Pharmacy Podcast Network

Welcome to another episode of TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy, where we break down the most important developments impacting the pharmacy profession. This week’s show features leaders from across community pharmacy, health systems, healthcare advocacy, and international patient engagement. From PBM reform to patient-centered care and health system growth in Western Pennsylvania, this episode brings together voices shaping the future of pharmacy. Sponsored by Sykes & Company, P.A. Accounting, tax strategy, and advisory services dedicated exclusively to independent pharmacy operators. Segment 1 Austin Murray Communications and Marketing Director – Sykes & Company, P.A. We kick off TWIRx with Austin Murray from Sykes & Company, discussing the NCPA Consumer Marketing Campaign designed to educate the public about the value of community pharmacies. Austin shares insights on: • The importance of telling the community pharmacy story directly to consumers • Why independent pharmacies remain essential healthcare access points • The evolving state of independent pharmacy nationwide • Continued momentum around PBM Reform • Strategic accounting and tax advantages pharmacy operators should understand in today’s challenging reimbursement environment Austin also explains how pharmacy-focused accounting firms like Sykes & Company help owners navigate reimbursement pressure, tax planning, and business strategy. Segment 2 Mark Duman Pharmacy 50 Award Winner – United Kingdom International healthcare thought leader Mark Duman joins TWIRx to discuss one of the most important principles in healthcare transformation: The patient must come first. Mark shares his perspective on: • Why healthcare systems must remain patient-centered • How pharmacy can lead the way in improving patient outcomes • Lessons learned from patient engagement initiatives in the UK healthcare system • Why meaningful healthcare innovation always begins by focusing on the patient experience Mark emphasizes that when healthcare professionals keep the patient as the constant focus, better pharmacy care and stronger health systems follow. Segment 3 Dr. Laura Mark, PharmD Vice President of Pharmacy – Allegheny Health Network Next, we welcome Dr. Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), who shares exciting news about new pharmacy operations facilities recently built in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Todd and Laura also reflect on their shared roots growing up in Butler County, while discussing how AHN is investing in the future of pharmacy. Topics include: • The new pharmacy operations infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania • How AHN is expanding pharmacy services across the Greater Pittsburgh region • The role of health system pharmacy in improving access to care • Strategic positioning for future healthcare growth and integration AHN continues to strengthen its pharmacy operations as a key component of coordinated patient care throughout the region. Segment 4 Eric Pusey Independent Pharmacy Owner – Pennsylvania Closing out this week’s episode, pharmacy owner Eric Pusey joins TWIRx to discuss the latest updates on PBM Reform in Pennsylvania. In 2024, Pennsylvania enacted Act 77, a landmark law aimed at increasing oversight and fairness in pharmacy benefit management. Eric explains how the law: • Grants new regulatory authority to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department • Restricts PBM patient steering to pharmacies owned or affiliated with benefit managers • Improves transparency requirements for PBM operations • Establishes payment protections intended to level the playing field for community pharmacies Patient steering practices have long limited competition and reduced patient choice. Eric shares why these reforms represent an important step toward protecting both patients and independent pharmacy providers across the Commonwealth. Listen & Subscribe Stay informed on the business, policy, and innovation shaping the pharmacy profession. Follow TWIRx –...

Get to know your CPhA leadership, their background, and where they grew up. What PBM reform successes has California had, and what are they working on now?

In this edition of Essential, we look at two major issues facing pharmacy compounding. First is a state-by-state effort by pharma companies to pass laws restricting compounding, and second is a cryptic statement from the FDA about possible limitations on compounding with GLP-1 ingredients. They’re both Very Big Deals for pharmacists across the country. Links FDA statement on GLP-1 drugs: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-intends-take-action-against-non-fda-approved-glp-1-drugs … and APC’s response: https://a4pc.org/news/apc-responds-to-fdas-glp-1-statement Stay up to date on our state Compounding Defense Initiative: compounding.com Join APC today: https://a4pc.org/membership Find us on social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a4pcrx/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a4pcrx/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a4pcrx/

In this episode of Framework Focus, Dr. Dae Lee breaks down the regulatory and reimbursement shifts reshaping long-term care (LTC) pharmacy. With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) moving from policy theory to operational reality, Medicare’s Maximum Fair Price (MFP) program, Part D redesign, and inflation rebate enforcement are now active forces that LTC operators must navigate. This conversation moves beyond headlines and into real-world implications: cash flow risk, administrative burden, contracting exposure, and strategic readiness for closed-door and combo LTC pharmacies. Key Discussion Points Why This Matters Now For LTC pharmacies, this is not simply a policy conversation — it is a structural shift in reimbursement architecture. As federal oversight expands and pricing authority evolves, operational precision and legal literacy will define which organizations adapt successfully. About our guest: Dr. Dae Lee, Pharm.D, Esq., CPBS Shareholder - Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Email: dae.lee@bipc.com Dae Y. Lee is a pharmacist-attorney and Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist™ (CPBS™) who represents pharmacies, healthcare stakeholders, and plan sponsors in high-stakes disputes and regulatory matters involving Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and government payors. Drawing on his dual training as a pharmacist and attorney, Dae focuses his practice on defending clients in audits, investigations, enforcement actions and complex reimbursement and compliance matters. Dae routinely represents pharmacies nationwide in PBM and payor audits, including Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) investigations, extrapolation disputes, overpayment recoupments, credentialing denials, network suspensions and terminations. He advises pharmacies on compliance with applicable state pharmacy fair audit laws, PBM provider manuals, and reimbursement standards, with the goal of minimizing financial exposure while preserving network participation and business continuity.

On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we spotlight two major conversations shaping the future of pharmacy practice in 2026. First, we welcome Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD, founder of DiversifyRx, to discuss the Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 and how independent pharmacies can strengthen margins, diversify revenue streams, and build sustainable growth models in today’s reimbursement environment. Then, we turn to Rare Disease Day 2026 with Richard Ferris, PharmD, Chief Commercial & Clinical Officer at PantherRx, to discuss specialty pharmacy leadership, pharmacist impact, and new patient feedback data revealing communication gaps in rare disease care. Segment 1: Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 Guest: Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD | Founder, DiversifyRx Dr. Faast joins us to break down the vision behind Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 — an event designed to equip pharmacy owners with practical strategies to increase profitability while maintaining clinical excellence. Key Topics Covered: • Why independent pharmacies must move beyond traditional dispensing revenue • Diversification strategies including niche services and high-value offerings • Real-world financial benchmarks pharmacy owners should track • How mindset, leadership, and data discipline drive sustainable profitability • The importance of collaboration and shared intelligence among pharmacy entrepreneurs The Pharmacy Profit Summit is not just about revenue — it’s about equipping pharmacy owners to compete intelligently in a rapidly consolidating healthcare market. Segment 2: Rare Disease Day 2026 Guest: Richard Ferris, PharmD | PantherRx Rare Pharmacy In recognition of Rare Disease Day 2026, we are honored to welcome Richard Ferris, PharmD, to discuss the critical role pharmacists play in specialty pharmacy and rare disease care. PantherRx recently released survey findings examining patient and caregiver experiences within rare disease treatment journeys. Key Study Highlights: • 90% of patients and caregivers report delays due to communication gaps • 68% report waiting for updates from providers, pharmacies, or insurers • 90% say they manage the care process themselves • 72% desire a dedicated care coordinator • 73% agree it is unclear who is responsible for coordinating rare disease care Despite advances in specialty therapeutics, patients are still asking for the fundamentals: clear communication, coordinated care, and personalized support. Richard discusses: • The growing importance of specialty pharmacists as care coordinators • Why rare disease patients often feel burdened by system fragmentation • How specialty pharmacy can close communication gaps • The need for pharmacist-led continuity in complex therapy management Rare Disease Day reminds us that specialty pharmacy is not only about high-cost medications — it is about human connection, long-term coordination, and advocacy for patients navigating some of the most complex clinical journeys in healthcare. From business sustainability to patient-centered specialty care, this episode reinforces two realities: Pharmacy must remain financially strong to survive. Pharmacists must remain clinically present to lead. As the profession evolves, profitability and patient advocacy are not opposing forces — they are interdependent pillars of pharmacy’s future. Listen now and join the conversation shaping Pharmacy in 2026.

Many pharmacy owners invest in expensive technology but fail to fully utilize the system’s secondary and valuable features. This is a costly mistake! It leaves significant operational efficiencies and profit opportunities unrealized. This program also invites managers to carefully review their tech vendor invoices to ensure new charges have not been added or that fees have not been quietly increased for features in their software agreements. Kevin Minassian, President of DataScan, notes his company provides a wide range of profit-enhancing services at no additional cost while competitors often add additional fees. Visit www.datascanpharmacy.com for more information.

“Thug Drugs: Policy” THUG DRUGS! With a name like that, it has to be good! Even better than Smuckers (Age old ad slogan for jelly/jam)! In this episode of the Pain Pod, we’re going to dive into Thug Drug Policies, here in our country, and beyond. Come one, come all, to the Pain Pod!!! www.painguy.us

Welcome back to the Pediatric Pharmacist Review Podcast. Today’s Pharmacist Spotlight features Brian Seyboth, a pediatric hematology/oncology pharmacist and the first full-time pharmacist at Perfecting Peds. In this episode, Brian shares a powerful patient care win that shaped his career and highlights why pediatric oncology pharmacy is both highly technical and deeply personal. We discuss how pharmacists optimize complex medication regimens, support families during difficult diagnoses, and improve outcomes through collaborative decision-making. Brian also reflects on mentoring residents, expanding pharmacist integration into pediatric care teams, and adapting clinical pharmacy services into a virtual environment. Whether you're a student, resident, or practicing clinician, this conversation shows how pharmacists can transform pediatric care through expertise and compassion. Let’s get started.

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. Ebony 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. Ebony 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.