Pharmacy Podcast Network

Ruth Chen, PharmD, MHA, manager of UC Davis’s centralized rare disease pharmacy hub, and David G. Mitchell, PharmD, MBA, Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer who built UC Davis’s specialty pharmacy program. They discuss clinic-embedded pharmacists, scaling an integrated specialty pharmacy across geography and payers, building a centralized rare disease hub, and tech and advocacy strategies shaping specialty 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.

In this episode, we sit down with a past president of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) for an insightful conversation on leadership and caring for older adults.    We also dive into what it means to be an age-friendly pharmacist, exploring how the Age-Friendly Health Systems framework and the 4Ms can be applied in real-world pharmacy settings.  Finally, we break down how pharmacists can earn their Age-Friendly Pharmacist badge. Get your Age-Friendly Pharmacist Badge here:  https://www.ascp.com/page/agefriendly Tamara Ruggles, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-ruggles-491882251 Deborah A Milito, Pharm D, BCGP, FASCP, Age-Friendly Pharmacist:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-milito-32a28156/

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 2 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.   Walter Oronsaye PharmD — Social Media Influencer Emily Durham, MS, CPhT — Compounding Christopher Bowens, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy Mark Duman, MRPharmS — Technology & Digital Health Greg Reybold — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government Dave Randolph, BSPharm — Independent Pharmacy Kelley D. Carlstrom, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy Andy Crawford — Independent Pharmacy Brandi Chane, CPhT — Independent Pharmacy Mayank Amin, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy Chris Antypas, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy Tarah Slusher Davis, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy

TWIRx – January 30 | Special Guest: Marc Essensa, CEO of IPC On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Marc Essensa, President and CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), to discuss timely strategies and resources helping independent pharmacies strengthen their businesses in today’s challenging environment. Building Your Independent Pharmacy Business Marc shares insights on navigating reimbursement pressure, improving margins, and leveraging IPC’s purchasing power, data, and strategic tools to support long-term sustainability. The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide We break down IPC’s guidance on the Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, which may allow pharmacies that accepted Visa or Mastercard between 2004–2019 to recover funds. Marc explains eligibility, next steps, and how recovered dollars can support cash flow, staffing, technology, or inventory investments. IPC Member Support Services The conversation highlights IPC’s expanded member support offerings, including business consulting, strategic partnerships, wholesale access, and operational resources designed to help independents stay competitive. Legislative & Advocacy Updates Marc also provides updates on IPC’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, focused on protecting independent pharmacy interests and addressing ongoing policy and reimbursement challenges. 🔗 Resource Mentioned The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide – IPC https://www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-blog/news/the-payment-card-settlement-a-practical-guide/ Special guest:  Sakhi Gaurang Patel is a trailblazing PharmD candidate at the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and a co-founder of the startup CuraVoice. Recognized for her work in healthcare equity, mentorship, and educational technology, she focuses on improving patient communication and reducing health disparities. Featured Guest: Dr. Jenny Newlon, PharmD — Researcher and Pharmacist with Birth Control Pharmacist In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Newlon to explore how pharmacist consultants, health clinics, and independent pharmacies can build high-value contraception services that meet urgent community needs. We discuss practical strategies for delivering accessible birth control care—especially in areas that have lost Planned Parenthood centers—while creating new revenue models outside the constraints of traditional PBM reimbursement. Dr. Newlon breaks down: 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 Tune in to learn how independent pharmacy teams can lead with care, expand women’s health access, and strengthen their role as trusted healthcare providers. Today's "This Week in Pharmacy" is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)

In this powerful episode of MaternalRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, speaks with pharmacist Willie Bawarski and his wife, Olivia, about their deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF treatment, foster care, and adoption. Willie and Olivia share the emotional, physical, and financial realities of trying to conceive, navigating fertility treatments, and facing the grief that often accompanies infertility. When their path to parenthood changed, they chose to open their hearts and home through foster care and adoption, ultimately building a beautiful family in ways they never expected. This conversation highlights the critical role pharmacists and healthcare professionals play in supporting patients experiencing infertility and those considering foster care or adoption. Listeners will gain practical insight into using compassionate language, empathy, and trauma-informed care to support individuals and couples during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Whether you are facing infertility, exploring IVF, considering adoption, working within maternal health, or caring for patients on these journeys, this episode offers hope, validation, and a reminder that family is defined by love, not biology. 🔗 Learn more about adoption: https://adoptuskids.org/ 🔗 Connect with Danielle Plummer, PharmD: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/

There is still a lot more you should know about drastic price reductions on key brand name drugs.   The Manufacturer Fair Price (MFP) price reductions have now hit, but there are still things a pharmacy can do to mitigate gross profit loses.  Jay Blackburn, CEO of the Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (CPA) shares several tips, tactics and techniques that he suggests you understand.  It will pay for you to understand and act on now! More information can be had on the CPA website:  www.compliantrx.com