Pharmacy Podcast Network

The Community Leadership Award is a prestigious award recognizing our community pharmacists and their commitment to their patients. Each year at the Retail Business Conference (RBC), this award is presented to an independent pharmacist who demonstrates a commitment to promoting the principles of community pharmacy.                                                                                                                                                                             In this episode, Jason Callori speaks with finalist, Mike Burns, PharmD, AuBurn Pharmacies, on his advocacy efforts at the state and national level. Burns also discusses how his community involvements help him and his staff best serve their patients.

Speakers: ● Todd Eury – CEO, The Pharmacy Podcast Network (Moderator/Host) ● Calvin Hunsicker – Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, SureCost (Product Vision & Innovation Lens) ● Amy Cruse, Vice President, Pharmacy, AmPharm ● Marsha K. Millonig, MBA, BPharm – President & CEO, Catalyst Enterprises  –Pharmacy Industry Perspective

I’m back this week with an amazing personal and business transformation story to take people from “healed to healer”. Not only that, but my guest’s High Frequency Healing Method coupled with business strategy has helped healers build 6-figure business easily - and she’s sharing it all today with us! Cortney Martinelli is a powerhouse in the personal growth and business healing space, known for merging deep energetic mastery with practical business strategy. As the founder of Shine, a nationally recognized wellness and education center, and Spark3, a nonprofit dedicated to empowerment, Cortney has helped thousands of individuals and entrepreneurs unlock their true potential.  She has taught hundreds of people how to turn their side hustle into a successful, thriving business and has helped scale businesses to 6 and 7 figures with her proven frameworks. Cortney specializes in guiding purpose-driven practitioners and conscious entrepreneurs to create soul-aligned offers, elevate their confidence, and attract premium, paying clients.  After 25 years in corporate leadership, Cortney now brings her gifts as a frequency-based business mentor to those who are here to heal and lead. She has trained more than 10,000 students and authored bestselling books that amplify heart-led transformation across the globe. Connect with Cortney via: Email: cortney@shineohio.com  Website: www.shineohio.com, www.cortneymartinelli.com IG: @cortney.martinelli, @shineohio  Linked In: linkedin.com/in/cortneymartinelli

🎙️ This Week in Pharmacy – Friday, December 5th Strengthening the Pharmacy Workforce: A Conversation with Crystal Lennartz Cutting Through the AI Confusion: Shaun Jensen on Smarter Pharmacy Operations The New 340B Reality: Allison Arant on Navigating HRSA’s Rebate Model Welcome to another episode of This Week in Pharmacy, where we bring together the most important conversations, industry insights, and breaking pharmacy news shaping the future of healthcare. Today’s show features a powerhouse lineup of leaders driving innovation across retail pharmacy, technology, consulting, and 340B health-system strategy. 🟦 Segment 1 — Interview with Crystal Lennartz, President of Health Mart & Health Mart Atlas We open the show with a conversation with Crystal Lennartz, President of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas, about the evolving role of workforce management in independent pharmacies.  📰 TWIRx News — Friday, December 5th A fast roundup of the top stories impacting pharmacy this week: 👉 Humana Exploring Partnership with Mark Cuban Humana is reportedly in discussions with Mark Cuban to explore a potential pharmacy partnership that could disrupt traditional PBM and drug-supply models. The collaboration may reshape how medications are priced and accessed—another sign that alternative pharmacy models are gaining traction. 👉 New Migraine Therapy: Symbravo Pharmacists should be aware of Symbravo, a new dual-action migraine therapy combining meloxicam and rizatriptan. Importantly, the product is non-substitutable, meaning pharmacies must dispense exactly as written. The therapy adds a new tool for acute migraine care but requires careful patient counseling on cardiovascular risks, medication-overuse headaches, and NSAID interactions. 👉 Walgreens Expands Automated Fulfillment Centers Walgreens continues restructuring by expanding its automated micro-fulfillment pharmacy network. Robots are now filling a growing percentage of maintenance prescriptions, allowing pharmacists to refocus on clinical services. The move signals accelerating automation across retail pharmacy as chains seek cost savings and operational efficiency. 🟦 Segment 2 — Interview with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group Next, we speak with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group, about the rising confusion many pharmacy operators face around AI adoption. We discuss: 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 🟦 Segment 3 — Interview with Allison Arant, SVP of Client Development & Marketing, Clearway Health Our final interview is with Allison Arant from Clearway Health, focusing on the new challenges hospital systems face as HRSA launches the 340B rebate model. Key discussion points: 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 This week’s conversations underscored a unifying theme: the pharmacy industry is entering a period of rapid transformation, driven by new reimbursement models, automation, innovation partnerships, and evolving expectations from both patients and payers. Independent pharmacies, health systems, and specialty operators all face challenges—but also significant opportunities for reinvention, collaboration, and leadership. Thank you for tuning in to This Week in Pharmacy. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep pushing our profession forward.   Walgreens doubles down on automation to reshape pharmacy operations. The retail pharmacy giant is dramatically expanding its network of robot-powered micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) — facilities that dispense maintenance medications for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The goal: serve 5,000+ stores by the end of the year, up from earlier coverage of around 4,800 stores. https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2025-12-05?article=walgreens-expands-automated-pharmacy-fulfillment-network New migraine therapy raises key practice questions for pharmacists. Symbravo — a fixed-dose oral tablet combining meloxicam (an NSAID) and rizatriptan (a triptan) — has been approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, offering a dual-mechanism option targeting both inflammation and serotonin-mediated pathways.  Pharmacists now play a critical role: they must identify patients at risk for medication-overuse headaches, screen for contraindications (e.g., cardiovascular disease, GI risk, or NSAID/triptan interactions), and advocate for comprehensive migraine management beyond just pain relief — including lifestyle adjustments and referrals when needed. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/what-pharmacists-should-know-about-symbravo-s-role-and-non-substitutability-in-migraine-care Humana is reportedly working with Mark Cuban on a potential pharmacy partnership — a development that could shake up how prescriptions are delivered and disrupt traditional middle-man models.  The collaboration would leverage Cuban’s innovative approach to drug pricing and distribution, potentially creating a new channel for medication access that bypasses traditional pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and large-chain dispensaries. If executed, the partnership could increase competitive pressure on legacy players and reshape the pharmacy supply chain.  For independent pharmacies and pharmacy leaders, this signals a possible shift in how drugs are sourced, priced, and distributed — highlighting the growing influence of alternative pharmacy models and urging traditional pharmacies to adapt or risk being left behind. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-04/humana-working-with-mark-cuban-on-potential-pharmacy-partnership Washington, DC there's a whole bunch of pharmacy people meeting up to rollout the Pharmacists Fight Back Act (PFBA)! If you want to go, LISTEN UP!! You’ll be joining pharmacists and pharmacy owners from more than 17 states, all calling for meaningful pharmacy reimbursement reform NOW. Your presence at the news conference will send a strong message to your Congressional Delegate: "we’re serious about passing legislation that protects and keeps pharmacies in business."  The news conference is scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 9:30 AM on the Capitol Hill lawn. Meet up with "Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency".   Check out TRUTH RX dot org. We put a link in today's show notes. Check it out or reach out to Todd on LinkedIn. TruthRx.org    The New Pharmacy Playbook: Workforce Strength, AI Clarity, and 340B Reform | TWIRx 

We are entering an era of holistic health and well-being that transcends former ways holistic health was taught. This means that it also involves financial well-being, our faith and spirituality, and honoring that different belief systems can overlap and are available to us. We can use discernment in which belief systems apply to our optimal well-being. This is an era of science and alternative healing -- using the intertwining of ancient wisdom with modern medicine to create an empowering approach that is unique and applicable to each and every individual. Tune in as we dive into these topics and share our personal journeys through conversation with Beena Patel. She is the Founder of The Yoga Movement and a licensed Physician Associate, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Healer, and Health Coach. With clinical training from top academic institutions such as Columbia University Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she blends modern medicine with ancient wisdom to help high-achieving women and organizations shift from burnout to deep alignment. Through her transformative coaching and healing work, Beena empowers clients to reclaim their health, purpose, and legacy—bridging science and soul for lifelong impact. Connect with Beena via: Email: beena@theyogamovementnyc.com  Website: The Yoga Movement FB: theyogamovement IG: @theyogamovement  YT: @theyogamovementnyc

In this episode, we dive into why choosing an industry-focused marketing agency can make all the difference. From understanding your audience and compliance needs to delivering strategies that actually move the needle, we break down how niche expertise leads to stronger results — and fewer growing pains. Tune in to learn why specialization matters and how an agency that truly gets your industry can help your business stand out.

The Community Leadership Award is a prestigious award recognizing our community pharmacists and their commitment to their patients. Each year at the Retail Business Conference (RBC), this award is presented to an independent pharmacist who demonstrates a commitment to promoting the principles of community pharmacy.                                                                                                                                                                             In this episode, Jason Callori speaks with finalists, pharmacist Ken Tai of 986 Pharmacy and Jessi Stout of Table Rock Pharmacy and Compounding, on their advocacy efforts at the state and national level. They also discuss how their community involvements help them and their staff best serve their patients.

Discover how Mike Carugan, partner in a five-store New York pharmacy chain, is keeping his large front-end pharmacies profitable and growing. In this episode, Mike shares: How Instacart has become a powerful tool for competing online and reaching new customers Smart front-end strategies that keep sales strong How a long-standing partnership with the owner of Columbia SkinCare turned into a unique differentiator, expanded community outreach, and created high-margin cross-merchandising opportunities If you want practical, real-world insights from someone who is winning the daily battle of independent retail pharmacy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The final part of our 3 part series exploring the PrimeRx User Conference 2025

We Give Thanks to You in Pharmacy | TWIRx  Welcome to This Week in Pharmacy for November 28th! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and as we roll into Black Friday, we want to take a moment to express something truly important: our gratitude. At the Pharmacy Podcast Network, we are incredibly thankful for the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy teams who show up every day for their communities. You are the medication experts, the problem-solvers, the late-night troubleshooters, the vaccine champions, the trusted faces behind the counter, and the advocates who keep patient care moving—often without enough recognition. To every pharmacist and pharmacy technician working long hours, covering holiday shifts, managing medication shortages, answering tough questions, and supporting patients with compassion: Thank you. Your commitment keeps the healthcare system steady, especially during the busiest times of the year. From all of us at the Pharmacy Podcast Network, we appreciate you, we support you, and we’re honored to share your stories. Happy Thanksgiving—and welcome to This Week in Pharmacy. TWIRx News November 28, 2025 Pharmacy Times  Fun Fact: Coffee Could Reduce Feelings of Depression https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fun-fact-coffee-could-reduce-feelings-of-depression Saving Advice article “Unmask The Lie: The Reason Your Local Pharmacy Always Runs Out Of Meds” https://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2025/11/28/10442667_unmask-the-lie-the-reason-your-local-pharmacy-always-runs-out-of-meds.html  Could dedicated pharmacists help improve neonatal care’s medicines safety problem? https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/could-dedicated-pharmacists-help-improve-neonatal-cares-medicines-safety-problem    On Today's "This Week in Pharmacy" we're welcoming back Pharmacist and Kelli Stovall, RPh EMBA, Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs with IPC. Kelli and I talk about preparing for a more profitable 2026 with several ideas to build new non-PBM revenues with patient services needed throughout communities threatened by 'pharmacy deserts'.  Next, a special feature interview with Myra Ahmad, MD. CEO & Founder of Mochi Health. Mochi Health is a telehealth company offering comprehensive virtual obesity and weight-management services. Through its platform, patients connect with board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered dietitians to receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique body, lifestyle, and health goals.  Mochi Health emphasizes that weight is not a moral failing, but a complex health issue — and their care is non-judgmental and supportive.  Clients can access evidence-based medication options (including GLP-1 receptor agonists), nutrition guidance, and ongoing support — often virtually from home.  The company aims to make obesity care more accessible, affordable, and personalized than traditional in-person clinics.    SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT on "This Week in Pharmacy" November 28th 2025, the Legacy Pharmacy Group (LPG) has announced that CEO Ritesh Shah, RPh has been appointed to Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill’s Transition Task Force in New Jersey. This appointment highlights Shah’s longstanding leadership in independent pharmacy and his commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare across the state. Shah will focus on advocating for independent pharmacies, improving transparency in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) operations, and promoting policies that ensure community pharmacies remain viable, accessible healthcare resources. His priorities on the task force include: 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. The release also highlights LPG’s role as the tri-state area’s largest group purchasing organization, supporting more than 720 independent pharmacy members with programs, services, and advocacy to help them thrive.   Thank you to IPC and YARAL Pharma for sponsoring today's TWIRx