Photo by Graham Cullen David Fultonis president and pharmacist in charge of Whitesell Pharmacy on North Market Street, which has been nominated for a Frederick County Business Ethics Award. Purchase this photo

"We don't look at it as a competition, but rather an honor just to be nominated," said David Fulton, president and pharmacist in charge of Whitesell.

"Out of respect for this customer and our dedication to all of our customers, who represent all segments of the Frederick population, we felt it was right to submit our nomination," Fulton said. "We're proud to be a part of Frederick city."

Ethical behavior combined with great customer service could be attributed to the pharmacy's longevity, Fulton said.

"We have made it our priority to put the customers' needs before our own," he said. "We try to provide personalized service, such as delivery and working closely with social service agencies in the area. The last customer of the day is as important as the first customer of the day and we treat all of our customers with equal respect."

Whitesell Pharmacy recognizes the dire financial straits in which some customers may find themselves and works to accommodate them whenever possible, office manager Julie Fulton said.

"If circumstances warrant, we can be innovative in ways we can help those who are having difficulties affording their medications," Julie Fulton said.

For example, a single dad with an infant daughter who had just relocated to Frederick from a rough life in Baltimore had hepatitis B, was hospitalized and put on a strict medication regimen. His medical insurance changed and when he was released, his insurance would not cover his treatment.

"We made sure he had the treatments and fortunately were able to work it out with his insurance later," Julie Fulton said.

Whitesell Pharmacy was started by the Whitesell family in the early 1950s, when downtown Frederick was the center of business. The pharmacy started out in a smaller storefront and moved to its current location two doors down in the early 1960s.

The Fulton family from Middletown bought the pharmacy in 1984. For years, Whitesell Pharmacy was one of three independent pharmacies within a block of each other. Now, Whitesell Pharmacy is the only independent pharmacy remaining in Frederick .

Whitesell Pharmacy has experienced a lot of changes over the years and has adapted to keep pace with demand for its services.

Those changes include expansion of its home medical supplies, long-term care and diabetes line. The pharmacy also works extensively with the local homeless shelter, Frederick Community Action Agency, Frederick County Health Department, Way Station and other organizations that help individuals who can't afford their medications, Julie Fulton said.

Located in downtown Frederick , Whitesell Pharmacy has 11 full-time and six part-time employees.