What happens when a career takes an unexpected turn and becomes a calling to serve others? For Cedarville University pharmacy alumnus Dr. Josh Pearson, a journey that began in the music industry led to a career dedicated to making lifesaving medications accessible to those who need them most.
In this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, host Mark Weinstein talks with Pearson about his unconventional path to pharmacy, the influence of Cedarville’s biblical approach to education and his mission to address medication insecurity through Ohio Charitable Community Pharmacy.
Before pursuing pharmacy, Pearson worked as an audio technician in Long Island, New York, taking occasional shifts as a pharmacy technician to supplement his income. What began as a side job sparked an unexpected passion. After prayerful consideration, he enrolled in Cedarville’s pharmacy program, drawn to its rigorous academics, supportive faculty, and emphasis on serving underserved populations.
Pearson credits Cedarville with preparing him for complex clinical situations while instilling a commitment to compassionate care. That preparation became deeply personal when his 2-year-old son, Josiah, experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. A fellow Cedarville pharmacy student and neighbor, Josh Arnold, used his CPR training to save Josiah’s life.
Now, Pearson is addressing another critical health care challenge: access to affordable prescription medications. Through Ohio Charitable Community Pharmacy in northwest Ohio, he is developing a sustainable model that combines charitable assistance with traditional community pharmacy services.
Unlike conventional free clinics, the pharmacy provides free or deeply discounted medications while welcoming paying customers whose purchases help support patients facing financial hardship. Pearson shares how this approach can help individuals navigate unexpected circumstances, including job loss, insurance changes, and rising medication costs.
Throughout the conversation, Pearson reflects on the biblical calling to serve others, inspired by Matthew 25, and how Cedarville helped him recognize God’s direction for his career.
Listen as Pearson shares how faith, education and compassionate innovation are helping bridge the gap between medical need and medication access, one patient at a time.
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