In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Nicole Cathcart and Sean Karbowicz from MedSavvy. 

Nicole, drawing from over two decades of experience in design, marketing, and product development, narrates their journey from design to marketing and eventually becoming the Chief Marketing Officer for emerging tech and blockchain companies. Sean, a Pharmacist and self-described professional skeptic, shares their dedication to evidence-based medicine and the challenges of navigating vast healthcare information. This episode, part one of a two-part series, explores the genesis of MedSavvy and its transformative journey.

The narrative unfolds with Sean recounting their pivotal encounter with a cancer patient who expressed the need for accessible healthcare information. This emotional moment became the catalyst for MedSavvy, a revolutionary platform aiming to empower patients with valuable insights. Nicole details the meticulous process of evaluating proposals during a leadership summit, highlighting Sean's unwavering dedication and the team's collaborative approach to cultivating selected ideas.

The duo then sheds light on the challenges of navigating a large corporate environment with innovative ideas, emphasizing the importance of executive champions. Sean underscores the need for individuals with an exceptional "bullshit detector" to identify valuable concepts. Nicole draws parallels between internal corporate innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the common thread of resistance and the importance of executive sponsorship.

Nicole also provides a concise overview of MedSavvy as a medication choice management tool, uniquely incorporating scientific evidence, user reviews, and pricing. Sean details the core engine of MedSavvy, highlighting its evidence-based methodology and the tool's role in bringing clarity to healthcare decisions. The focus on democratizing healthcare information emerges as a central theme in their mission.

The discussion pivots to the underutilized trust and expertise of Pharmacists in healthcare decision-making. MedSavvy, recognizing Pharmacists as trusted healthcare providers, offers a platform to leverage their expertise privately. Sean emphasizes the collaborative nature of innovation, highlighting the value of opening up ideas to colleagues and enhancing the patient experience through a team-driven approach.

The narrative has expertly woven together the personal and professional journeys of Nicole and Sean, offering a glimpse into the world of innovative healthcare solutions and the transformative potential of collaborative, evidence-based decision-making.

Breaking Barriers with MedSavvy: A Blueprint for Accessible Healthcare

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Nicole Cathcart and Sean Karbowicz from MedSavvy. In this gripping conclusion of our two-part series with the duo from Medsavvy, we delve deeper into the intricacies of entrepreneurship, the transformative power of innovation, and the dynamic landscape of healthcare technology. Join us for the thrilling conclusion of insights, challenges, and forward-looking perspectives. 

The episode explores the iterative and collaborative approach to innovation within the tech company, emphasizing the importance of creating an open and idea-driven environment. Nicole and Sean share their experiences, detailing the challenges and perseverance required in entrepreneurship, debunking the myth of overnight success, and highlighting the need for persistence and passion. The conversation delves into the internal and external challenges faced by entrepreneurs, touching on topics such as relinquishing control, healthcare system complexities, and the pragmatic aspects of committing fully to a venture.

The guests provide valuable insights into personal and pragmatic considerations, the dynamic nature of the entrepreneurial process, and the inevitability of setbacks. Nicole's optimistic perspective on bouncing back from intellectual property losses underscores the creative potential in overcoming challenges. The paradox of personalization in healthcare technology is explored by Sean, emphasizing the risk of technology replacing human touch and advocating for a disruptive approach to scaling the impact of clinicians.

The significance of AI in healthcare, preserving human-like interactions, and the transformative potential of appreciating health equity are discussed. The conversation reflects on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging the diverse preferences and backgrounds of healthcare consumers. The speakers stress the need for technology that caters to a broad range of individuals, moving beyond designing for specific demographics, and fostering positive change in the industry.

Nicole's insights on navigating the innovation journey highlight curiosity, patience, and adaptability as key attributes. Sean underscores the importance of customer-centricity in entrepreneurship, emphasizing a thorough understanding of the customer's problem for success in any professional environment. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving landscape of healthcare technology.

From Ideas to Impact: MedSavvy's Insightful Entrepreneurial Adventure

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Anisha Patel, a Clinical Pharmacist and Senior Clinical Lecturer at King's College (London). Anisha is also the Founder of the Pharmacist Diaries Podcast. This episode delves into Anisha's passion for Clinical Pharmacy, their training experiences in the UK, and the evolving landscape of the Pharmacy sector. Listen in as Anisha shares the hurdles faced while seeking international opportunities, including a fascinating role managing emergency services during the Formula One event in Abu Dhabi.

Raised in a family that owned Pharmacies, Anisha spent their teenage years immersed in healthcare environments. Moving from the UK to the US for college presented challenges, and despite excelling academically, they struggled with the pressure to pursue a traditional high-achieving career. After exploring medical school options, Anisha chose Pharmacy, driven by a desire to align their career with their creative side. Returning to the UK in 2005, they immersed themselves in Pharmacy studies, embracing both community and hospital settings. 

Detailing their training year and experience in the UK, Anisha explains the evolving options in Pharmacy sectors, such as split placements. They express a passion for Clinical Pharmacy, particularly in a hospital setting, where they enjoyed engaging with patients and optimizing medication plans. Anisha opens up about the challenges faced while seeking opportunities abroad, specifically in the UAE, shedding light on the unique dynamics of Pharmacy practices, cultural considerations, and the hurdles in securing a job.

Anisha then recounts their unique experience working for the government agency National Ambulance during the Formula One event in Abu Dhabi. In this role, they managed emergency services, overseeing the medical center and ambulances for the event. Anisha highlights the challenges and responsibilities, including preparing ambulances, licensing international consultants, and providing crucial education on legal aspects of prescribing medications, especially concerning controlled drugs. Their passion for education and training emerges as they share the intricacies of ensuring a seamless healthcare support system during the high-profile Formula One weekend.

Anisha chronicles their diverse career journey from leading emergency services at National Ambulance to building a Pharmacy for Formula One events and immersing themselves in pediatric and educational roles. As a leader, communicator, and educator, Anisha discusses their passion for training paramedics, creating e-learning packages, and advocating for paramedics to administer drugs. Their transition back to the NHS involves a blend of pediatrics and education, eventually leading to the creation of the "Pharmacist Diaries Podcast" aimed at inspiring Pharmacy students to explore the vast career opportunities within the field.

Note: Stay tuned for Part 2 as we continue to explore Anisha's impactful journey in Pharmacy.

Formula One to Pharmacist Diaries: Anisha's Unconventional Tale

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Anisha Patel, a Clinical Pharmacist and Senior Clinical Lecturer at King's College (London). Anisha is also the Founder of the Pharmacist Diaries Podcast. Join us for the second half of this insightful episode as Anisha dives even deeper into the multifaceted canvas of a Pharmacist's journey. Get ready for more revelations, inspirations, and a roadmap to crafting a thriving career in the dynamic world of Pharmacy!

Anisha reflects on the enriching experiences gained through hosting the podcast. They express surprise at the determination and dedication exhibited by Pharmacists worldwide in diverse roles, emphasizing the impactful contributions Pharmacists make to patient care. Anisha highlights the inspiring stories shared by guests, leading to newfound interests and connections. They emphasize the overwhelming willingness of Pharmacists to share their journeys, fostering a community of support, growth, and inspiration.

Anisha discusses the evolving landscape of Pharmacy education in the UK. Anisha anticipates a significant shift by 2026, where Pharmacy graduates will emerge not just as Pharmacists but as prescribers with the legal authority to prescribe any drug. To prepare students for this transition, the curriculum is adapting to include more clinical experiences, simulation labs, and placements in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in prescribing scenarios. Anisha expresses excitement about the upcoming change while acknowledging the need for thorough preparation to meet the challenges of this transformative shift.

Anisha shares their passion for connecting with people and delves into the roots of their curiosity and love for communication. Anisha emphasizes the importance of finding one's passion and doing something that lights them up every day. They reflect on their upbringing, shaped by parents who instilled a love for connecting with diverse communities. Anisha highlights the joy they find in podcasting, transforming conversations into a source of genuine happiness, transcending the boundaries between work and personal fulfillment.

Anisha Patel reflects on the dual facets of their career journey, acknowledging the serendipity that led to significant opportunities in the early stages. They emphasize the importance of embracing chance and venturing beyond one's comfort zone, citing their own experience of finding unexpected strengths in education, training, and pediatric care. Anisha advises listeners not only to follow their passions but also to explore new avenues, conduct gap analyses, and confront fears head-on for personal growth. As a podcaster, they share insights into overcoming communication apprehensions and the joy derived from the ongoing progress in their journey.

Anisha's Pharmacist Diaries - Passion, Pediatrics, and Profound Stories!

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Full Scope Pharmacy Leadership stream, host Chantelle Turner, a Pharmacist Leadership and Business Coach at TURN Pharmacy Leadership, is joined by Jacob Warner, CPD Manager at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Join the conversation as Jacob shares their unique journey in the Pharmaceutical field, leading the reshaping of Pharmacy standards, and navigating the intricacies of project management with transparency and adaptability at the forefront. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and valuable insights into the collaborative process of defining standards for the dynamic pharmacy profession.

Jake starts the conversation by sharing about their diverse journey into the Pharmaceutical field, spanning academia, clinical Pharmacy, and publishing. As the project lead in reshaping Pharmacy standards, Jake highlights the collaborative efforts, inclusivity, and evolving goals of the project, resulting in a comprehensive set of standards applicable to all Pharmacists.

Diversity and inclusivity take center stage as Jacob discusses their transparent approach to shaping Pharmacy standards. They underline the importance of varied perspectives, setting the scene for each meeting, and documenting contentious points, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. The utilization of online platforms facilitates extended discussions, fostering an environment valuing diverse opinions beyond limited meeting times.

Jacob then details the challenges of revising Pharmacy standards, emphasizing the need for a contemporary and applicable approach. Unexpectedly transformative, the project aligns standards with the medicine management cycle. Jake's commitment to transparency is evident as they navigate through substantial changes, leading to a lengthy but valuable process marked by continuous modifications.

Project management intricacies are revealed as Jacob discusses the dynamic nature of chairing meetings. The importance of adapting to each chair's style, maintaining clear aims, and addressing points of contention is underscored. Challenges faced in writing standards are illuminated, highlighting the learning curve and the focus on consistency and clarity in communication.

Jacob's approach to project management involves leveraging online collaboration tools and maintaining a clear project timeline. The adaptability and flexibility of the Pharmacy profession are emphasized, aligning standards with daily frontline practices and recognizing the skills Pharmacists already possess.

Closing the loop in discussions is Jacob's key to progress, ensuring continuous dialogue, transparent decision-making, and alignment with project goals. Their leadership toolbox includes the essential tool of transparency, fostering collaboration where everyone's voice is valued.

EP 93 Dose of Diversity: Shaping the Future of Pharmacy Standards

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate is joined by Ghassoub El Assaad, a Community Pharmacist and Founder of PharmacyDownUnder. Listen in as the episode seamlessly weaves Ghassoub’s journey, insights into the challenges and growth within the Pharmacy profession, and a forward-looking vision for the transformative future of Pharmacy services.

Ghassoub starts the conversation by reflecting on their transformative journey within the Pharmacy profession, shedding light on the evolving perception of the role over the past five years. Initially viewing Pharmacy as centered around routine tasks, Ghassoub now emphasizes its multifaceted nature, advocating for a broader understanding beyond dispensing and customer interactions.

The narrative delves into Ghassoub's personal and professional growth, shaped by a family deeply ingrained in healthcare and a mentoring experience that significantly impacted their career trajectory. Expressing gratitude for the impactful guidance received during their internship, Gus highlights the rarity of such supportive mentorship in the Pharmacy field, culminating in the creation of Pharmacy DownUnder—a platform aimed at filling the void in mentorship and knowledge-sharing for Pharmacy interns. COVID-19's impact on the Pharmacy profession becomes a focal point, with Ghassoub addressing the challenges faced by new graduates during the pandemic. The discussion pivots towards bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and effective communication, emphasizing the importance of balancing high-level clinical thinking with accessible language for community engagement.

Ghassoub then unfolds the intricacies of adapting to online platforms, sharing insights into content creation for Pharmacy interns and early career Pharmacists on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube. The importance of maintaining a growth mindset and the power of delayed gratification is emphasized, offering practical advice for personal and professional development.

The episode concludes with Ghassoub's forward-looking perspective on the rapid evolution of Pharmacy, anticipating expanded prescribing rights and increased service accessibility. The overarching theme underscores the Pharmacist's role as a health professional, promoting a community-centric approach and positioning Pharmacies as pivotal contributors to healthcare services.

Ep 94 Ghassoub El Assaad's Pharmacy DownUnder: Bridging Gaps, Sharing Wisdom

In this episode of PAGCAST, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Platform Alliance Group, host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Platform Alliance Group, is joined by Gary Khoo, Proprietor of the Chemist Discount Centre Gosnells. Gary is no stranger to excellence in Pharmacy services, as his Pharmacy has earned its place among the six finalists competing for the prestigious Guild Pharmacy of the Year 2024. Uncover Gary's remarkable journey, from challenging industry norms to transforming his Pharmacy with CDC strategies. This episode delves into innovation, patient-centric care, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy Forward with CDC: Gary Khoo's Vision for Healthier Communities

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Full Scope Pharmacy Leadership stream, host, Chantelle Turner, a Pharmacist Leadership and Business Coach at TURN Pharmacy Leadership, engages in a dynamic conversation with Maria Cooper, a Community Pharmacist and a PhD Candidate at the University of South Australia. Maria advocates for enhancing the mental health of the Pharmacy workforce through peer support, reflecting on their journey and the need for support during unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation spans topics from the transition of early-career Pharmacists to mid-career professionals to Cooper's serendipitous entry into research, leading to a Ph.D. focusing on peer support in community Pharmacies.

Maria delves into their ongoing research addressing the historical stigma towards Community Pharmacy, the challenges young Pharmacists face, and the unique role community Pharmacies play during crises. They stress the importance of recognizing the value of Community Pharmacy, especially in providing crucial in-person support during emergencies. The survey data presented highlights the job satisfaction of Community Pharmacists, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment, remuneration, and public awareness regarding the complexity of their work.

The conversation unfolds to encompass the necessity of substantial organizational and legislative changes within the Pharmacy profession, including a shift in workplace cultures. Maria advocates for equipping Pharmacists, especially recent graduates in leadership roles, with conflict resolution and leadership skills. The discussion underscores the importance of peer support among employee Pharmacists, drawing attention to the unique challenges those in Community Pharmacies face.

Maria provides historical context to peer support, tracing its presence in various forms for centuries. They highlight the feasibility study on peer support in early career Pharmacists, encouraging an open-minded and calm approach to maximize its benefits. The episode concludes with Cooper emphasizing the significance of longitudinal data in understanding changes in the Community Pharmacy climate and inviting participation in the survey, offering five $100 Visa gift cards as an incentive.

Maria's survey for ECPs: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maria-cooper-130275253_hi-all-me-again-i-hope-youve-all-had-activity-7157920591243530240-Z8c8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Dose of Insight: Maria Cooper's Prescription for Thriving in Pharmacy

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Anthony Sapountzis, Co-Founder and CTO of Aerion Technologies. Listen to the episode and delve into the transformative role of technology and AI in the Pharmacy sector. The episode also covers insightful discussions on entrepreneurship, AI development, and the future of Pharmacy operations.

Anthony talks about their journey from university to entrepreneurship and the evolving landscape of technology. Anthony's lifelong passion for technology has guided their career, transitioning from a developer's role to a business leader, driven by problem-solving and a desire to assist others. They recount the inception of their entrepreneurial journey during a summer internship, where they seized an opportunity to collaborate on a project with La Trobe University, leading to the establishment of their own business—Aerion Technologies.

Anthony then delves into the intricacies of AI development, emphasizing the importance of utilizing AI to enhance processes rather than integrating chatbots for the sake of it. They discuss the challenges of setting up effective guardrails within AI-driven applications and caution against overreliance on AI to handle tasks without human oversight autonomously. Despite AI's transformative potential, Anthony stresses the need for caution, ethical considerations, and human judgment in its implementation.

The discussion extends to the impact of AI in the Pharmacy sector, highlighting its role in price comparison, marketing analysis, and administrative tasks. While AI streamlines certain aspects of Pharmacy operations, Anthony emphasizes the continued importance of human interaction and cautions against expecting AI to replace Pharmacists entirely. They advocate for a nuanced approach to integrating AI into daily Pharmacy operations, considering the complexities of Pharmacist-patient interactions and the ethical implications of AI usage.

Looking ahead, Anthony anticipates further advancements in AI and its integration into programming and development processes. They highlight the potential for AI to revolutionize industries but emphasize the importance of maintaining control over autonomous systems. Anthony also shares insights on storytelling in movies and their company's presence on various social media platforms, aiming to provide valuable content to assist individuals in app and software development.

Transforming Pharmacy Healthcare: AI's Impact on Patient Interaction

In this episode of Pharmacy Podcast, a stream of Pharmacy View Podcast that provides regular interviews with Pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of The Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA), host Melody Mugari, a Pharmacist and Programs and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA) is joined by Steven Kastriaskis, Managing Director, Pharmacist, and Partner of the Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA). Listen to the episode for an insightful discussion on innovation, empowerment, and the future of independent Pharmacies.

Pharmacy Podcast - Ep 1 Supporting Independence: The Evolution of Independent Pharmacies of Australian Group

Pharmacy Podcast - Ep 1 Supporting Independence: The Evolution of Independent Pharmacies

Welcome to Pharmacy View – Technology in Pharmacy Business Podcast Series where we provide regular interviews with Pharmacists and key industry people within the Australian Pharmacy and associated industry. In each podcast we look to discuss aspects of Pharmacy operation and how technology is improving or interacting with each guest’s current role or Pharmacy related business.

Anisha's Pharmacist Diaries - Passion, Pediatrics, and Profound Stories!

Pharmacy View Podcast

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