Pharmacy Podcast Network

How Kroger does PBM and the future of community pharmacy is clinical encounters.

Rx4Route is a specialized pharmacy delivery management platform and software designed to optimize prescription delivery for pharmacies. It integrates with existing systems to provide real-time tracking, AI-powered route optimization, HIPAA-compliant proof of delivery, and driver management tools. It aims to reduce delivery costs and improve efficiency. Doni Sattarov with Rx4Route Rx4Route.com   Kristen Hutchison - Health Policy and Patient Advocacy As a seasoned medical technical writer and chronic illness patient advocate, I meticulously translate intricate medical information into succinct content tailored for diverse audiences, including engineers, clinicians, educators, and advocacy groups. https://www.khutchison.com/

Join us for an informational session where Lisa Schwartz joins Ketan Mehta to discuss how pharmacies can build the road to success in 2026 through industry hurdles, trends, and policy changes.

From reimbursements to inventory management, independent pharmacists face ongoing pressure to optimize the financial health of their business. In this episode, Jean Paul Gibeault, PharmD, RPh of Atlantic Health System shares how their two retail pharmacies have maintained strong financial performance using solutions like Cardinal Health™ Reimbursement Consulting Services (RCS). He discusses how real-time intelligence and a robust analytics and consulting platform can transform a pharmacy’s bottom line.  Listen to uncover financial strategies that can help boost revenue and expand patient reach while upholding an unwavering commitment to quality, community care. 

In this must-listen episode of MaternalRx, host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, sits down with Dr. Eboni January (AKA Dr. EJ), award-winning board-certified OBGYN, bestselling author, and America’s Maternal & Women’s Wellness Expert, to unpack what’s really driving the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. With more than 8,000 babies delivered, Dr. EJ brings frontline clinical insight, cultural competence, and a prevention-first approach to a conversation that moves beyond headlines and into actionable change. Together, Dr. Plummer and Dr. EJ explore why most maternal deaths are preventable, what clinicians often miss, and how healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can help save lives through earlier intervention, equity-focused care, and better patient education. Episode Highlights: - Why the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries - The reality that 80%+ of maternal deaths are preventable - Critical red flags during pregnancy and postpartum that should never be dismissed - Preventive conversations every woman deserves before pregnancy - How health equity shows up (or fails) in real-world clinical care - One pregnancy myth Dr. EJ is ready to retire for good About the Guest: Dr. Eboni January, MD (Dr. EJ) is a nationally recognized OB-GYN, maternal health advocate, and media expert. She is the author of three bestselling books, including Empowered Motherhood, and the founder of multiple women-centered wellness initiatives focused on maternal safety, preventive care, and whole-woman health. Connect with Dr. January: Website: www.doctorej.com Social: @doctorebonijanuary Connect with Danielle Plummer, PharmD:  www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/ www.Obstet-Rx.com Please subscribe, rate, and share MaternalRx. Elevating these conversations helps protect mothers and saves lives.

TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy Episode Date: February 13, 2026 Valentine’s Day Special 💘 This week on TWIRx, hosts Stephen Beckman, PharmD and Todd Eury break down the biggest headlines shaping pharmacy, from workforce trends to policy updates and innovation. 💕 Valentine’s Feature: TogetheRx – A Pharmacy Love Story In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we welcome Drs. Mark and Gretchen Garofoli, PharmD, a pharmacy power couple who met at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and have built a life and career TogetheRx. Their journey includes raising a family, leading in pharmacy advocacy, podcasting, academic work with WVU School of Pharmacy, and operating a community pharmacy near Morgantown, WV. 🧪 Love Potion Segment: A Historical Rx Dr. Mark Fulton, PharmD, host of the RxTales Podcast, joins the show to explore the surprising history of “love potions” and how folklore intersects with early pharmacy and medicine. 🚀 Innovation Spotlight: RxTransfer & Interoperability We close with Pharmacy 50 Award Winner Alumni 2025, Dr. Lawrence King, PharmD, VP of Product Innovation at Surescripts, discussing RxTransfer, prescription interoperability, and how technology is modernizing pharmacy workflow and patient safety. ❤️ From love stories to pharmacy innovation, this Valentine’s edition celebrates the profession from the heart. Subscribe, listen, and share as we head into Valentine’s Day 2026. Valentine’s Day Special 2026 | TWIRx  

Today I am back with one of my herbal teachers to talk about herbal and holistic approaches to managing Lyme disease. It is a topic that is becoming ever more relevant as the medical community has been coming to the realization that there is such a thing as chronic Lyme, where acute measures such as antibiotics fall short. This is where herbal support can really shine in helping to peel back the layers that are causing disharmony and reestablish a healthy foundation for health. Richard Mandelbaum RH is a clinical herbalist with a private practice, offering personalized health consultations, online and in person in the southern Catskills, NY. Richard has been an avid student of our native flora for close to forty years, and in addition to seeing clients he teaches classes in clinical herbal medicine, field botany, and phytochemistry. He is a co-founder and core instructor at the ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism and is on the faculty at David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies and the Won Institute of Graduate Studies.  Richard  has been a Registered Herbalist since 2003 and was a member of the American Herbalists Guild board of directors from 2012 to 2018. He lives with his wife Gabrielle and his daughter Rose in their straw bale home in Forestburgh, NY. You can learn more about Richard, including articles, podcast interviews, etc. at Richard Mandelbaum RH. See our past episode about whole planet care and Gaia theory here and my episode with Dr. Christine Arseneau on this topic here. Connect with Richard via: Email: richard@arborvitaeny.com  Website: Richard Mandelbaum RH

In this episode, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with David G. Mitchell, PharmD, MBA, CSP, FCPhA, Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer of Specialty Pharmacy & Home Delivery and Ruth Chen, PharmD, MHA, Manager of the Specialty Pharmacy Hub at UC Davis Health in Sacramento. They look at how UC Davis Health has built and scaled one of California’s most integrated health-system specialty pharmacy programs. Dr. Mitchell shares how being embedded within clinics, care teams, and the EHR enables specialty pharmacy to deliver differentiated clinical and operational value while navigating payer, policy, and access challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape. Dr. Chen discusses why a focused rare disease strategy is essential for health-system specialty pharmacies. She walks through the challenges that existed prior to implementing a centralized rare disease hub model and how those challenges shaped the development of a coordinated, pharmacy-led approach that supports patients and providers across complex therapies. Together, this conversation highlights how structure, strategy, and leadership enable innovation, workforce growth, and improved patient care.

The Pharmacy 50 Awards are back for the 2025 season, celebrating the people who are pushing the profession forward through leadership, innovation, advocacy, education, and patient care. In Part 3 of this 4-part series, we spotlight an incredible group of pharmacy professionals and industry leaders representing the full spectrum of pharmacy—from independent practice and health systems to digital health, specialty pharmacy, philanthropy, and beyond. This series is designed to recognize the voices shaping the future of pharmacy and to inspire the next wave of leadership across healthcare.   Maurice Shaw, PharmD — Social Media Influencer Katarina (Kati) Forbes, PharmD — Social Media Influencer April Nguyen, PharmD — Technology & Digital Health Mike Johnston, CPhT — Pharmacy Technician Paul Shelton — Long term Care Pharmacy Pat Lavella, BS Pharm — Independent Pharmacy Mark Cuban — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government Sue Ojageer, PharmD — Social Media Influencer Sammy Yafai, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy Saam Ali, MR Pharm — Technology & Digital Health Richard Dang, PharmD — Academia & Pharmacy Educator Trent Twomey, BPharm — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government

Independent pharmacies are dispensing more prescriptions than ever—but too many are seeing their profits shrink month after month. In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, hosts Todd Eury and CEO of MatchRx Johny Kello sit down with Saeed Dinno Director of Pharmacy for a group of independent pharmacies in MI. For a practical, plain-English breakdown of one of the most overlooked metrics impacting pharmacy profitability: GCR, let's dive into this! This episode isn’t about policy debates, compliance theory, or vendor hype. It’s a real-world conversation designed to help pharmacy owners, managers, and buyers understand how everyday sourcing and dispensing behaviors directly influence margin—often without anyone realizing it. Saeed explains what GCR actually measures, what it does not measure, and why two pharmacies filling the exact same prescription can end up with completely different financial outcomes. From convenience buying and emergency orders that become routine, to default NDC selection and a disconnect between the buyer and the bench, the episode highlights the subtle habits that quietly erode profitability over time. More importantly, the conversation delivers actionable steps pharmacies can implement immediately. Saeed outlines the core disciplines that improve performance—smarter buying strategy, better alignment between purchasing and dispensing, and simple operational guardrails that don’t slow workflow. The focus is not on “working harder,” but on working differently. The episode closes with a clear, clip-worthy takeaway: one specific action pharmacy leaders can take this month to start moving the needle. If you’ve ever wondered why your pharmacy is busy but the numbers don’t reflect it, this is an episode you’ll want to listen to twice—and put into practice the very next day. Second segment of TWIRx is with Jonathan Adly, CEO of TJM Labs, to discuss his powerful new book, The Innovative Pharmacy: How to Build an 8-Figure Pharmacy One Idea at a Time. At a time when independent pharmacies are being squeezed by rising labor costs, shrinking reimbursements, and increasing operational complexity, Adly delivers a refreshing message: success is still possible—but it requires innovation, clarity, and execution. Jonathan shares why this book is not a “one-size-fits-all” business blueprint, but a collection of real-world frameworks inspired by hundreds of high-performing pharmacies across the U.S. and Canada. We explore the principles behind sustainable growth, including identifying your ideal customer, building scalable systems through automation, simplifying operations, and playing offense when the math works. This conversation is a call to action for pharmacy leaders ready to build smarter, faster, and stronger—one bold idea at a time. This episode of TWIRx is sponsored by MatchRx, TJM Labs, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Sykes & Company.

On this episode of Executive Dose, sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), we tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing independent community pharmacies today: workforce shortages and talent management. Bill Drilling, owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City, Iowa, shares four decades of real-world experience leading a landmark independent pharmacy and developing sustainable teams in a changing labor environment. Joined by Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Pharmacy Services at IPC, the conversation explores practical strategies for recruiting, retaining, and empowering pharmacy talent while expanding clinical services and protecting margins. Together, they discuss how independent pharmacies can adapt their workforce models, invest in people, and build resilient operations that support both patient care and long-term business success. About our guests: William "Bill" Drilling is the owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City, Iowa, a landmark independent pharmacy he has led for over 40 years. A second-generation owner, he is recognized for his expertise in pharmacy management, immunization programs, and serving on the Iowa Pharmacists Association Board. Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA, is the Vice President of Clinical Programs and Pharmacy Services at Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), where she leads initiatives to support independent pharmacy owners. With over two decades of experience, she focuses on enhancing clinical services, driving revenue-generating opportunities, and improving operational performance for community pharmacies. 

Do you know how to use a SWOT analysis effectively—or are you making common mistakes that keep your strategy from reaching its full potential? In this episode, we break down what a SWOT is, why it matters for your business, and how to leverage your strengths, address weaknesses, and take advantage of opportunities in your market. We’ll also cover the pitfalls many business owners encounter when conducting a SWOT and share practical tips to make this classic tool a true driver of strategic planning and growth. Tune in to learn how to think strategically and set your business up for success.

In this episode, we sit down with a past president of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) for an insightful conversation on leadership and caring for older adults.    We also dive into what it means to be an age-friendly pharmacist, exploring how the Age-Friendly Health Systems framework and the 4Ms can be applied in real-world pharmacy settings.  Finally, we break down how pharmacists can earn their Age-Friendly Pharmacist badge. Get your Age-Friendly Pharmacist Badge here:  https://www.ascp.com/page/agefriendly Tamara Ruggles, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-ruggles-491882251 Deborah A Milito, Pharm D, BCGP, FASCP, Age-Friendly Pharmacist:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-milito-32a28156/

The Pharmacy 50 Awards are back for the 2025 season, celebrating the people who are pushing the profession forward through leadership, innovation, advocacy, education, and patient care. In Part 2 of this 4-part series, we spotlight an incredible group of pharmacy professionals and industry leaders representing the full spectrum of pharmacy—from independent practice and health systems to digital health, specialty pharmacy, philanthropy, and beyond. This series is designed to recognize the voices shaping the future of pharmacy and to inspire the next wave of leadership across healthcare.   Walter Oronsaye PharmD — Social Media Influencer Emily Durham, MS, CPhT — Compounding Christopher Bowens, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy Mark Duman, MRPharmS — Technology & Digital Health Greg Reybold — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government Dave Randolph, BSPharm — Independent Pharmacy Kelley D. Carlstrom, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy Andy Crawford — Independent Pharmacy Brandi Chane, CPhT — Independent Pharmacy Mayank Amin, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy Chris Antypas, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy Tarah Slusher Davis, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy

TWIRx – January 30 | Special Guest: Marc Essensa, CEO of IPC On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Marc Essensa, President and CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), to discuss timely strategies and resources helping independent pharmacies strengthen their businesses in today’s challenging environment. Building Your Independent Pharmacy Business Marc shares insights on navigating reimbursement pressure, improving margins, and leveraging IPC’s purchasing power, data, and strategic tools to support long-term sustainability. The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide We break down IPC’s guidance on the Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, which may allow pharmacies that accepted Visa or Mastercard between 2004–2019 to recover funds. Marc explains eligibility, next steps, and how recovered dollars can support cash flow, staffing, technology, or inventory investments. IPC Member Support Services The conversation highlights IPC’s expanded member support offerings, including business consulting, strategic partnerships, wholesale access, and operational resources designed to help independents stay competitive. Legislative & Advocacy Updates Marc also provides updates on IPC’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, focused on protecting independent pharmacy interests and addressing ongoing policy and reimbursement challenges. 🔗 Resource Mentioned The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide – IPC https://www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-blog/news/the-payment-card-settlement-a-practical-guide/ Special guest:  Sakhi Gaurang Patel is a trailblazing PharmD candidate at the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and a co-founder of the startup CuraVoice. Recognized for her work in healthcare equity, mentorship, and educational technology, she focuses on improving patient communication and reducing health disparities. Featured Guest: Dr. Jenny Newlon, PharmD — Researcher and Pharmacist with Birth Control Pharmacist In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Newlon to explore how pharmacist consultants, health clinics, and independent pharmacies can build high-value contraception services that meet urgent community needs. We discuss practical strategies for delivering accessible birth control care—especially in areas that have lost Planned Parenthood centers—while creating new revenue models outside the constraints of traditional PBM reimbursement. Dr. Newlon breaks down: How pharmacies can implement contraception services—even with limited staff or clinical infrastructure Ways to deliver value to patients and communities through education, access, and continuity of care Forward-thinking business models that diversify revenue beyond dispensing Tune in to learn how independent pharmacy teams can lead with care, expand women’s health access, and strengthen their role as trusted healthcare providers. Today's "This Week in Pharmacy" is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)

In this powerful episode of MaternalRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, speaks with pharmacist Willie Bawarski and his wife, Olivia, about their deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF treatment, foster care, and adoption. Willie and Olivia share the emotional, physical, and financial realities of trying to conceive, navigating fertility treatments, and facing the grief that often accompanies infertility. When their path to parenthood changed, they chose to open their hearts and home through foster care and adoption, ultimately building a beautiful family in ways they never expected. This conversation highlights the critical role pharmacists and healthcare professionals play in supporting patients experiencing infertility and those considering foster care or adoption. Listeners will gain practical insight into using compassionate language, empathy, and trauma-informed care to support individuals and couples during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Whether you are facing infertility, exploring IVF, considering adoption, working within maternal health, or caring for patients on these journeys, this episode offers hope, validation, and a reminder that family is defined by love, not biology. 🔗 Learn more about adoption: https://adoptuskids.org/ 🔗 Connect with Danielle Plummer, PharmD: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/

There is still a lot more you should know about drastic price reductions on key brand name drugs.   The Manufacturer Fair Price (MFP) price reductions have now hit, but there are still things a pharmacy can do to mitigate gross profit loses.  Jay Blackburn, CEO of the Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (CPA) shares several tips, tactics and techniques that he suggests you understand.  It will pay for you to understand and act on now! More information can be had on the CPA website:  www.compliantrx.com 

What happens when your doctor prescribes a medication that does not exist? Not backordered. Not insurance denied. It simply is not made anywhere. In this episode of Rated Rx Podcast, pharmacists break down compounding pharmacy, why it exists, and why some patients would not survive without it. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of healthcare, and it answers a question people search online every day: what happens when standard medications do not work for you? You hear real examples involving pediatric epilepsy, elderly patients with complex medication regimens, feeding tubes, allergies to dyes and fillers, and rare conditions where mass-produced drugs fail. The episode explains how compounding pharmacists legally create customized medications by changing dosage forms, removing allergens, combining medications, and creating formulations that pharmaceutical companies never made. The crew also tackles the biggest misconception around compounding medications, including why compounded drugs are not FDA approved, what regulations actually apply, how USP standards protect patients, and why this work is highly regulated rather than experimental. Sterile compounding, non-sterile compounding, safety checks, pharmacist verification, and real-world problem solving are all explained clearly so you understand how these medications are made safely and legally. This episode helps patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals understand when compounding is appropriate and why asking about it can change outcomes. For educational and entertainment purposes only. Follow Us At: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RatedRxPodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ratedrxpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574813907982 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ratedrxpodcast

The Pharmacy 50 Awards are back for the 2025 season, celebrating the people who are pushing the profession forward through leadership, innovation, advocacy, education, and patient care. In Part 1 of this 4-part series, we spotlight an incredible group of pharmacy professionals and industry leaders representing the full spectrum of pharmacy! From independent practice and health systems to digital health, specialty pharmacy, philanthropy, and beyond. This series is designed to recognize the voices shaping the future of pharmacy and to inspire the next wave of leadership across healthcare. 🎙️ Featured Honorees Part One Technology & Digital Health Yalda Olcott, PharmD — Technology & Digital Health Autumn-Kyoko Cushman — Technology & Digital Health Independent Pharmacy Josh Pirestani — Independent Pharmacy Amina Abubakar, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy Shawn Nairn, RPh — Independent Pharmacy Health System / Hospital Pharmacy Ultan McGlone, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy Alex C. Varkey, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy Brianna Latta, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy Academia & Pharmacy Education C. Daniel Mullins, PhD — Academia & Pharmacy Educator Philanthropy | Charitable Pharmacy Jordyn Nordé, PharmD — Philanthropy | Charitable Pharmacy Specialty Pharmacy Laly Havern, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy Pharmacy Technician Ellaine Sisomphou-Ramos, CPhT — Pharmacy Technician Medical Affairs / Industry Brandon Shank, PharmD — Medical Science Liaison Social Media Influence Laura Dowling, BPharm — Social Media Influencer ⭐ What You’ll Hear in This Episode In this first installment, we highlight how today’s pharmacy leaders are: Advancing innovation and digital transformation Strengthening independent pharmacy impact in local communities Elevating health system pharmacy practice and patient safety Expanding pharmacy’s influence through education, research, and advocacy Supporting access to care through charitable pharmacy and philanthropy Growing specialty pharmacy leadership and patient outcomes Recognizing the essential role of pharmacy technicians Driving clinical education and strategy in medical affairs Using platforms and storytelling to shape pharmacy’s public voice 📌 About the Pharmacy 50 Awards The Pharmacy 50 Awards recognize individuals across pharmacy and healthcare who are creating measurable impact, leading change, and building the future of the profession. The 2025 season showcases innovators, disruptors, and patient-centered leaders who represent pharmacy’s growing role in healthcare delivery.

In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we explore how the Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) is deepening connections across healthcare by elevating pharmacists’ voices in the conversations that matter most. Inspired by the recent partnership between podcasting giant PodcastOne and the AI-driven analytics platform Listener, we highlight how PPN is using the same type of advanced engagement metrics—combining podcast listener data, social media signals, and network insights—to measure true influence, not just downloads.  With Listener’s powerful data, PPN can now identify where pharmacists are making the greatest impact and uncover new opportunities to expand pharmacist positioning with other providers, industry leaders, and the public. Plus, Todd sits down one-on-one with Kris Rhea of Pharmacy Market Place for an insightful conversation on AI in pharmacy—exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping workflow, clinical decision-making, business operations, and what pharmacists need to know to stay ahead in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.