I was appointed to cover the register in the pharmacy. A young man approached and asked to purchase an allergy med, thus requiring him to produce a license. As he paid for his product, he donated to the charity drive we were conducting. I thanked him and he then asked if we ever collected for cancer, because he was going to need it. He then shared with me that the day before, he was diagnosed with a brian tumour... With a prognosis of barely 4 months. He also stated he had just returned from Iraq and had possibly contracted this tumour as he was gassed on a convoy. I offered him my wisdom and support and he went on his way. It is important to know that I have had expereince in a hospice agency, AND there were no other customers waiting, AND the entire exchange took barely 5 min. I was immediately pounced upon by the pharamcist (ironically the same age as the veteran), and he began scolding me for "talking" to customers, especiaaly when they only bought sinus meds. I explained the circumstances surrounding this young man. He had no reaction and simply continued to scold. I sadly questioned how he could feel so little-that he was too young. This triggered the anger further and he then called the store manger to come back to join the incident. When I said I should quit, the pharmacist leaned into my face abd yelled "Yea, well you're fired!".. Several customers heard this from the front of the pharmacy, and commented on his lack of respect (I am 59).. At his point i left the pharmacy as the customers had begun to engage each other in response to his behaviour. I was angry, disgusted, and very embrassed... I have since found wonderful employment caring for an elder gentleman and will start full time by mid Sep-Oct 1. I am seeking unemployment benefits only to fill the interim. Upon reading my forms that the pharmacisit used "reasonable criticism" is outrageous. As this behavior has been an on going issue in the pharmacy, since this pharmacist started his employ, I feel perfectly accurate in stating this was the last straw. For every veteran and every cancer patient deserves more respect than was demonstrated that day. I thank you for listening
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