DISRxUPT

In this inspiring episode of DISRxUPT, host Dr. Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Lydia Bailey, Pharmacy Operations Manager at the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy in Cincinnati, Ohio. Recently honored with the Albert B. Prescott Pharmacy Leadership Award, Lydia shares her remarkable journey from uncertain pharmacy student to nationally recognized leader in underserved care.💊 What You'll Learn in This Episode:Lydia’s unconventional path into pharmacy and how a mission trip to Pakistan reshaped her vision for faith-driven healthcare.The inner workings of a charitable pharmacy—what it is, how it operates, and why it’s a vital safety net for underserved populations.How Lydia and her team deliver outcomes-based care that prioritizes patient health over prescription volume.The story behind Ohio House Bill 558, a groundbreaking law Lydia helped pass to allow personal medication donations—dramatically improving access to life-saving medications like insulin and inhalers.The power of student involvement and mentorship in expanding pharmacy services and shaping future leaders.How Lydia integrates her Christian faith into patient care and leadership, creating a compassionate, purpose-driven practice.📈 Whether you're a pharmacy student, healthcare professional, or someone passionate about community impact, Lydia’s story is a powerful example of how innovation, advocacy, and faith can come together to transform lives.🔗 Resources & Mentions:St. Vincent de Paul Charitable PharmacyAlbert B. Prescott Pharmacy Leadership AwardOhio House Bill 558 (Medication Donation Law)📬 Connect with Us: If you’re interested in volunteering, learning more about charitable pharmacy, or connecting with Lydia’s team, reach out via the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy website or contact the Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation.

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole welcomes Dr. Kevin Walker, a leader in medication optimization, clinical technology, and care transformation. Kevin shares his unique journey from growing up on the Yakima Reservation to becoming a pharmacist and innovator in the health care technology space.Join us as we explore Kevin's insights on the role of pharmacists in promoting holistic health, the importance of culturally relevant care, and the exciting future of health tech. From medically tailored meals to digital biomarkers, Kevin discusses how technology can enhance patient engagement and adherence, and ultimately make care more human.Tune in to hear about the challenges and opportunities in the current health care system, and how incremental changes can lead to significant improvements. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply interested in the intersection of technology and health, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and inspiring stories.You can also learn more about some of Kevin's work here:The Med List PodcastCedar Lake Health

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole welcomes Dr. Chris Bland, a clinical professor at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and co-founder of Teach Me Pharm. Dr. Bland shares his unique journey into pharmacy practice and academia, highlighting his passion for innovation and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.Dr. Bland discusses the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within pharmacy education and practice. He shares insights from his extensive experience in critical care and infectious diseases, including his innovative work in establishing a bariatric surgery follow-up clinic and the development of Teach Me Pharm, an educational platform designed to make learning pharmacology engaging and accessible.Listeners will also learn about the UGA Critical Care Collaborative, a team of faculty dedicated to improving patient outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Bland emphasizes the significance of problem-solving skills and the impact of mentorship on shaping future healthcare professionals.Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of pharmacy education, innovation, and patient care.

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Kelley Carlstrom, a board-certified oncology pharmacist and the CEO and founder of KelleyCPharmD. Kelley shares her journey into oncology pharmacy, inspired by her grandmother's battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She discusses the critical roles oncology pharmacists play in patient care, from ensuring safe and effective treatment to navigating the complexities of cancer therapies.Kelley also delves into her innovative educational framework, L.E.A.R.N., designed to help pharmacists build their oncology knowledge and confidence. She highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of oncology. Whether you're a seasoned pharmacist or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of oncology pharmacy and the impact of dedicated professionals like Kelley.Tune in to learn how KelleyCPharmD is bridging the gap in oncology education and empowering pharmacists to provide exceptional care to cancer patients.

Episode 43: Turning Tragedy into Wellness with Dr. Melissa TurnerHost: Justin ColeGuest: Dr. Melissa Turner, Founder of Turnaround Wellness and Tarheel PGx ConsultingDescription: In this heartfelt episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Melissa Turner, a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and founder of Turnaround Wellness. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey marked by significant challenges, including the tragic loss of her sister and father. These experiences have profoundly shaped her professional path and approach to wellness, integrating her Christian faith into her practice.Melissa discusses her transition from working in retail pharmacy to founding her own businesses, Tarheel PGx Consulting and Turnaround Wellness. She explains how pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics play a crucial role in her work, helping clients optimize their medication and nutrition based on their genetic profiles. Melissa also emphasizes the importance of holistic health, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.Throughout the episode, Melissa highlights the transformative power of her Christian faith in her life and work, offering insights into how she integrates scientific and spiritual support for her clients. She shares inspiring stories of clients who have experienced significant improvements in their health and well-being through her personalized care.Key Topics:Melissa's journey into pharmacy and the impact of personal tragedies on her careerThe founding of Tarheel PGx Consulting and Turnaround WellnessThe role of pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics in personalized health careIntegrating faith and spirituality into wellness practicesOvercoming challenges and finding purpose through adversityInspiring client success stories and the importance of holistic healthQuotes:"I just feel that God has made us. We are a whole person and, yes, we need to take care of our physical health, our mental health, and our spiritual health, but we can't look at them in isolation.""God has comforted us through all of our afflictions so we are called to comfort others."Resources:Turnaround WellnessTurnaround Wellness YouTube Channel for client interviews and more insightsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share the DISRxUPT podcast with others. For more information on personalized health care and holistic wellness, visit Turnaround Wellness!

In this episode of DISRxUPT, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Emmanuel Ayanjoke, founder and pharmacist at Altev Pharmacy in Avondale, Ohio. Emmanuel, affectionately known as Manny, shares his story of growing up in Nigeria, where his father and grandfather were both pharmacists. This early exposure to the world of pharmacy ignited his passion for healthcare and community service. Eventually, Manny's path led him to the United States, where he completed his PharmD at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and a health outcomes fellowship with Ohio's Hospice and Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. His dream of owning a pharmacy became a reality with the establishment of Altev Pharmacy, a beacon of hope in the pharmacy desert of Avondale.Listen as Manny discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a community pharmacy in an underserved area. He emphasizes the importance of family, community, and faith in his work, and how these values shape the services offered at Altev Pharmacy. From the appointment-based model to adherence packaging and leveraging provider status, Manny is committed to proactive and personalized patient care. Discover how Altev Pharmacy is not just a place to fill prescriptions but a vital part of the community, offering resources and support to address social determinants of health. Manny's dedication to making a positive impact is evident in every aspect of his work, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of community pharmacy.

Benjamin Franklin is attributed with the well-known saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." However, it often seems that our modern healthcare system focuses on the care of the sick rather than true wellness and prevention. This is something that Dr. Matthew Hermenau personally observed in his practice as a pain management pharmacy specialist. This motivated Matt to consider ways in which he could help men overcome chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure through lifestyle interventions and a change in mindset rather than medications. He aims to target the root causes of these chronic illnesses. Alongside his wife, Matt created (P)harmless Health, LLC, a unique program aimed at improving the health of men and women without the need for long-term medications. They offer personalized training, nutrition coaching, education, and many other services through (P)harmless Health. Matt is a residency-trained clinical pharmacist specializing in pain management and stewardship. If that's not enough, he is a certified personal trainer, a certified nutritionist, and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Listen as we hear the story of how (P)harmless Health is helping its clients lose weight and take charge of their health!

Innovative leaders set a clear vision and empower others to bring necessary changes and new ideas to life. The profession of pharmacy needs these types of leaders, and Dr. Kimber Boothe is stepping up to fill this void. She is the founder and CEO of The Kimber Boothe Group, LLC and Pharmovation Consulting which focus on career development, strategy, and innovation within pharmacy. In this episode of DISRxUPT, Kimber joins us to discuss how "Pharmacy can do more with more." She is an expert in leadership development, justification of clinical pharmacy services, and advancement of the profession. She is also the author of two books: Pharmovation and Pharmfluencers. Kimber also serves as the liaison between the Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacy and the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. Listen to be inspired by her vision, passion, and expertise in advancing pharmacy practice through innovation, leadership, and advocacy!

In today's healthcare system, we constantly aim to enhance quality, decrease cost, improve the patient experience, optimize the provider experience, and implement effective population health initiatives. But how do we know if these goals are met? In short, we need data, and the electronic health records used today are filled with such data. Thus, the intersection of technology with clinical experience is invaluable in today's healthcare environment. However, few clinicians are comfortable collecting and analyzing this data on their own. While the learning curve may seem daunting, even simple computing skills can provide great value in healthcare today. In this episode of DISRxUPT, Dr. Adam Berstein brings us up to speed on the importance of data analytics in pharmacy and beyond. In addition to working in health systems, health tech, and managed care environments as a pharmacist, Adam is the founder and CEO of Sparx Analytics, which exists to empower clinicians to analyze data effectively. Listen to discover how data analytics can be leveraged to optimize clinical and operational outcomes in healthcare today!

The medication use process has a great impact on the world around us. For example, 40% of the world's rivers contain harmful levels of pharmaceuticals. Using one inhaler with propellant has an equivalent environmental impact as driving a gasoline-powered car over 100 miles. Billions of plastic bottles are thrown into landfills annually. Improper use and disposal of antimicrobials contribute to antimicrobial resistance. What can we do about these issues to steward the health of our planet?In this episode of DISRxUPT, Dr. Shellyza Sajwani discusses the concept of climate conscious pharmacy. Shellyza is a Canadian pharmacist and the cofounder of Climaceutics Health Solutions, a social entrepreneurship initiative that offers cost-neutral and profitable tools, certifications, and consultation to community pharmacies looking to reduce their carbon emissions and pollution while also improving their resilience to extreme weather events. Listen to discover how the medication use process impacts our planet and how we can take action to minimize these effects!

Primary care services around the world are suffering from a lack of resources, including the US and the UK. This growing issue requires creative problem-solving and trailblazers who will lead the necessary changes to meet the primary care needs of all patients. Enter the Pharmacy First Service, which allows patients to consult community pharmacists directly for minor ailments and short-term illnesses to receive self-care advice, straightforward diagnostic services, and certain medicines without needing an appointment with a general practitioner or prescription!Our international guest is Kimberly Sonnex, an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, England, and a UK-registered pharmacist. In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of the Pharmacy First service and what they have learned in the first months after its launch. Tune in to discover how pharmacies can be the first "port of call" for short-term and self-limiting illnesses within healthcare systems!

For decades, the pharmaceutical industry hummed to the rhythm of small-molecule drugs - oral pills and injections that community and hospital pharmacies dispensed regularly. However, a seismic shift is underway with biologics, radionuclear agents, nanomedicines, and other novel therapeutics becoming more prevalent. At the heart of this transformation is gene therapy, poised to rewrite the score of care for many medical conditions. In some diseases gene therapy may be the answer to provide a complete cure, and pharmacists are at the front lines of this wave of change. How do these agents work, and how are they delivered? Listen as we talk with Jill Blind, Pharmacy Manager of Investigational Drug Services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In this episode, we discuss the science behind gene therapy, her experiences with gene therapy and cellular therapy, and how pharmacists are intricately involved in developing and distributing these novel treatments.

Pharmacists have been identified as the most accessible healthcare professional. With this in mind, pharmacists are perfectly positioned to impact many public health problems faced today. Whether related to smoking cessation, vaccination, health screening, diagnostic testing, nutritional deficiencies, the opioid crisis, or maternal-fetal health, pharmacists can transform the health of communities around the nation and the world!Listen as we talk with Myriam Shaw Ojeda, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. She also serves as the Director of Pharmacy Extension and Public Health Initiatives with the Ohio Pharmacists Association and is a 2019 alumna of the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. In this episode, she explains how pharmacists can impact public health in myriad ways.

Is pharmacogenomic testing helpful in geriatric patients? You bet, and Dr. Tamara Ruggles is leading the way in this area. Tamara is no stranger to breaking through barriers and improving patient care through entrepreneurship, innovation, collaboration, and relationship-building. She is a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist with over ten years of experience as a consultant pharmacist in the long-term care setting. Tamara is the owner and operator of Specialty Pharmacy Consulting and The Deprescribing Clinic. She also hosts the LTC Pharmacy Podcast on the Pharmacy Podcast Network. She is passionate about antimicrobial stewardship, pharmacogenomics, deprescribing, and reducing anticholinergic burden.  Tamara and her husband live with their seven children in Bismarck, North Dakota.In this episode of DISRxUPT, Tamara tells how she started her own consulting business and later founded The Deprescribing Clinic, which leverages pharmacogenomic testing to tailor medication regimens for her patients. We also delve into antimicrobial stewardship, deprescribing in older adults, podcasting, and even a little college basketball! Listen and be inspired by Tamara's passion for improving the lives of her patients in novel ways.

Pickleball is one of the newest sports that has taken the United States by storm. So what does pharmacy have to do with pickleball? Well, probably a lot more than you think! For any athlete to stay at the top of their game (including pickleballers), many factors must be considered: mental toughness, nutrition, physical training, functional movement, metabolic health, and even supplements and medications. Some of these medications are taken chronically, while others are used to treat injuries of all types. Few people understand the comprehensive needs of athletes better than our guest on this episode, Dr. Brandon Welch. Brandon serves as the clinical sports wellness pharmacist for Baptist Health South Florida. He is also the founder of Pharmacy Athlete and President of the Sports Pharmacy Network. Brandon is a certified sports nutritionist, nutrigenomics specialist, consultant pharmacist, and wellness coach. For years, he has taught athletes effective and practical ways to improve their metabolic health and optimize human performance. Brandon has worked with elite athletes ranging from “weekend warriors” to professional athletes in the ATP, NFL, NHL, and PGA. Listen as he explains what Sports Pharmacy entails and how this industry is ripe for innovation and expansion!