Independent Rx Forum

This week, host John Beckner sits with Ed Cohen, founder and COO of PharmTeam Associates, to discuss the value of associations. For Cohen, involvement in associations is rooted in lifelong learning and incorporating your network into your professional life. Beckner and Cohen discuss the importance of keeping the door open to opportunities that can be found through state and national associations, as well as strategies to engage students and young professionals. The conversation rounds out with a peek behind the curtain of #NCPA2026, highlighting what you can expect from the meeting and how to get further involved in your professional home here at NCPA.

This week, host John Beckner and guest Ed Cohen, COO of PharmTeam Associates, explore the critical differences between retail and community pharmacy practices. They share insights on the evolving expectations of patients after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunity community pharmacy has to exceed those expectations through branding, mentorship, and personalized patient care. But it's not just a job for pharmacists, as Cohen emphasizes the role pharmacy schools and associations like NCPA must play in differentiating retail from community practice. This episode provides a fresh blueprint on how to set you and your pharmacy apart from the big chain down the street.

This week, Jay Phipps, pharmacy owner and NCPA member, reveals his secrets to building and maintaining a successful social media presence as a pharmacist. In a conversation with Jack Mozloom, NCPA senior vice president of public affairs, Phipps discusses everything from conquering his fear of posting to his practical tips for bringing the business of pharmacy to social media. They dive into what it takes to grow an audience, crack the algorithm, and build social media into a pharmacist's workflow. Phipps also touches on his role in the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention and leaves listeners with one key reminder: whether it's tackling social media or evolving your practice, you don't need to do it alone.

This week, host John Beckner is joined by Hannah Fish, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives, for a deep dive on the evolving vaccine landscape.   They outline vaccinations as a year-long service and share how pharmacists can prepare to best serve their communities. From smarter planning and community outreach to leveraging preexisting networks, Fish shares practical ways pharmacies can strengthen their role before respiratory season starts. They also address the rise in today's climate of vaccine hesitancy and provider fatigue. Backed by emerging research and insights from a roundtable of independent community pharmacy experts, Fish offers a forward-looking perspective on where vaccine services are headed and how pharmacists can lead the way.   To learn more, visit: https://ncpa.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/ncpa-vaccine-whitepaper.pdf  

NCPA's Elise Damman and Kurt Proctor sit down in the studio to discuss the education, networking, and business growth opportunities at this year's NCPA Annual Convention. They unpack the "how to" theme designed to give attendees actionable takeaways they can implement immediately in their pharmacies. From clinical services and operations to leadership and team development, every session is focused on providing practical roadmaps and real-world solutions. Damman gives behind-the-scenes insights into organizing the convention, while Proctor previews a new experience awaiting attendees at this year's expo hall.   Learn more about #NCPA2026 education sessions here.