85 new jobs in Portland.