The PharmCast

Bled Tanoe is a pharmacy activist focused on workplace protections and patient safety in chain pharmacy. She is the founder of the #pizzaisnotworking movement that has empowered portions of the pharmacy community and shaken up others. In this conversation, we talk a little about her career trajectory and transition from community pharmacy to working in a hospital system. Most of our discussion is about bringing awareness to the working conditions of pharmacists and pharmacy staff as well as the opportunities and challenges in creating change.  Change requires time, collaboration and speaking truth to power. You can find Bled on LinkedIn and can follow #pizzaisnotworking on most social media platforms.

You can buy pretty much anything online, from anywhere around the world. While this might be beneficial when updating your wardrobe with the latest international fashions, it presents many dangers for those looking to purchase unregulated medications from foreign distributors. We recently spoke to Shabbir Safdar, Executive Director for The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM), a public health group committed to the safety of prescription drugs and protecting consumers against counterfeit, substandard, or otherwise unsafe medicines. With the rise of the digital age, many Americans are now purchasing their medications online from countries like Canada, without considering how access and regulations of all drugs can vary. According to Shabbir, distributors may be advertising that their medications were produced in Canada, yet more likely came from Turkey, India, China, and other countries. For nearly 10 years, Shabbir has worked with PSM to find and eliminate criminals selling illegal drugs laced with fentanyl and other deadly synthetic substances. In this discussion, Shabbir details how pharmacists are currently combatting the distribution of counterfeit drugs by refusing to purchase medicines from an unlicensed wholesaler. He also shares personal stories of families who’ve lost children due to the consumption of unregulated medications. Shabbir can be found on the following social media platforms: Facebook: Shabbir Imber Safdar LinkedIn: Shabbir Imber Safdar #MPhA #ThePharmcast #healthcare #medicine #counterfitdrugs

Ryan Burke stumbled upon the world of pharmacy simply by chance. Looking for employment as a teenager, he read a job board at his high school and the only opportunity listed was for a pharmacy clerk at a pharmacy in his hometown. The rest would be history. Ryan is a pharmacist by trade who currently serves as the Director of Professional Affairs at Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the first certification organization for pharmacy technicians. PTCB sets out to advance medication safety by credentialing technicians who are qualified to support pharmacists and patient care teams in all practice settings. In this discussion, Ryan details the importance of exercising his personal and professional networks to keep a pulse on what’s happening within the pharmacy community. He’s often chatting with pharmacy school peers, asking pharmacy employers about the challenges they're facing, and connecting with pharmacy technicians about what they’re seeing develop in the practice. He also talks about varying opinions regarding the Tech-Check-Tech (TCT) process, which allows a pharmacy technician to perform the final check of medications prepared by another technician. Ryan can be found on the following social media platforms: Facebook: Ryan Burke Twitter: @RMBPharmD LinkedIn: Ryan Burke #MPhA #ThePharmcast #pharmacytech #healthcare #medicine

Mindy Smith has worn many hats during her career, serving as a community pharmacist, executive director, and chief executive officer for various organizations and associations in the pharmaceutical industry. She is now the Senior Vice President Professional Services for Tabula Rasa HealthCare (TRHC), a healthcare technology company providing medication safety solutions that empower healthcare professionals and consumers to optimize medication regimens, combating medication overload, and reducing adverse drug events. In this episode, Mindy discusses TRHC’s and MPhA’s recent partnership to promote MedWise Science, a unique software platform that identifies accumulative multi-drug interactions to help manage patients’ medication regimens. Developed by TRHC, MedWise is a vital technology tool that will help pharmacists care for their patients like they’ve never been able to before. THRC is continuing to build relationships with pharmaceutical associations and community pharmacies to reach patients across the nation. Mindy Smith can be found on LinkedIn at Mindy D. Smith. #MPhA #ThePharmcast #pharmacy #healthcare #medicine

Mike Wysong is a firm believer in esprit de corps, by which he defines as people collectively working together for the betterment of others. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Mike is confident that esprit de corps is at the core of all those who choose a career in the pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry. Mike is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CARE Pharmacies Cooperative Inc., a growing independent pharmaceutical retail chain having served communities for more than 60 years. During his tenure, CARE Pharmacies has been named on the National Retail Federation (NRF) Hot 100 Retailers List five out of the last six years. In this episode, Mike Wysong discusses his journey in the healthcare industry and details the dedication he’s witnessed from pharmacist and other healthcare professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike also shares a compelling perspective on the importance of leadership in community pharmacy and adjusting to challenges COVID-19 continues to present for community, retail, and specialty pharmacy. Mike Wysong can be found on the following social media platform: Facebook: Michael Wysong Twitter: @MWysong55 LinkedIn: Mike Wysong #MPhA #ThePharmcast #community #healthcare #pharmacy

This episode is a conversation with Meroe Rabieifar a multi-hat wearing pharmacist and entrepreneur.  She co-owns independent pharmacies, is co-founder of a unique CBD brand and is a chief pharmacist at the Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center, based in Florida. In this conversation, discuss her role as co-founder of PharmaCanna, LLC, where she serves as chief formulator and head of research and development. PharmaCanna is the only CBD company in the country founded and formulated by pharmacists. We talk about the normalization of CBD, its expansion and growth in the health and wellness arena as well her demanding multi-dimensional career and motherhood. PharmaCanna CBD is a corporate partner, MPhA members receive a special coupon code for their purchases www.pharmaCanna.com https://www.marylandpharmacist.org/

Sponsored by the Cardinal Health Foundation In this episode we talk with Dr. Barry R. Meisenberg, chair of the Department of Medicine at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). He serves as the physician leader for quality improvement and patient safety initiatives. We discuss the operational changes that spurred a 65 percent decrease in opioid prescribing by physicians in the AAMC system. We explore the leadership, innovation and collaboration between prescribers, patients and pharmacists that was required to create this success story. The process is detailed further in this JAMA article https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2703950. Also we learn about how the collaboration between the pharmacy and physician teams during the pandemic led to improved COVID-19 treatments. Please visit https://www.marylandpharmacist.org/page/painmanagement to learn more about our #IAM2 Campaign; access resources; and sign the pledge.

Sponsored by the Cardinal Health Foundation In this episode we talk with Neil McGarvey, PharmD, co-owner of the Professional Pharmacy Group, (Arnold, Annapolis, MedPark and Empire Professional Pharmacies and Kay Cee LTC Pharmacy). We discuss his role in fighting the opioid epidemic - how he uses his business operations, community engagement and leadership style to play a part in preventing opioid misuse and abuse. He drops some real gems that can be used in community practice to empower staff and build respectful relationships with physicians and patients.  Neil has practiced pharmacy locally in Maryland for 20 years and is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland Pharmacy School in Baltimore. He enjoys being in the pharmacy daily with his staff and commiserating with the members of the local Arnold community. He also enjoys the challenges of medication compounding to suit an individual patients’ needs and teaching students about the profession of pharmacy.   Please visit https://www.marylandpharmacist.org/page/painmanagement  to learn more about our #IAM2 Campaign; access resources; and sign the pledge.

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In this episode we talk with Qadira Ali Huff, MD, MPh. Dr. Huff is looking to change sick care to healthcare, which means putting prevention/lifestyle on centerstage when treating patients.  Dr. Huff practices general pediatrics in the Washington, DC area. She discovered lifestyle medicine and became board-certified in the field. It helped reframe the way she practices medicine and changed her approach to personal health. We also discuss “Walk with a Doc” a cool way for healthcare providers to connect with their communities. She shares how these concepts can be incorporated into pharmacy practice; where resources can be found; and how we can all make small changes to improve our health and wellness. Dr. Huff can be found on the following social media platforms: Twitter: qadirahuffmd LinkedIn: Qadira Ali Huff Instagram: @qadirahuffmd #lifestylemedicine #ACLM #wholefood #plant-based #lifestyle #MPhA #walkwithadoc

In this episode we have an enlightening conversation with Suzanne Soliman founder of the 30,000 member Pharmacist Moms Facebook Group. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of being a “pharmacist mom.”  We talk about the difference a stool can make for workplace wellness, advocacy, TedTalks and so much more. Suzy currently serves as Chief Academic Officer for the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA). Twitter: smsoliman1 LinkedIn: suzannerabi Instagram: pharmacistmomsuzy Www.pharmacistmomsgroup.com

Special Episode Sponsored by the Howard County (MD) Health Department. Our conversation with Bethany DiPaula, Pharm D and Dixie Leikach, RPh is critically important. Both have worked extensively on expanding the knowledge of pharmacists on their role in reducing opioid overdoses. In this episode we discuss the State of Maryland’s Naloxone Standing order. We want to ensure that all pharmacists are aware of it, particularly dispensers. Dr. Jinlene Chan Statewide Naloxone Standing Order​ - This is the official standing order document. Pharmacies may request a faxed copy by sending an email to mdh.naloxone@maryland.gov​. Statewide Naloxone Standing Order: Guidance for Pharmacists​ – This document provides detailed guidance and instructions for pharmacists when dispensing under the standing order. Additional resources developed by our guests are available at https://bit.ly/2ZFF9X7 . Please also check out additional resources from the Maryland Department of Health and your local county health department Let’s help save lives! Bethany DiPaula is a professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Pharmacy. She is a Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist and specializes in the management of substance use disorders. Dixie Leikach is the owner of three community pharmacies in Maryland and also founder of non-profit PEER (Pharmacy Ethics Education and Resources). PEER is dedicated to working with pharmacy associations locally and nationally to promote education, leadership and mentorship. Dixie can be found on LinkedIn at Dixie Leikach.

This is part two of our conversation with Shelley Row. In this episode she shares how to separate yourself from the crowd. Every year a new cohort of P4s joins the job/residency hunt and other professionals are looking to change companies or practicing settings. With clinical skills being on par, how are you communicating what you bring to a practice that is different than your counterparts? She shares tips for creating a personal branding statement that lets anyone know you are right for the job. The gems shared in this podcast are applicable to any profession. Shelley is a professional engineer, former government and association executive, certified speaking professional and recovering over-thinker. She is the founder of the Insightful Leadership Institute. Shelley was recently named one of the top 100 leadership speakers. Her work focuses on growing managers from technical backgrounds into insightful leaders who can see beyond the data.  Shelley can be found on Twitter: @shelleyrow Instagram: @shelley.row LinkedIn: @ShelleyRow YouTube: Shelley Row or  shelleyrow.com

There’s quite a bit of disruption in the pharmacy community these days---whether its consolidation, low reimbursements or unfunded legislative and regulatory mandates. It can cause anxiety and stress when there is uncertainty and lack of information. Our guest, Shelley Row PE, CSP, shares ideas and tools for pharmacy leaders to steady themselves and their staff. Her perspective provides guidance for navigating professional and personal storms. Shelley is a professional engineer, former government and association executive, certified speaking professional and recovering over-thinker. She is the founder of the Insightful Leadership Institute. Shelley was named one of the top 100 leadership speakers. Her work focuses on growing managers from technical backgrounds into insightful leaders who can see beyond the data. Shelley can be found on  Twitter: @shelleyrow Instagram: @shelley.row LinkedIn: @ShelleyRow YouTube: Shelley Row or  shelleyrow.com

It’s residency application season! In this episode we talk with Kristen Fink, PharmD about residency programs.  New Flash! They are not just for recent PharmD grads. If you are preparing to apply for residency; are thinking about a potential practice setting change; or just want to know what they are all about this episode is for you. She answers all the burning questions about the types of candidates programs are looking for; a day in the life of a resident; longitudinal projects; finding the right fit; opportunities for growth and the impacts of the residency location. Dr. Fink is the Pharmacy Academic Affairs Coordinator and Residency Program Director for Kaiser Permanente Mid- Atlantic States. In her role she oversees the management of the residency programs and student rotations at Kaiser as well as continuing education for pharmacists and technicians. Kristen is a past president of MPhA and a guest surveyor of residency programs for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Be sure to follow, like, and subscribe! Keep up with the Maryland Pharmacists Association: on the web on Facebook on LinkedIn on Twitter

In this episode we talk with Bryan W. Scott, PharmD about how he is using  social media to put a face to community pharmacy; support public health; and educate patients in his community. Our conversation gets into many more topics about patients’ desire for wellness; the necessity of creative entrepreneurialism for independent community pharmacy; USP 800;  the impact of lead and lag goals; and even CBD. Dr. Scott is the owner of Scotts Pharmacy, and independent community pharmacy that specializes in compounding, compliance packaging, natural supplements and more. You can find him on Instagram: @onewellnessplace and Twitter: @onewellnesspl or at his website at www.onewellnessplace.com Be sure to follow, like, and subscribe! Keep up with the Maryland Pharmacists Association: on the web on Facebook on LinkedIn on Twitter

Wanted – Pharmacist Community Of course you’ve heard that being a part of an engaged pharmacy community is important. But why? As you listen to this conversation with Krystalyn Weaver, PharmD, you will know why and how every pharmacist, pharmacy technician and student pharmacist plays a part. You will also learn a little bit about why Federalism and happy hours are important, too. Krystalyn is a pharmacist who has spent most of her career working with the National Alliance of State Pharmacists Associations (NASPA) researching state policy affecting the practice of pharmacy especially scope of practice issues. Now she is pursuing a law degree at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law school and continues to consult for NASPA. You can find Krystalyn on social media: Twitter: @kweaver3 Instagram: @Kweaver9 LinkedIn: Krystalyn Weaver Keep up with the Maryland Pharmacists Association:  on the web on Facebook on LinkedIn on Twitter

Kristen Jones, PharmD, Treasurer of Wyoming Pharmacists Association and AVP, Pharmacy Strategic Operations at Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company shares her insights and expertise. In this conversation, we discuss risk management for pharmacists working in various practice settings and work conditions. We highlight key steps pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can take to protect their licenses and careers. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-jones-6ba864121/  Website: https://phmic.com/landing-professional-pharmacy-pmg 

A conversation with Mariama Boney, LMSW, CAE, CPEC, President and CEO of Achieve More, LLC a consulting firm that brings together human performance and organizational dynamics with a solution-focused approach.  Her team creates safe spaces for association, non-profit, education and corporate transformation through change leadership. She currently serves as chair of the American Society of Association Executives Ethics Committee.   Ms. Boney is an expert in ethical leadership and has a growing interest in neuroscience related to mindfulness. Pharmacy workforce conditions have been in the news recently, with many of the systemic challenges beyond the correction of the individual. However, her perspectives explore opportunities for those of us who lead and work with people in challenging and toxic environments to make changes in the spaces we can control.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mboney/  Website: www.acheivemorellc.com  Achieve More LLC Solutions to Be Well: https://www.achievemorellc.com/be-well Assess Burnout: https://www.mindgarden.com/184-maslach-burnout-toolkit HBR Measure Burnout Accurately and Ethically: https://hbr.org/2021/03/how-to-measure-burnout-accurately-and-ethically Oath of a Pharmacist: https://www.pharmacist.com/About/Oath-of-a-Pharmacist ASAE Core Ethical Standards: https://www.asaecenter.org/about-us/policies/code-of-conduct

A conversation with Antonia Ciaccia a long-time association professional and President of 3 Axis Advisors. He has become obsessive about the prescription drug supply chain and pharmacy policy. He is an advocate for open-access, drug price transparency, competitive healthcare markets, and patient-centered care. 3 Axis advisors released a report in the Fall of 2023, Unraveling the Drug Pricing Blame Game. The report highlights the complexities of drug pricing and the alarming impact of PBMs on the cost of medications at the counter and their impact on pharmacy sustainability and access to care provided by pharmacists.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ciaccia-390879b/  Website: https://www.3axisadvisors.com  This episode is supported by Value Drug. Value Drug Company is a full-line pharmaceutical wholesale purchasing cooperative, located in Duncansville, PA. They distribute specialty medications, pharmaceuticals and non-prescription medications, hospital and convalescent equipment, health and beauty aids, nutritional supplies, and other healthcare-related products to member retail, long-term care, specialty pharmacy, and 340B covered entities. Call Lisa Steptoe at 443-324-1031.