This Week in Pharmacy, we explore specialty pharmacy, pharmacy innovation, emerging career opportunities, and new business models for independent community pharmacy.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Clearway Health, Value Drug Company, and FDB (First Databank, Inc.)

First, Allison Arant of Clearway Health joins us to discuss the next phase of specialty pharmacy within hospitals and health systems.

As rare disease and specialty therapies become more complex, health systems are looking for better ways to improve medication access, strengthen continuity of care, and keep patients connected to trusted clinical teams.

Todd and Allison discuss how health-system specialty pharmacy can expand community access and improve management of complex and rare disease treatments.

Learn more:

https://www.clearwayhealth.com/

National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) #inSPire2026

Next, we preview inSPire 2026, taking place September 22–25, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

The specialty pharmacy community will come together to discuss medication access, emerging therapies, technology, patient services, clinical care, and the continued evolution of specialty pharmacy.

The Next Dose Summit

Then we welcome Jordan Smith, PharmD, AAHIVP, CPGx, and Melinda Fowler, RPh, ABAAHP, FAAFM to preview The Next Dose Summit, happening October 14–15, 2026.

RxPR and the Pharmacy Podcast Network are proud press and media partners.

The event focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, emerging career pathways, and new opportunities for pharmacists looking beyond traditional roles.

It is designed for pharmacists, students, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders asking one important question:

What’s next for pharmacy — and what’s next for me?

Register here:

https://www.jscommunitycare.org/store/p/2026-the-next-dose-summit-registration

Expanding Independent Pharmacy

Finally, Rick Seipp, PharmD, President and CEO of Value Drug Company, returns to discuss creative strategies for expanding independent community pharmacy.

Todd and Rick explore cash-based pharmacy, transparent pricing, clinical services, new revenue streams, and other non-PBM-dependent models that can help independent pharmacies diversify and grow.

The conversation focuses on how community pharmacies can strengthen their businesses while continuing to serve as trusted healthcare destinations.

Learn more:

https://www.valuedrugco.com/

Sponsored By

Clearway Health

https://www.clearwayhealth.com/

Value Drug Company

https://www.valuedrugco.com/

First Databank — FDB

https://www.fdbhealth.com/

TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy is hosted by Todd S. Eury and produced by the Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacists & Our Profession.

A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.

The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.

Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.

Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.

Read the Fierce Healthcare report
Read the HHS-OIG audit

The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.

While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.

Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.

Read the Reuters report
Read the FDA update

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season.

Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility.

Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical.

Read the Pharmacy Times report

A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes.

Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team.

The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care.

Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley Lester
September 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET

Register here

Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health.

HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access.

Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information.

That makes today’s discussion particularly timely.

CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, to provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to selected GLP-1 medications for weight management.

The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027.

Eligible beneficiaries pay $50 for a monthly supply, while the program operates outside the traditional Part D payment flow through centralized prior authorization, claims adjudication and pharmacy payment.

Eligible therapies currently include:

Foundayo®
Wegovy®
Zepbound®

The bigger issue is not simply GLP-1 coverage.

It is how healthcare connects eligibility, affordability, prior authorization, pharmacy workflow and patient access.

The central question for today’s discussion:

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is more than another federal drug program.

It is a real-world test of how healthcare can better connect coverage, affordability, prior authorization and pharmacy fulfillment around high-demand therapies.

Pharmacists remain at the center of that process.

The opportunity is to use technology to move more complexity upstream—allowing pharmacists to spend less time troubleshooting prescriptions and more time caring for patients.

Our thanks to HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health, for joining us on This Week in Pharmacy.

Learn more about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge

Learn more about Buzz Health

TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy
Pharmacy Podcast Network

Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.

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Listen to This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.

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What happens when patients living with chronic pain, their advocates, and the pharmacists responsible for dispensing opioid medications view the same healthcare system from very different perspectives?

This special episode of This Week in Pharmacy brings together the Doctor Patient Forum’s founders, Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, with pharmacist and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD—better known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.”

The discussion follows a wave of social-media debate surrounding Claudia’s use of the term “Harmacists,” which prompted responses from hundreds of pharmacists who felt the label misrepresented their professional responsibilities and the legal restrictions under which they practice.

Rather than allow that controversy to deepen the divide, TWIRx created an opportunity for direct, respectful conversation. The purpose of this episode is to help pain-patient advocates better understand the limits pharmacists face when dispensing opioids—and to identify opportunities for pharmacists and patient organizations to advocate together for safe, compassionate and uninterrupted pain care.

1. Pharmacists have a federal “corresponding responsibility.”
   Under 21 CFR §1306.04, a controlled-substance prescription must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose. Pharmacists share legal responsibility with prescribers for determining whether a prescription is valid. Knowingly filling an illegitimate prescription may expose the pharmacist to federal penalties and professional discipline. Review the federal regulation.
2. Schedule II prescriptions must satisfy strict requirements.
   Federal law generally requires a valid written or compliant electronic prescription before a Schedule II opioid may be dispensed. Emergency oral prescriptions are permitted only under limited conditions and require prescriber follow-up documentation.
3. Schedule II opioid prescriptions cannot be refilled.
   Under federal law, every additional dispensing generally requires a new prescription. Partial fills are allowed only under specific circumstances, documentation requirements and time limits. Pharmacists cannot simply extend or refill opioid therapy when a patient or prescriber requests it.
4. State laws add another layer of requirements.
   Depending on the state, pharmacists may have to verify prescriber authority, review prescription-monitoring information, validate electronic or security-form requirements, confirm identification, document partial fills, or comply with state-specific dispensing limitations. For example, California requires controlled-substance prescriptions to meet defined security and validity standards. California Board of Pharmacy guidance.
5. Wholesaler monitoring can restrict a pharmacy’s opioid supply.
   DEA-registered distributors must identify and report suspicious controlled-substance orders under 21 CFR §1301.74. National wholesalers therefore operate monitoring programs that may delay, limit or suspend shipments based on ordering patterns, geography, drug mix and internal thresholds. These controls are imposed upstream and can leave a pharmacy unable to obtain medication—even when the pharmacist believes a prescription is clinically and legally appropriate. Review the federal distributor requirements.

These examples are not exhaustive. Pharmacists must navigate overlapping federal law, DEA requirements, state pharmacy and controlled-substance laws, prescription-monitoring systems, employer policies, payer rules, wholesaler restrictions and professional standards. Requirements also vary by state and by the circumstances surrounding an individual prescription.

How can pain-patient advocates and pharmacists move beyond blame and work together to address the policies, supply restrictions, staffing conditions and regulatory pressures that can interfere with appropriate care?

This conversation explores:

• Why patients may interpret a refusal or delay as judgment, discrimination or abandonment
• Why pharmacists cannot treat a valid prescriber signature as automatic authorization to dispense
• How PDMP and risk-scoring information can influence clinical decisions
• The effect of corporate policies and wholesaler ordering controls
• The difference between professional judgment and stigma
• The communication failures that damage trust between patients, prescribers and pharmacists
• How advocacy organizations and pharmacists can pursue policy reform together
• Why patients deserve clear explanations, respectful treatment and continuity-of-care planning
• How pharmacists can remain vigilant without losing empathy for people living with pain

The Doctor Patient Forum, founded by Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, combines healthcare education, research, digital influence and patient advocacy to address the consequences of opioid-reduction policies and barriers to individualized pain care.

Claudia A. Merandi is an advocate and educator whose work contributed to a Rhode Island law protecting access to pain management. Since 2016, she has built a growing national audience while documenting systemic harms experienced by patients and healthcare professionals.

Bev C. Schechtman is a researcher, advocate and educator who examines opioid-reduction policies, prescription drug monitoring programs and surveillance technologies such as NarxCare. Her work helps patients understand and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system.

Learn more: The Doctor Patient Forum

Dr. Shane Jerominski is a pharmacist, Navy veteran and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.” In 2025, his professional peers selected him as one of the “50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy.”

Through his influential social-media platform, Shane combines humor, candid commentary and frontline experience to advocate for safer working conditions, professional unity and meaningful reform throughout pharmacy practice. He is also a co-founder of The Pharmacy Guild and has become a prominent voice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians nationwide.

Patients should not be stigmatized because they require pain treatment. Pharmacists should not be vilified for complying with laws and professional obligations that can place their licenses and livelihoods at risk.

Progress requires both communities to recognize that many barriers originate beyond the pharmacy counter. Patients, pharmacists, prescribers and advocacy organizations share an interest in policies that protect medication safety without denying appropriate, individualized care.

The goal is not to determine which group has suffered more. The goal is to replace mistrust with understanding—and turn that understanding into stronger, unified advocacy.

This episode is intended for education and discussion. It does not provide legal or medical advice, and regulatory requirements may differ by jurisdiction and circumstance.

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In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury welcomes Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the importance of choosing a dependable wholesale distribution partner. Following Smith Drug Company’s announced operational transition, Value Drug Company is prepared to help affected independent pharmacy owners evaluate their purchasing, distribution and operational needs while developing an orderly transition that protects continuity of service.

For more than 90 years, pharmacist-led Value Drug Company has supported community pharmacies through transparent pricing, dependable distribution, collective purchasing power and programs designed to improve efficiency, growth and profitability. Rick explains how the company will provide transition assistance and regional gatherings where pharmacy owners can speak directly with Value Drug Company leadership.

The episode also features a follow-up conversation with patient advocate Bil Schmidtknecht about the continuing fight for Cole’s Act. Named in memory of Bil’s son, Cole, the proposed reforms seek to protect patients from unexpected formulary and coverage changes that can suddenly make essential medications unaffordable.

“Patients can’t afford more delays, and lives should never be collateral damage in a profit-driven system,” Bil says. The discussion examines PBM accountability, medication affordability and why families must receive meaningful notice before coverage changes place lifesaving treatments beyond their reach.

A new employer survey points to growing disruption in the PBM marketplace. Forty-six percent of surveyed employers reported using a PBM outside CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx—up from 37% the previous year. Employers are increasingly seeking transparent pricing, access to claims data and greater control over prescription-drug spending.

Read the Axios report

The FDA has postponed implementation of updated iPLEDGE REMS requirements from August 8 to November 15, 2026, to allow additional system testing. The forthcoming changes are intended to reduce burdens on patients, pharmacists and prescribers while maintaining safeguards surrounding isotretinoin.

Read the FDA iPLEDGE update

• Value Drug Company transition-support announcement
• Value Drug Company transition assistance: 1-866-226-1772
• Patient Protector
• Modern Medical Mafia: PBM Reform
• Pharmacy Podcast Network

Rick Seipp, PharmD
President, Value Drug Company

Bil Schmidtknecht
Patient advocate and father of Cole Schmidtknecht

The Value of a Trusted Wholesaler & Cole’s Act Update | TWIRx

Listeners will learn how CurifyLabs supports the preparation of customized medications while helping pharmacy teams reduce manual complexity, strengthen documentation, and expand access to patient-specific therapies. This opening episode establishes the foundation for the series and examines how technology can help transform the future of pharmaceutical compounding.

In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we explore the hidden clinical, emotional, and financial costs of managing pain without a pharmacist trained in pain management. These pharmacists do far more than review medications—they serve as accessible patient advocates, medication experts, care coordinators, and trusted partners for people navigating the complexities of chronic pain.

Special guest host Dr. Sing Ping Chow, PharmD, BCPMP, is joined by Dr. Matthew Hermenau, PharmD, BCPMP, CPh, NBC-HWC, CPT, for an important discussion about pharmacist-led pain management.

Together, they examine how pain pharmacists can:

• Identify medication-related risks and opportunities to improve therapy
• Help patients balance pain relief, function, safety, and quality of life
• Collaborate with prescribers and other members of the healthcare team
• Support individualized, evidence-informed treatment plans
• Educate and empower patients living with chronic pain
• Advocate for patients whose concerns may otherwise go unheard
• Address the whole person—not simply a diagnosis or pain score

The conversation reinforces a powerful message: pharmacists are one of healthcare’s most underused resources in chronic pain care. When a pain pharmacist is part of the team, patients gain a knowledgeable advocate who understands medications, listens to their lived experiences, and helps them pursue safer and more effective care.

This episode includes a special tribute to the late Dr. Jeffrey Fudin, PharmD, widely regarded as pharmacy’s godfather of pharmacist-led pain management.

Dr. Fudin was a pioneering clinician, educator, author, mentor, and tireless advocate for the meaningful inclusion of pharmacists in pain care. His work challenged conventional thinking, elevated the role of the pharmacist, and helped build a path for future generations of pain-management specialists.

His influence continues through the pharmacists he mentored, the patients he championed, and the profession he inspired. We honor Dr. Fudin’s legacy and his unwavering belief that people living with pain deserve informed, compassionate, and individualized care.

In the second segment, we welcome Chelsey Wen, Senior Health Data Analyst with U.S. News & World Report, to discuss the newly released 2026–2027 Best Hospitals rankings.

Chelsey explains how U.S. News evaluates hospital performance and how patients and families can use the findings when making healthcare decisions. The latest assessment evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. It places increased emphasis on patient outcomes and introduces regional specialty rankings designed to help patients locate complex care closer to home. Explore the 2026–2027 Best Hospitals announcement.

link:

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals

Topics include:

• What it means for a hospital to be nationally ranked or rated “High Performing”
• The clinical data and patient outcomes considered in the evaluation
• Changes to the 2026–2027 rankings and methodology
• The importance of regional rankings and access to specialized care
• How patients should interpret hospital rankings when choosing where to receive care

Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy is brought to you by First Databank and Outcomes, pharmacy-technology organizations supporting safer, smarter, and more connected healthcare.

Through the partnership, IPC members receive free access to Fullscript’s digital platform, featuring more than 375 trusted supplement brands. Pharmacies can recommend personalized wellness protocols, earn approximately 35% margins on online sales, and benefit from direct-to-patient shipping, automated refill reminders, and optional auto-ship services.

Fullscript manages product inventory, payment processing, and delivery, giving independent pharmacies a practical way to generate recurring revenue while supporting patient adherence and long-term wellness goals.

Guests:

Kelli - IPC

Christopher - FullScript

Shannon - IPC

Andrea - Pharmacy Owner

Emlah Tubuo - Pharmacy Owner

Todd Eury is joined by David Graziano, Head of Retail Network at GoodRx, and Tom DePietro, independent pharmacy owner at DePietro’s Pharmacy, for a practical discussion about the pressures affecting independent pharmacy and the need for reimbursement models that support  pharmacy viability.

The conversation explores how Community Link supports brand medications through manufacturer-funded savings that flow back to the pharmacy through GoodRx, while the manufacturer covers the administrative fee. For generic medications, the program uses a NADAC-based cost-plus model intended to provide clearer visibility into reimbursement.

Listeners will also hear how independent pharmacies are impacted by rising deductibles, prior authorizations, narrow formularies, cash-pay growth, and increased competition. David and Tom discuss the importance of transparent pricing, digital engagement, streamlined fulfillment, personalized patient care, and sustainable economics for local pharmacies.

Key discussion points include:

• The financial risk of dispensing high-cost brand medications like GLP-1s
• Predictable reimbursement for brands and generics
• The role of manufacturer-funded savings for brand medications
• NADAC-based cost-plus pricing for generics
• Pharmacy access to GLP-1 cash-pay programs
• Competing through service, technology, and patient relationships
• Protecting local healthcare access through independent pharmacy

Explore how GoodRx Community Link can bring greater transparency and predictability to brand and generic dispensing, helping independent pharmacies serve patients sustainably and with confidence.

Featured Guests:

David Graziano — Head of Retail Network, GoodRx

Tom DePietro — Independent Pharmacy Owner, DePietro’s Pharmacy

Host:

Todd Eury — Founder, Pharmacy Podcast Network

Visit goodrx.com/CommunityLink to learn more

GoodRx is NOT insurance.

In this special episode of This Week in Pharmacy, the Pharmacy Podcast Network introduces Specialty Care Close to Home, a new series examining how hospitals and health systems are designing, building, supporting, and scaling specialty pharmacy services across health-system and community-based care models.

Dr. Laura Mark, PharmD
Vice President of Pharmacy, Allegheny Health Network

Allison Arant
Senior Vice President, Clearway Health

Chris Corsi
Chief Executive Officer, CassianRx

Together, the guests discuss why health-system specialty pharmacy expansion matters, what successful programs require, and where the greatest strategic and operational challenges exist. The conversation explores how strong partnerships, integrated clinical workflows, patient-centered technology, and coordinated care teams can reduce fragmentation and improve specialty medication access.

• The growing strategic role of health-system specialty pharmacy
• Keeping patients connected to trusted local care teams
• Improving access, adherence, affordability, and therapy management
• Building scalable specialty pharmacy infrastructure
• Integrating clinical, operational, and technology capabilities
• Overcoming payer, workflow, workforce, and reimbursement challenges
• Creating collaborative models that support long-term sustainability

Future episodes of Specialty Care Close to Home will explore accreditation, payer access, manufacturer relationships, clinical workflow, patient engagement, technology infrastructure, data reporting, community access, workforce development, and financial sustainability.

The series will also feature pharmacy directors, vice presidents, executives, operators, and innovators from health systems across the country who are leading the next generation of specialty care delivery.

Host: Todd Eury, Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network

Coming Soon: Specialty Care Close to Home—a national conversation about bringing advanced specialty pharmacy services closer to where patients live, work, and receive care.

Artificial intelligence and supply chain modernization are reshaping pharmacy practice, patient access, and healthcare operations.

In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, host Todd Eury speaks with leaders from URAC and Cencora about responsible AI adoption and the growing gap between drug availability and real-world access.

Guests

Shawn Griffin, MD
President and CEO, URAC

Brent Wilhelm
Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Center of Excellence, Cencora

Tim Weber
Pharmacy Operations and Regulatory Executive

AI is already supporting clinical documentation, patient communication, risk prediction, and workflow automation. URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin, MD, explains why healthcare organizations need clear governance, defined accountability, human oversight, and continuous monitoring before deploying AI at scale.

The discussion addresses transparency, performance evaluation, bias, data integrity, cybersecurity, and the role accreditation standards may play in promoting safe and responsible AI adoption.

• Governance and accountability for AI outputs
• Human review of AI-supported decisions
• Monitoring safety, accuracy, and bias
• The role of accreditation in AI oversight
• Balancing innovation with patient protection

Drug Availability Versus Patient Access

Brent Wilhelm of Cencora discusses why a medication may exist somewhere in the supply chain but still remain difficult for providers to obtain.

Dosage limitations, delivery timing, ordering complexity, reimbursement barriers, cold-chain requirements, and site-of-care restrictions can all delay patient access.

Wilhelm explains why the industry must look beyond inventory levels and focus on whether providers can obtain the correct therapy, at the right location, when the patient needs it.

• Inventory visibility versus actual access
• Differences across pharmacies and sites of care
• Specialty and temperature-sensitive therapies
• Provider demand forecasting
• Reducing delays, shortages, and waste

Tim Weber adds the pharmacy operations and regulatory viewpoint, discussing inventory planning, compliance, product tracing, reimbursement, and patient fulfillment.

The conversation highlights the need for better coordination among manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, health systems, payers, and regulators.

Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy explores two major opportunities shaping the future of the profession: the growth of holistic and integrative pharmacy services inside community pharmacies, and the expanding demand for pharmacists across the business, insurance, and PBM sectors.

In our first segment, Todd Eury welcomes special guests Robert Kress, RPh, and Dr. Bianca Bradshaw, PharmD, owner of Elmore Pharmacy in Red Bluff, California. Together, they discuss the tremendous opportunity for independent pharmacies to build holistic and integrative health departments that respond to growing consumer demand for natural products, supplements, wellness solutions, and personalized care.

Dr. Bianca Bradshaw, PharmD

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-bradshaw-141092205/

Patients are increasingly seeking more natural approaches to health, but they still need trusted clinical guidance. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help patients evaluate products, avoid harmful interactions, understand evidence, and develop safer, more effective wellness plans. This conversation explores how pharmacies can create new service lines, improve patient relationships, and establish sustainable revenue opportunities through integrative care.

In our second segment, Dr. Bonnie Hui-Callahan, PharmD, returns to the show to discuss career opportunities for pharmacists within Judi Health and Capital Rx, as well as the broader business and insurance side of pharmacy.

Dr. Bonnie Hui-Callahan, PharmD

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-hui-callahan/

As PBMs continue to evolve, new-generation models are creating demand for pharmacists who understand clinical care, benefits, formulary strategy, patient access, data, and healthcare economics. Bonnie shares why pharmacists will remain essential as PBMs transform and why the profession should look beyond traditional dispensing and clinical practice roles when considering future career paths.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and SuiteRx.

Listen to This Week in Pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.

Today's TWIRx is sponsored by Sykes & Company 

250 Years of Freedom - 4th of July Special | TWIRx 

Presented by SuiteRx Pharmacy Software Technologies
Learn more at SuiteRx.com

Episode Overview

On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury brings together two timely conversations focused on pharmacy transformation, advocacy, clinical education, and the future role of pharmacists in healthcare.

First, Todd welcomes Brad Hart, owner of Forest Park Pharmacy, a cash-based independent pharmacy model challenging the traditional reimbursement structure many pharmacies operate under. Brad has become a powerful advocate for pharmacy transparency, using TikTok and social media to expose current PBM practices, share data, and speak directly to patients, pharmacy owners, and policymakers about the realities facing independent pharmacies.

Brad’s message is clear: patients deserve transparency, pharmacy owners deserve fair treatment, and the profession needs more voices willing to educate the public with facts and truth.

In the second half of the episode, Todd is joined by Dr. Colby Burns and Dr. Andy Krut from the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association. This discussion helps set the groundwork for understanding psychedelics in medicine, the evolving role of pharmacists in psychedelic education, and the clinical potential of psychotropic therapies historically limited by regulation, stigma, and lack of provider education.

As interest in psychedelic-assisted care grows, pharmacists must be part of the conversation. Dr. Burns and Dr. Krut explain why pharmacist education, medication safety, and clinical understanding are essential as healthcare explores emerging approaches to mental health, trauma, pain, and complex patient care.

Featured Guests

Brad Hart
Owner, Forest Park Pharmacy

Dr. Colby Burns
Psychedelic Pharmacists Association

Dr. Andy Krut
Psychedelic Pharmacists Association

Sponsored By

This episode of This Week in Pharmacy is brought to you by SuiteRx Pharmacy Software Technologies.

SuiteRx provides pharmacy software solutions designed to support independent pharmacies, improve workflow, enhance patient care, and help pharmacy teams operate more efficiently in today’s demanding healthcare environment.

Learn more at SuiteRx.com.

First, we welcome Kris Rhea, MBA, Contributing Editor with Dispense Times, a digital publication dedicated to supporting independent community pharmacy owners across the United States. Kris brings a business-focused perspective on pharmacy operations, growth strategy, workflow efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and market positioning. His work with Dispense Times helps independent pharmacists navigate today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, including PBM pressures, evolving patient expectations, regulatory challenges, and the need for sustainable business models that keep local pharmacies strong.

We also speak with James Maskell, founder of Evolution of Medicine, an organization built to inspire, equip, and unite functional and integrative medicine practitioners. Evolution of Medicine provides education, practice-building resources, and community for clinicians who are working to build thriving practices rooted in whole-person care. James brings a national perspective on the movement toward functional medicine, community-based care, prevention, and new models that empower practitioners to better serve patients beyond the limitations of conventional healthcare.

Our third guest is Marina Buksov, PharmD, a pharmacist, herbalist, educator, podcast host, and holistic health consultant. After earning her PharmD from St. John’s University and graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2013, Marina entered pharmacy eager to serve patients, but quickly recognized that traditional allopathic pharmacy did not fully align with her deeper calling to help people thrive through prevention, root-cause care, plant medicine, and sustainable wellness strategies. Her experience behind the pharmacy counter and as a patient herself inspired her to pursue health coaching, nutrition, functional medicine, and clinical herbalism. Today, Marina helps pharmacists and healthcare professionals explore natural-minded career paths and build meaningful work that bridges pharmacology, herbal therapeutics, and holistic care.

Together, this episode explores where pharmacy is headed: independent pharmacy survival, business model innovation, functional medicine, patient-centered care, pharmacist reinvention, and the growing demand for healthcare professionals who can connect science, prevention, and real-world practice.

Listen to This Week in Pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
Pharmacy’s future is being built by those willing to challenge the current model, support independent practice, and expand the role of pharmacists as trusted healthcare providers.

We open the show with Aman Gupta, Managing Partner, Asia-Pacific at SPAG FINN Partners, and contributor author at MedikaLife. Aman joins TWIRx to discuss his latest MedikaLife article, which argues that global conflict is quietly undermining health security by redirecting funding, attention, and infrastructure away from healthcare and toward defense priorities.

As military spending rises, health systems—especially in low- and middle-income countries—face growing pressure from shrinking access, rising costs, workforce shortages, disrupted supply chains, weakened disease surveillance, and reduced emergency preparedness. Conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan demonstrate how attacks on healthcare systems, displacement, malnutrition, and shortages of essential medicines can rapidly turn health access into a survival issue. Aman urges policymakers to treat health as strategic security infrastructure, not as a secondary social expense.

TWIRx also gives a special shout out to the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, recognizing its continued leadership and advocacy for the pharmacy profession.

Next, we welcome Dr. Chris Antypas, PharmD, with Perigon Pharmacy 360, for a discussion on how specialty pharmacy is becoming increasingly personalized. As complex therapies continue to advance, pharmacists are playing a critical role in ensuring medications and treatment plans are customized to optimize patient care. We explore how technology, workflow processes, clinical expertise, and pharmacists who deeply understand specific disease states are essential to successful specialty pharmacy outcomes.

To wrap up the episode, returning guest Shanley Chien Pierce, Senior Editor, Health at U.S. News & World Report, joins us to review the latest OTC medicine and health product evaluations. Top-rated products include Children’s Delsym for coughs, Unisom for sleep, and Pedialyte for electrolytes, along with skincare favorites such as La Roche-Posay for retinol and Aquaphor for lip balm.

For the full list covering more than 128 categories, visit the U.S. News Best OTC Medicine & Health Products rankings.

Sponsored by Perigon Pharmacy 360

Stay connected with This Week in Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Podcast Network for conversations with pharmacy leaders, healthcare innovators, policy experts, and industry voices shaping the future of care.

On today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy – TWIRx, we welcome special co-host Jesse McCullough for a timely discussion focused on pharmacy innovation, compliance, advocacy, and the future of the profession.

We begin with our featured sponsor segment presented by MatchRx, spotlighting two important voices in pharmacy technology and compliance. Johny Kello, CEO of MatchRx, joins the show alongside Riya Cao, CEO of LSPedia, for an important conversation centered on DSCSA readiness and the evolving world of pharmacy compliance. This discussion explores how pharmacies and supply chain stakeholders can better prepare for regulatory expectations, protect patients, and strengthen operational transparency through smarter compliance solutions.

In the second half of the episode, we’re joined by Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC), for a recap of the Owner Summit 2026 and a look ahead at what’s developing on Capitol Hill. Scott shares insight into the policy landscape impacting pharmacy compounding, the priorities emerging from this year’s summit, and what pharmacy owners and industry leaders should be watching as legislative and regulatory conversations continue to evolve.

This episode of TWIRx delivers a strong pulse on the profession—from compliance and interoperability to advocacy and the future of compounding pharmacy.

Featured Guests:

• Johny Kello, CEO, MatchRx
• Riya Cao, CEO, LSPedia
• Scott Brunner, CEO, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC)

Episode Topics:

• DSCSA and pharmacy compliance
• Supply chain visibility and readiness
• MatchRx and LSPedia collaboration in pharmacy compliance
• Owner Summit 2026 recap
• Capitol Hill updates impacting pharmacy compounding
• The future of compounding and pharmacy advocacy

Sponsored by:
MatchRx

DSCSA Compliance and Compounding Leadership | TWIRx 

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

• The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide – IPC
  https://www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-blog/news/the-payment-card-settlement-a-practical-guide/
  

• 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

• Harry Travis, BS Pharm, MBA, President, The Travis Group
• Amanda Awe, PharmD, Clinical Product Consultant, Curatio Advisors

• Where AI adds true efficiency versus where it’s misunderstood
• Practical steps for pharmacy owners to implement AI tools
• How data-driven automation can improve workflow, inventory, prior authorizations, and patient communication
• The mindset shift required for pharmacies to thrive in an AI-supported future
  
  

• How the rebate model changes operational and financial dynamics for 340B hospitals
• Why safety-net hospitals caring for large uninsured and underinsured populations are feeling heightened pressure
• Strategies Clearway Health is deploying to help health systems navigate rising medication costs, compliance demands, and shrinking margins
• What health-system pharmacies must prepare for heading into 2026
  
  

• Protecting and strengthening independent pharmacies statewide
• Ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in PBM practices
• Expanding access and reducing barriers to care, particularly for underserved populations

Legacy Pharmacy Group Founder and Pharmacist, Jay Dhaduk, emphasized the importance of having informed pharmacy leadership at the policy level and celebrated Shah’s appointment as critical to the long-term sustainability of independent pharmacies.

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Andrew Crawford, Vice President at Keysource talks with TWIRx host Todd Eury about the direct to patient market (Direct to Consumer, DTC) expected to hit $21 billion this year. Pharmacy is evolving fast. When DTC brands move in, pharmacies have a choice...compete or collaborate. Some manufacturers are selling directly to patients at discounted cash prices and cutting out traditional intermediaries. The model is projected to grow 9% a year through 2030, with pharma support services expected to nearly double from $3.2B to $5.7B by 2030. 

Driven by cost pressure and new legislation, manufacturers are moving quickly. It is creating more transparency but patients still need guidance, trust, and human care. Pharmacy is being redefined as the bridge that keeps care personal, safe, and local. It is not being replaced, but what will it look like in 10 years?

TWIRx News: 

Pharmacy student shot, killed by friend who became paranoid after they smoked pot together, documents say - from WMTV/Gray News 

https://www.wowt.com/2025/11/11/pharmacy-student-shot-killed-by-friend-who-became-paranoid-after-they-smoked-pot-together-documents-say/ 

Why Guardian Pharmacy Services Stock Was on a Tear Tuesday - by Motley Fool / Yahoo Finance 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-guardian-pharmacy-services-stock-202435130.html

Metformin May Diminish the Cardiometabolic Benefits of Exercise

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/metformin-may-diminish-the-cardiometabolic-benefits-of-exercise

Today's TWIRx is sponsored by YARAL Pharma & SureCost  

TWIRx News: First up, Binghamton University School of Pharmacy holds emergency management simulation, VCU Health pharmacies expand access through new home delivery options, and Lilly and U.S. government agree to expand access to obesity medicines to millions of Americans. 

Our special guest line up on TWIRx:  

• Amantha Bagdon - CEO of RxPost 
• PGX Pharmacist's Protection of Patients with Dr. Melissa Smith PharmD
• Arkansas HB 1150 TO PROHIBIT A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER FROM OBTAINING CERTAIN PHARMACY PERMITS. with John Vinson CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacy Association & Greg Reybold with APCI 
• 4th Generation Pharmacy Owner C.O. Bigelow (the oldest Apothecary in America) the Drugstore Cowboy, Alec Gingsberg PharmD

Thank you to our sponsors: 

• Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
• Yaral Pharma 
• SureCost

The Drugstore Cowboy Rides Again: PBM Reform in Arkansas & PGx Safeguards for Xeloda Patients | TWIRx

💊 How Well Are You Using Fetroja?
Understanding appropriate use of cefiderocol and antibiotic resistance challenges.
🔗 Read at Pharmacy Practice News

⚕️ AFPs Affect Access to Specialty Medications
Learn how alternative funding programs are impacting patient access and specialty care.
🔗 Read at Specialty Pharmacy Continuum

🚨 FDA Recall Alert
Drug makers recall a blood pressure medicine tainted with a cancer-causing chemical.
🔗 Read the full story via AP News

🧠 Meeting Patients Where They Are
How pharmacists are supporting patients managing schizophrenia treatment adherence.
🔗 Read at Pharmacy Times

• Mary Kucek, CEO & Founder, OvaryIT
• Devin Bustin, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OvaryIT

• Michael Banner, Founder & Host, 62WhoKnew Podcast

• Lisa Faast, PharmD, CEO, DiversifyRx

• Robbie Abasi, PharmD
• Sam Ilona, PharmD
• Xavier Hill, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP

• John Covello – Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
• Garth Reynolds – Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA)

• The Critical Access Pharmacy Fund – how it strengthens local pharmacies.
• The DECO program – what it means for reimbursement.
• Patient Self-Management Programs (PSMP) – driving patient care and outcomes.
• The one-minute attestation that unlocks enhanced Medicaid dispensing fees.

• The $70M opportunity Illinois pharmacies can’t afford to miss.
• How independent pharmacies can secure financial stability through HB 1697.
• Why Medicaid fee enhancements could change the game.
• Mary Kutter on blending country grit with the reality of the opioid epidemic.
  
  

• Dr. Jesse McCullough, PharmD
  Founder, Keystone Pharmacy Insights
  Introducing the American Pharmacists Month 31-Day Challenge, a call to action for pharmacists to engage, educate, and elevate their communities.
  
  
• Bil Schmidtknecht
  Patient Protector
  Sharing insights on patient advocacy, protecting access to care, and the pharmacist’s role in navigating today’s healthcare complexities.

• Dr. Devin Bustin, MD
  Chief Medical Officer, OvaryIt
• Dr. Lissette Logan, PharmD
  COO, OvaryIt
  Together, Dr. Bustin and Dr. Logan discuss innovative pharmacist-driven care models, treatment tracking, and platforms like PRISM designed to ensure pharmacists are recognized — and reimbursed — for their expertise.

• Dr. Jill Kolesar, PharmD
  Dean, College of Pharmacy, The University of Iowa
  Highlighting the future of pharmacy education and how academia is preparing the next generation for expanded clinical and community roles.
  
  
• Dr. Jason Lang, PharmD
  Wellgistics
  Exploring the logistics and supply chain innovations that keep pharmacies agile in serving patient needs, especially as new therapies and technologies emerge.
  • WELLGISTICS News: https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/wellgistics-health-nasdaq-wgrx-and-theracosbio-partner-to-expand-nati-1079815 

SUBSCRIBE TO TWIRx HERE: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/52NZjr9asE8fLrrbsMvBlQ 

Celebrating the Launch of American Pharmacists Month 2025 | TWIRx 

• The specialty pharmacy system is in flux—what platforms show real stability to build the future?
  
  
• Emerging use cases of AI in specialty pharmacy: clinical decision support, adherence optimization, and patient engagement.
  
  
• The role of AI in specialty trade relations and research, driving efficiency and better outcomes for providers, manufacturers, and patients.
  
  

• Introducing the Health Podcast Summit — the first global event dedicated exclusively to the intersection of health and podcasting.
  
  
• October 1–2, 2025 | Virtual Event | Free Registration at HealthPodcastSummit.com
  
• Learn evidence-based, human-centered frameworks for creating and growing health podcasts.
  
  
• Hear from industry leaders worldwide transforming patient engagement, professional education, and health outcomes through podcasting.
  
  
• On-demand replays available for registered attendees.
  
  

• October 10–11, 2025 | The Westin Jersey City Newport
  
  
• Xplore by PrimeRx — an exclusive user conference designed for independent pharmacy professionals, healthcare innovators, and industry leaders.
  
  
• Explore pharmacy management strategies, technology advancements, and digital healthcare solutions that will shape the future of independent pharmacy.
  
  
• A chance to connect with peers, learn from experts, and prepare for the evolving pharmacy landscape.

• 13WHAM ABC News: Health Center Turns Away Patients as Medicaid Approval Stalls Pharmacy Services – A troubling look at how bureaucratic delays are cutting off critical access to care for vulnerable populations.
• Pharmacy Times: Pharmacists’ Knowledge Gaps on Kratom: Building Competence for Patient Counseling – Why pharmacists need more education to better guide patients on the risks and benefits of this controversial substance.
• Pharmacy Times: Navigating Biosimilars and 505(b)(2) Drugs in Oncology – Operational, clinical, and policy strategies to help pharmacists drive adoption and improve cancer care access.
  
  

• Ritesh Shah – Founder, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy
  Author of Pills to Purpose: From the Pharmacy to the Frontlines: Healing Beyond the Counter, Ritesh shares his journey from personal loss to creating New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy—ensuring life-saving medications reach those most in need with dignity and compassion.
  
  
• Bonnie Bonds – Sykes & Company
  Live from the 2025 ThoughtSpot Conference, Bonnie brings insights on the financial strategies independent pharmacies need to grow, adapt, and thrive.
  
  
• Srulik Dvorsky – CEO & Co-founder, TailorMed
  How technology is being used to eliminate financial barriers to care and connect patients with the resources they need to afford treatment.

• Common myths about non-controlled medications and diversion risk
• Real-world cases and investigative red flags
• Compliance blind spots in retail and institutional pharmacy settings
• Actionable recommendations for pharmacists, techs, and healthcare leadership
• The role of education, oversight, and reporting in stopping this silent epidemic
  
  

• Ryan Paul Liabenow, CEO of Mango Health, a behavioral health specialty pharmacy redefining care models for patients with complex mental health needs. Ryan shares insight into how fairer reimbursement models and drug cost transparency could unlock new clinical and economic opportunities for pharmacies serving vulnerable populations.
  
  
• Nicolle McClure, President & CEO of GRx Marketing, marks her 15-year milestone as one of the most respected voices in independent pharmacy marketing. Nicolle discusses how pharmacy communication must evolve in this new legislative landscape—and why strategic messaging, patient education, and digital storytelling are now more critical than ever.

This week’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) is a call to arms: pharmacists, patients, and industry leaders are going on the offensive to defend public health from collapsing under the weight of unchecked PBMs, broken reimbursement models, and vanishing access to care.

PART ONE: Claudia Holley (@c_money636) & Joshua R. Pirestani — Fighting Back for Patients TikTok star and unapologetic patient advocate Claudia Holley, known as @c_money636, joins the show alongside Josh Pirestani, founder of Dispense Marketing and publisher of Dispense Times. TogetheRx, we’re tackling the real crisis: corporate profits are steamrolling patients and community pharmacies. With drug access tightening and treatment safety protocols falling by the wayside, the pharmacy industry is being gutted.

We break down the lost opportunity of NADAC — a fair drug pricing model with a standardized $10.49 dispensing fee — Todd Eury just talked with pharmacy owner Erich Cushey of Curtis Pharmaciesin PA, where pharmacy closures are leaving entire towns with no access to medications. This is not fiction. It’s what happens when Congress ignores the backbone of public health.

📉 Reimbursement drops

🏥 Pharmacies close

🧓 Patients suffer

💀 Access dies

PART TWO: Calvin Hunsicker, Founder of SureCost – Smarter Pharmacy Starts Here Tech visionary Calvin Hunsicker dives into SureCost at NoCost, a summer promo offering pharmacies three months of SureCost free. Why? Because it works — slashing cost of goods by 2–5% and saving valuable hours on purchasing. With $8.5B+ in transactions managed annually, Calvin shares how his time as a pharmacy owner led him to build a tech-forward platform now used by over 10,000 pharmacy pros.

PART THREE: Dr. Melissa Smith PharmD, CPH – Precision Medicine Meets Pharmacy Meet Dr. Melissa Smith, host of the upcoming PGx for Pharmacists podcast launching July 2025. A leader in precision medicine, Melissa explains how pharmacists can implement PGx to improve outcomes through genetic-guided medication decisions. Her new show will spotlight PGx integration, patient care, and how pharmacy is evolving to meet the demands of modern medicine.

Don’t miss this packed episode — because protecting public health isn’t a debate, it’s a duty. 👉 Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music & all major platforms.

🔗 ThisWeekinPharmacy.com #TWIRx #PharmacyPodcast #PBMReform #PublicHealth #SureCost #PGx #PharmacyAdvocacy

• Strategic Partnership Spotlight: We delve into the recent collaboration between RxSafe/Eyecon, PharmaComplete, and the LTC@Home Pharmacy Network. This alliance aims to revolutionize pharmacy operations through automation and expert consulting, enhancing patient care in the LTC@Home space.
  
  
• Expert Insights: Paul Shelton, founder of PharmaComplete and co-founder of the LTC@Home Pharmacy Network, shares his extensive experience in pharmacy operations and discusses strategies for pharmacies to successfully implement LTC@Home services.
  
• Automation in Focus: We examine how RxSafe's Eyecon technology, including RapidPakRx and RapidCardRx, is streamlining compliance packaging and improving workflow efficiency for pharmacies transitioning to the LTC@Home model. 
• Business Transformation: Learn how integrating LTC@Home services can lead to increased prescription volumes, enhanced patient outcomes, and new revenue streams for pharmacies.

On the second feature, we spotlight a remarkable family legacy that’s shaped community pharmacy in Salt Lake City for over 70 years. We’re talking about Jolley’s Compounding Pharmacy—a third-generation, family-owned pharmacy that continues to blend tradition with innovation.

From the pioneering vision of Joel Jolley in 1954 to the modern leadership of Dean Jolley, R.Ph., and now Dr. Benjamin Jolley, the Jolley family has remained committed to personalized care, compounding excellence, and pharmacist-driven leadership. Ben is joined by his sister, Megan Jolley Milne, PharmD, BCACP, entrepreneur and CEO of Nutranize. 

This Episode is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Eyecon RxSafe. 

• PBMs are under increased legal and political scrutiny across multiple states
• Independent pharmacies are gaining new allies in their fight for survival
• Legislative momentum is growing—this could be a tipping point
• Patients, too, are paying the price for PBM overreach
• Pharmacists must stay informed and involved in local/state policy

Special Guests: 

Dr. Alexander Ding, MD, MBA – Medical Director, Humana
Dr. Marc R. Watkins, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer, Kroger Health
Brian Urban – Head of Innovation, Best Buy Health

From food-as-medicine initiatives and retail-driven clinical models to smart tech integration in chronic care, this episode examines how cross-industry collaborations are shaping the future of health. It's not just about treating illness—it's about engineering longevity.

💡 Topics Covered:

☑️ The intersection of grocery, pharmacy, and tech in holistic care
☑️ Reducing healthcare utilization by improving access to essential needs
☑️ How retail health platforms are personalizing nutrition + medication delivery
☑️ Digital health tools for aging in place, remote monitoring, and patient education

Thank you to Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) for your support of today's #TWIRx episode, leading in #DigitalHealth tech through iCare+ for Community Pharmacy.

Watch here:
https://lnkd.in/eQM_s7Zq

We launch with the "godfather of Functional Pharmacy" Robert Kress fRx.

Roberts is a #pharmacist, practitioner, and coach who blends lifestyle and functional medicine with a passion for empowering patients. He believes true healing comes from within the patient, and that the role of the practitioner is to guide, teach, and support through awareness, education, and self-care. Rather than dispensing medications, Roberts shares tools for wellness—ranging from supplements and nutrition to mindfulness, natural movement, and purposeful living—all aimed at helping others reach peak performance and holistic well-being.

• What is pharmacovigilance and why it matters now more than ever
• The connection between genomics and adverse drug event prevention
• How pharmacists are uniquely positioned to lead in this critical area
• The mission and membership of the American Society of Pharmacovigilance

• The science behind hormone balance and its impact on women’s health
• Personalized, evidence-based approaches to hormone therapy
• Breaking the stigma and misconceptions around HRT
• How pharmacists can support patients in their hormone health journey

• Streamlined supply chain
• The partnership will improve the supply chain for essential medications and healthcare products. 
• Competitive pricing
• The partnership will help pharmacies get better pricing and discounts. 
• Digital health services
• IPC's iCare+ platform will give LPG members access to digital health services like telehealth, patient transport, and discount prescriptions. 
• Legislative advocacy
• IPC and LPG will work together to advocate for PBM reform, pharmacist provider status, and patient access to cost-effective medications. 
  
  

• IPC - A member-owned Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) that supports independent pharmacies across the United States. 
• LPG - A pharmacy group that offers programs and systems to help members promote and expand their business. 

• Howard McLeod, PharmD
• Katrina Azer

About the ElevateRx Event - Pharmacogenomics Virtual Summit
April 12, 2025 12pm -6pm ET
About the ElevateRx Event: This event is for you if you want to: bring innovation and fresh ideas to your practice elevate your career with new skills and expertise learn how precision prescribing reduces adverse events and improves patient outcomes learn step-by-step how top pharmacogenomics pharmacists are successfully implementing PGx across various settings This event is open to pharmacists worldwide, providing practical PGx implementation strategies applicable across diverse healthcare settings.

Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
GO BIG & COME HOME!!
Representative Cook recently spoke at the Washington County commissioners monthly meeting about his newest initiative – “Come Home…GO BIG!” The initiative highlights Southwestern Pennsylvania, which consists of Washington, Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties, as the best place in the Commonwealth to live and work.

“I stood before the commissioners and asked for a committed partnership from them in pursuing this idea,” said Cook. “I want to publicly thank them for the opportunity to present Come Home…GO BIG! I look forward to potentially working with them in the months to come.” - said Rep Cook

In May 2021, Cook started to ask the public “Why Not Here?” As many people had the opportunity to work from anywhere during the pandemic, he questioned why people wouldn’t want to live and work in one of the tightest-knit communities in the Commonwealth. Thus, began his focus to make Southwestern Pennsylvania a home for many and a tourist destination for others.

Chris Cornelison, RPh
Author & CEO SolutionsRx
Creator of Super Culture™ Framework

In Super Culture™, Chris Cornelison outlines five steps to transform workplaces into thriving environments where employees feel energized and appreciated. Drawing from his experience, he emphasizes the importance of building a Super Culture™, retaining talent, fostering collaboration, and improving results.

• YARAL Pharma and Pharmacy Podcast Network Extend Collaboration Into 2025
  YARAL Pharma and the Pharmacy Podcast Network announce their continued collaboration into 2025. This partnership brings fresh insights and resources to the pharmacy industry and underscores the evolving role of pharmacies in healthcare.
  
  
• Pharmacy Podcast Network is the Official Press Partner for the ATRIUMX Conference (Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2025, Orlando, FL)
  The Pharmacy Podcast Network will be the official press partner for the ATRIUMX conference, which is set to take place in Orlando, Florida, from February 27th to March 1st. This major event will focus on the latest in pharmacy innovation, digital health, and patient care strategies.
  
  
• Pharmacy Times Q&A: Pharmacists Play Pivotal Role in Evolving Diabetes Care with New Treatments
  In an insightful Q&A from Pharmacy Times, experts discuss the evolving role of pharmacists in managing diabetes care as new treatments emerge. Pharmacists are crucial in supporting patients through the transition to these advanced therapies.
  
  
• Many Independent Pharmacists Will Not Stock Drugs in the Price Negotiation Program
  In a concerning trend, many independent pharmacies are opting out of participating in the price negotiation programs for certain drugs, impacting the way patients access medications and the role of these pharmacies in the larger healthcare ecosystem.
  
  
• Pharmacy Focus: GLP-1 Medications and Pharmacists' Role in Counseling Patients
  This segment discusses the growing importance of GLP-1 medications in treating obesity and diabetes, and how pharmacists can play an essential role in counseling patients, ensuring adherence, and managing side effects.
  
  

• Ashton S. Maaraba, J.D., President of the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), Digital Health, shares insights into the digital health landscape and the vast potential of a $62 billion market. Ashton explains how independent pharmacies are adapting to digital health tools and integrating these solutions into patient care.
  
  
• Debbie Marcello RN, CEO of Happier At Home Franchise, provides an in-depth look at the home care franchise model and how technology is transforming home-based healthcare. Debbie discusses the role of pharmacies in supporting patients in their own homes, from medication management to virtual consultations.
  
  

• Website: www.thisweekinpharmacy.com
• Instagram: @ThisWeekInPharmacy
• LinkedIn: Pharmacy Podcast Network 

• The inspiration behind ATRIUMX and its mission to revolutionize pharmacy conferences.
• How cash-based programs can diversify revenue streams for pharmacy owners.
• Insights into DIR fee restitution and how to reclaim funds for your business.
• The latest technology strategies to enhance efficiency and patient care.
• Proven methods to increase profitability while improving patient outcomes.
• Why collaboration and content customization are critical for pharmacy success in the digital age.

• Create your own content: Personalized sessions tailored to your needs.
• Expert-led panels and workshops with industry leaders.
• Networking opportunities with like-minded pharmacy professionals.

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts

• TwitterX: @PharmacyPodcast
• Instagram: @PharmacyPodcast
• Facebook: Pharmacy Podcast Network
• LinkedIn: Pharmacy Podcast Network

Introducing ANISHA PATEL and SUNJAY VYAS

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/behind-the-mic-%F0%9F%8E%A4-7199801296428650496/ 

Key Discussion Points:

• Why podcasting is a powerful tool for the pharmacy profession.

• Real-world examples of how pharmacy professionals have used podcasting to grow their influence.

• Practical tips for starting and sustaining a successful podcast.

• Insights into creating engaging content that resonates with your audience.

• Building your brand through storytelling and consistent podcast messaging.

Special Offer: Get started on your podcasting journey with 3 MONTHS FREE podcast hosting through our partners at Podbean! Message Todd Eury directly to claim this exclusive promo and start building your podcast today.

Upcoming Events: Join us for Part Two of our "This Week in Pharmacy" special series, airing LIVE on Friday, January 17th, at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT. Don’t miss it!

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Podbean’s hosting services: Podbean.com/PHARMA90  

• Connect with Todd Eury on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddeury/ 

• Follow "This Week in Pharmacy" for updates and insights: ThisWeekInPharmacy.com 

Call to Action: Subscribe, share, and join the conversation! Podcasting can revolutionize your career—start building your influence today.

• Bil Schmidtknecht: A tireless advocate for change in the pharmacy industry, Bil is fighting for transparency and reform after losing his son, Cole, to a broken healthcare system driven by greed and a lack of accountability. His mission: PBM reform is a must.
• Dan Strause: Co-founder of Hometown Pharmacy Wisconsin, Dan is a leading voice in community pharmacy advocacy and a staunch opponent of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) exploitation.

• Dictate drug availability and pricing.
• Exploit patients, providers, and pharmacies for immense profits.
• Threaten the survival of community-based pharmacies across the U.S.

• How this event is transforming the conference experience into a dynamic platform for actionable results.
• The unique co-creation model that allows participants to shape the agenda and gain personalized insights.
• Why AtriumX is the ideal space to foster innovation and build impactful connections within the pharmacy industry.

1. Engaged Audience: Connect with independent pharmacy owners and industry leaders seeking solutions to elevate their businesses.
2. Collaborative Opportunities: Contribute to peer-driven sessions and engage in meaningful conversations tailored to your audience's needs.
3. Tailored ROI Tools: Maximize your impact with tools like the Event ROI Calculator, pre-designed marketing materials, and social media highlights.

• Learn more about the AtriumX Conference: 

Digital Health & Community Pharmacy: Best Buy Health’s Three-Pronged Strategy | TWIRx 

Join us for another exciting episode of This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) with host Todd Eury, featuring insightful discussions on the latest trends shaping pharmacy and healthcare. Special Guests: Brian Urban – Director of Strategy at Best Buy Health Ashton S. Maaraba, J.D. – President of Digital Health, iCare+

Topics Discussed: The Future of Digital Health & Community Pharmacy Best Buy Health’s Three-Pronged Strategy:

Consumer Health Products: Empowering healthier lifestyles through innovative devices. Emergency Response Services: Device-based solutions for active aging adults, ensuring safety and independence. Virtual Care Offerings: Connecting patients and physicians for seamless healthcare experiences.

Ashton S. Maaraba shares insights on digital transformation in pharmacy, the integration of health tech, and how iCare+ is redefining patient engagement and care delivery.

TWIRx News with Special Co-Host Dr. Ryan Paul Legislative Updates: U.S. Senators and State Representatives propose a bill to ban joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies.

What does this mean for the pharmacy landscape?

Todd and Dr. Ryan Paul discuss the implications and potential impact on healthcare access and pricing. Pharmacogenomics in Specialty Pharmacy: Exploring the rise of pharmacogenomics and how it is reshaping personalized medicine.

Opportunities for independent community pharmacies to offer cash-based pharmacogenomics services as a new revenue stream. Sponsors: IPC (Independent Pharmacy Cooperative):

Empowering independent pharmacies with solutions to enhance profitability and patient care. Happier at Home: Supporting pharmacists in delivering home-based healthcare services for seniors and disabled individuals.

Call to Action: Subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more industry insights. Learn more about Best Buy Health’s innovative approach to digital health and iCare+’s initiatives at their respective websites.

Stay informed and inspired with This Week in Pharmacy!

Follow the Pharmacy Podcast Network:

Website: PharmacyPodcast.com

Twitter: @PharmacyPodcast

LinkedIn: Pharmacy Podcast Network

#PharmacyPodcast #DigitalHealth #CommunityPharmacy #Pharmacogenomics #PBMReform

1. Rising Prices & Pharmacy Closures Raise Concerns About Access to Medication
   We start this week’s episode with a critical news update from Benefits PRO reporter Alan Goforth, discussing the rising drug prices and the increasing number of pharmacy closures. These closures are having a significant impact on access to essential medications, particularly in rural and underserved communities. We dive into the broader implications for patients, pharmacy owners, and healthcare professionals.
   1. https://www.benefitspro.com/2024/11/22/rising-prices-pharmacy-closures-raise-concerns-about-access-to-medication/?slreturn=20241122124556
      
      
2. Oklahoma County Steps in After State Cuts Prescription Medicine Help
   In other news, Oklahoma County is taking action after the state of Oklahoma cut funding for prescription assistance programs. We discuss the county's efforts to fill the gap and ensure that low-income individuals continue to have access to the medications they need, despite the loss of state support.
   1. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/11/22/oklahoma-county-arpa-funds-prescription-medicine-help/76458063007/
      
      
3. Enveda Raises $130 Million to Advance AI-Driven Plant-Based Drug Development
   In an exciting development for the future of pharmacy, Enveda has raised $130 million to further its work in AI-driven, plant-based drug discovery. This investment could be a game-changer for the pharmaceutical industry, and we break down how it could revolutionize drug development, particularly in the realm of natural medicine.
   1. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/enveda-raises-130m-to-advance-ai-driven-plant-based-drug-development/?cf-view
      
      

• The financial and operational benefits of cash-based services for pharmacies.
• How a shift to cash models could improve patient care and streamline business operations.
• Practical tips for implementing cash-based services in your pharmacy.
• The future of pharmacy ownership and the role of innovation in sustaining independent pharmacies.

• Rising Pharmacy Prices & Closures: Impact on medication access and the industry's future.
• Oklahoma County’s Action: Local efforts to support prescription assistance amidst state funding cuts.
• AI-Driven Drug Development: Enveda’s $130 million investment in plant-based solutions.
• Unionization in Rhode Island: The movement gaining traction in the pharmacy sector.
• Pharmacy 50 Voting: Recognizing leaders in the pharmacy world—vote now!
• Cash-Based Pharmacy Models: How to prepare for 2025 and beyond with Dr. Anthony V. Minniti.

• Pharmacy 50 Voting Link: Pharmacy50.us
• Enveda AI-Driven Drug Development News
• Oklahoma County Prescription Assistance Program Details

1. Current State of Patient Care
   • Jennifer shares her perspective on the pressing needs of patients today and whether their financial, educational, and advocacy needs are being adequately met.
   • We delve into the varying needs of patients with different disease states and explore the specific support required for those navigating complex healthcare journeys.
   • Discussion points include:
     • Financial Assistance – Understanding the essential financial support patients seek and how various programs step in to alleviate the burden.
     • Patient Advocacy and Education – Highlighting the importance of patient education programs and recent efforts like the CMS webinar series to empower patients.
     • Health Equity and SDOH – Addressing the gaps in social determinants of health and equity in care, and how they impact patient outcomes.
2. Resources Available to Patients
   
   
   • Jennifer discusses often-overlooked resources like Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), especially Accessia Health’s support beyond copay assistance.
   • Listeners gain insight into:
     • Financial Support Programs – Beyond the basics, Accessia Health provides comprehensive assistance tailored to specific patient needs.
     • Educational Programs – How initiatives such as CMS webinars bridge knowledge gaps and empower patients to make informed choices.
     • Filling Gaps in Health Equity – Steps being taken to close disparities and ensure all patients have access to equitable care.
3. Future of Specialty Pharmacy and Patient Engagement
   
   
   • Jennifer shares her outlook on the changes expected in the specialty pharmacy space over the next few years.
   • Topics include:
     • Rising Healthcare Costs and Legislation – How the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and upcoming CMS changes could reshape the landscape for patients.
     • Cell and Gene Therapy Advances – The impact of groundbreaking treatments and the importance of ensuring patients have access to these innovations.
4. Getting in Touch with Accessia Health
   
   
   • Jennifer concludes with ways patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can connect with Accessia Health to learn more about the resources and support available.

• Pharmacy Deserts Explained: What constitutes a pharmacy desert, and how widespread is this issue?
• Impact on Communities: How the closure of pharmacies affects medication access and primary health care screenings.
• Recent Developments: Insights into how the situation has evolved since the 2020 study, especially with Rite Aid’s bankruptcy and CVS's plans to close 900 stores.
• Expert Opinions: Dr. Jay Phipps and Dr. Rob Bullington share their experiences and discuss potential solutions to mitigate the impact on affected communities.

• Dr. Jay Phipps: Known as the Pharmacy Gladiator, Dr. Phipps is a passionate advocate for the pharmacy profession and has been actively involved in efforts to address the challenges faced by pharmacies in underserved areas.
• Dr. Rob Bullington: A successful pharmacy owner expanding his reach with his 9th pharmacy, Dr. Bullington provides firsthand insights into the struggles and opportunities within the current pharmacy landscape.

• Healthcare Media Landscape: Scott provides an overview of the current state of healthcare media and its impact on the pharmacy industry.
• Trends and Challenges: Insights into emerging trends affecting hospitals, health systems, and pharmacy practices, including the role of media in shaping these trends.
• Integration of Business and Healthcare: Discussion on how business strategies and healthcare practices intersect and what that means for pharmacies and healthcare providers.
• Future Directions: Scott shares his vision for the future of healthcare media and its role in advancing the pharmacy sector.

• Scott Becker: Founder and Chief Content Officer of Becker's Healthcare, Scott Becker is a Harvard law graduate and a certified public accountant. His expertise spans across various sectors within the healthcare industry, including hospitals, health systems, surgery center chains, large practices, and private equity funds. His leadership in healthcare media has made Becker's Healthcare a crucial resource for industry professionals.

• Dr. Tenille Davis, PharmD: We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tenille Davis, PharmD, the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. Dr. Davis will share her insights on the current state of pharmacy compounding, its challenges, and future directions.

• PPN at NASP 2024: Mark your calendars for the NASP 2024 conference in Nashville from October 6-9! We’ll be at the NASP booth, and we invite you to connect with us and be part of our Podcast Spotlight podcast series. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the pharmacy community and catch our live podcast recordings.

• Follow us on social media for updates and highlights from the episode.
• Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the topics discussed.

Let's talk about Wound Care on This Week in Pharmacy: William Padula, PhD from the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and-or David G. Armstrong MD from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, are talking with Todd Eury on TWIRx about a recent proposal from Medicare is calling to  eliminate coverage of some of skin substitute therapies, and the potential serious health risks that many Americans will face by limiting them.

Skin substitutes, made from donated amniotic tissue, greatly improve wound care outcomes and help patients avoid limb amputations—a procedure that can double the risk of death for diabetic patients. This Medicare proposal under consideration will deny coverage of over 200 skin substitutes and limit how doctors can properly treat patients will leave tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries without treatment.