Welcome to Columbia Heights Pharmacy
We’re Not Just Your Pharmacy. We’re Your Family.
Sierra International Pharmaceutical Corporation has been a trusted part of
the community since 1989.
Founded by Dr. Sahr L. Bockai Sr., a Howard University School of Pharmacy
graduate and immigrant from Sierra Leone, West Africa, SIPC was built on a
simple but powerful belief: healthcare should be personal, accessible, and
rooted in genuine care for people.
Dr. Bockai opened his first independent pharmacy in the Columbia Heights
community of Washington, DC, recognizing a deep need for patient-focused
pharmaceutical services, especially for underserved populations. From the
beginning, the pharmacy was designed to treat every patient like family,
not a number.
That founding philosophy continues to shape everything we do today. SIPC
provides fast and accurate prescription services, vaccinations, clinical
support, prescription delivery, and retail offerings, all with an emphasis
on compassion, trust, and reliability.
Now operating as a second-generation, family-led pharmacy, SIPC remains
deeply committed to the values on which it was founded. Our focus is
simple: to serve our community with integrity, provide exceptional care,
and support healthier lives through accessible, high-quality pharmacy
services.
At Sierra International Pharmaceutical Corporation, we are not just your
pharmacy. We are your family.
Meet Our Columbia Heights Pharmacy Staff
Dr. Emmanuel Simpson, PharmD
Pharmacist-In-Charge
I’m originally from Accra, Ghana. I graduated with a bachelor's in Pharmaceutical Sciences from The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston, in May 2020. I went on to earn my Doctorate in Pharmacy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Worcester, graduating in May 2023. My passion for pharmacy began in 2016 and has led me to work in various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.
I look forward to bringing that experience to Sierra International Pharmaceutical Corporation. Sierra is a patient-centered company, and I am eager to get to know our patients. As the new Pharmacist in Charge, I hope to provide each and every one of our patients with elite service and solutions to any issues they may have. I am very down-to-earth and will make as much time for each patient as needed. In time, I hope to promote our patient-centered programs, such as our remote patient monitoring, and introduce new programs for the benefit of our patients. -Dr. Emmanuel Simpson, PharmD
Freddy Bautista, CPht
Head Pharmacy Technician
I have been with Sierra at Columbia Heights Pharmacy for s 20 + years. I am the Head Technician as well as Audit and Compliance Officer. Looking forward to serving the community as you are our family.
Glenda Santos
Front-End Liaison
Hi my name is Glenda Santos! I have been working for Sierra at Columbia Heights Pharmacy for 3 years. I am devoted to making sure all customers are satisfied and receive outstanding customer service. I can not wait to serve you!