Anchor Medical: How To Have A #BetterLife

Photography: D. Paul Graham

Paul Farthing puts together a box of samples for a young client that’s recently experienced a spinal cord injury. He adds a variety of types of medical supplies that he thinks might be required, but also his business card with his cell phone written on the back. He tells him, “Call me if you need anything at all.”

That type of customer care served up with a side of support is what delineates this boutique medical supply company, Anchor Medical, from the competition. It’s Farthing’s desire to make the path a little easier for his customers going through life changing health events that makes the driving force of the business.

At 19, Farthing was getting ready to return to the Citadel for his Army scholarship sophomore year, and to spend time with family and friends at a backyard barbecue. His house was the spot for fun with a pool to cool off in the humid Savannah heat. Used to swimming every day, he ran and jumped into the shallow end, hitting his head on the bottom. At that point, everything went still. 

Farthing remembers, “I was sinking to the bottom, using my whole body to try and stay up. The only thing that was really happening was that I was shrugging my shoulders. My injury prevented any other movement.”

Thankfully, one cool headed friend pulled him to the surface and the emergency began.From that accident, all of Farthing’s future goals were altered. But through time, and with the backing of his family and quality medical care, he learned that his life wasn’t over, it was just different. 

“I had plans on learning to jump out of airplanes and suddenly that wasn’t an option. I had to rethink everything,” said Farthing.

The son of a career Army pilot, Farthing was always focused on a life in the military. While he was in rehabilitation at Shepherd Spinal Center, he realized he’d need another target to reach. He said, “It was important to keep going. I needed something new that wasn’t a physical challenge. I focused on immediately getting back to school and making good grades with a goal that I could ‘win’.”

This movement forward was key in managing the mental stress of such a major health event, and it’s these stories that he shares with his customers to let them know that they’ll be all right too. 

“We want all our clients to be able to live a better life because we are able to give them exactly what they need when they need it.” – Paul Farthing (and pup Marley)

“I don’t want them to think I’m amazing because of what I’ve achieved,” he explained. “I want them to know we’re all capable of moving through a difficult diagnosis or accident.”

Farthing started working in medical supplies right after graduating with honors from college, learning both the distributing and the manufacturing sides. With over 20 years experience in the industry in every capacity, he now uses his knowledge to help his clients find the best medical supplies for their needs. Those quality, well-chosen products make a difference in people’s ability to leave the house and get back to the activities they love.

Anchor Medical focuses on just a few supply lines; ostomy, urology and wound care, to allow the entire staff to be well-versed in any potential issues and educated on the products used to help.

The staff at Anchor Medical get in contact right away, from the time the customer is referred by their doctor or case manager, making sure there’s no lag between the supplies on hand and the first delivery. The staff explain, with Farthing’s guidance, all the details of the person’s insurance reimbursement so there are no surprises. They also stay in touch with the physician’s office to keep them informed through the delivery process. 

“We appreciate the relationships with our clinicians that trust their patients to our care,” Farthing said. “We work hard to keep everyone informed during all of the phases.” 

Anchor Medical is also a family affair, Farthing working with his business partner and wife of 23 years, Jessica. Plans for the future include two of the Farthing’s three children joining the business after college, with Mac and Jake having worked summers since high school to learn their parent’s vision and help continue their good work.

Anchor Medical’s hashtag is a reflection of their overall motto, #BetterLife. It can be found all over Anchor’s social media, along with pictures of volunteer time, product updates and the occasional delicious snacks baked by their customer service team. Follow them or just call for a dose of positivity and the best medical supplies in Savannah.

Learn more about Anchor Medical at 833.667.8669 or anchormedsupplies.com @anchormedical twitter.com/anchor_medical facebook.com/CallAnchorMedSupplies

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