About me

Licensed pharmacist (8 states) • Consultant & Advisor

About me

Mohamed Abdelgowad RPh, CBI

Licensed pharmacist (8 states) • Advisor & Broker

I’m a pharmacist, business advisor & broker, and entrepreneur. I bridge real‑world pharmacy operations with healthcare M&A. Today,
my pharmacist work focuses exclusively on serving as an interim Pharmacist‑in‑Charge (PIC) or designated pharmacist during ownership transitions and new setups—no clinical services.

About me

When a Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) or Interim Pharmacist Is Typically Required

State boards and DEA rules generally require a designated Pharmacist‑in‑Charge and specific steps during ownership changes and new pharmacy setups. 
I handle the interim leadership and compliance tasks so you can keep operating while you hire a permanent PIC.

New Pharmacy Permit / Start‑Up: Most states require an identified PIC on the application before a permit is issued. In California, the proposed PIC must meet board criteria and complete required training; in Texas and other states, the incoming PIC must be reported to the board within set timelines.

Change of Ownership (CHOW): New owners must apply for a change‑of‑ownership permit within a short window (e.g., 30 days in New Jersey). A controlled substance inventory is required on the date of transfer per 21 CFR 1304.11.

PIC Vacancy, Resignation, or Leave of Absence: Pharmacies must notify the board and designate a new or interim PIC within statutory timelines (commonly 10–30 days). Some boards allow temporary PICs while recruitment is underway.

Relocation / Remodel or Change in Licensed Location: Some states require a PIC self‑assessment or board notices within 30 days when the licensed location changes (e.g., California PIC self‑assessment).

Acquisition or Closure with Drug Transfer: On the transfer date, DEA requires a complete controlled substances inventory documenting drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity, and transfer date.

Ongoing Compliance & Notifications: Boards may require outgoing and incoming PIC notifications, documentation of inventories, and updates to permits within defined deadlines (e.g., Texas 10‑day rule to notify the board of PIC change).

Interim PIC services

Serve as interim PIC during CHOW, new pharmacy launch, or PIC transitions.
Prepare and submit board notifications/forms related to PIC changes and permits (owner‑provided signatures as needed).
Coordinate required DEA and state inventories at transfer/CHOW; document and retain records.
Stand up or refine SOPs for operations, security, diversion prevention, and recordkeeping.
Oversee readiness tasks (licensing, inspections, self‑assessments, temperature/stability logs, controlled substances).
Transition plan: hand‑off to permanent PIC, training checklist, and compliance calendar.

 Note: Requirements vary by state and change over time. This page is informational and not legal advice; confirm current rules with your state board and counsel.

Ready to work together? Contact me today

“Licensed in 7 states, with extensive experience as an advisor and broker. Let’s discuss how I can support your pharmacy operations.”