AI, automation and practical tech for pharmacies

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 Faris, PharmD, Chief Commercial & Clinical Officer at PANTHERx Rare, 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 Faris, PharmD | PANTHERx 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.

PANTHERx Rare 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.