In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate, talks to her mentor, Michael Gray, Manager of Prime Pharmacy Group. In addition to being an experienced director and manager with a demonstrated history of working in the retail Pharmacy industry, Michael also holds a law degree. Listen to the episode as Michael talks about the changing trends in the Australian Pharmaceutical Industry, independent contractors and their superannuation, the shift in pharmacy ownership, and their drive to help budding entrepreneurs. 
Having learned the value of a strong work ethic from their parents at an early age, Michael started work at 15—sold photographic equipment, had a short career as a photographer at a local newspaper, traveled overseas, went to Pharmacy College at 25, interned at a children’s hospital, answered an ad for a job—the rest as they say, is history. The job ad led Michael to their current business partners, with whom they founded Advantage Pharmacy, which is now a part of the Platform Alliance Group. When asked about their support network, Michael talks about their mother, family, and existing business partners, Steve and John. A strong support network at home and work has been pivotal for their growth. 
Furthering the conversation, Kavita and Michael delve into the shifts in the Pharmacy Industry. Michael talks about the following:
i.	Rise of the Discounters
ii.	The decline in wanting to take Pharmacy Ownership because of perceived barriers
iii.	Push for more flexible hours for Pharmacists
iv.	Shift from supply-based model to professional services
v.	More Pharmacies are joining groups to get better support in running their business
vi.	Rise of the digital age
Even though Michael doesn’t practice law, they hold a law degree and are interested in labor law. In that context, they reference the following during the conversation:
i.	Hollis Vs Vabu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollis_v_Vabu 

ii.	CFMMEU v Personnel Contracting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFMMEU_v_Personnel_Contracting

iii.	Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 - SECT 12 http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/sga1992430/s12.html 

Michael iterates the two cases to say that contracts are important and that a clear contract with independent contractors can save Pharmacy owners from running risks. There is a pull towards flexible working hours, and while this can hold its advantages, both parties need to be clear as to the terms of the engagement. 
In addition to the aforementioned, Michael outlines the challenges in the industry as being:
i.	Labor shortages
ii.	Slow upskilling of Pharmacists to provide extra services 
Talking further on how fewer students are drawn to Pharmacy Ownership recently, Michael reminisces how earlier that used to be what 90% of Pharmacy students would aspire for. They say that the perceived barriers stop the students from wanting to take up ownership. However, as someone who has spent decades for the betterment of the industry and has learned from experiences, Michael believes that they (more experienced Pharmacists) owe it to the students to help and facilitate their roles in the industry.  
And here is a list of Michael’s advice for budding entrepreneurs:
1.	Find a problem that needs a solution
2.	Say yes and back yourself
3.	Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you and who complement your skills
4.	Great Ideas are just that until you execute them

Ep 72 Helping Professional Pharmacists Deliver Professional Services

Ep 76 - Finding Balance: Navigating Burnout in Pharmacy Practice

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate is joined by Kevin Walker, President and Co-Owner of RPhAlly. Join us as Kevin discusses their diverse career in healthcare, the establishment of RPhAlly, and the importance of finding focus and passion in the pharmacy profession.

Kevin talks about their humble approach to life and attributes it to their faith and family values. They reflect on their Native American background and the strong influence of inspirational female leaders within their community. Kevin highlights the profound impact of their grandparents, particularly their grandmother's resilience in overcoming hardships as a first-generation immigrant in the United States. Growing up on a cattle ranch also shaped their perspective on labor, responsibility, and animal husbandry. Ultimately, their faith has provided them with a profound sense of gratitude and an appreciation for the blessings in their life.

Kevin discusses the challenges of managing their various roles and responsibilities when asked about wearing many hats and how they balance it all. They prioritize their roles as a husband and father, striving to be present in those spaces as much as possible. As a passionate professional in the Pharmacy field, they seamlessly interweave their work with projects such as the ACP components, Native American healers’ cohort, and collaboration with a digital health company, all contributing to the future of healthcare and Pharmacy. Kevin acknowledges the importance of effective time management, which remains a work in progress for them.

Kevin emphasizes the importance of two key skill sets for success: delegation and monetization. They discuss the significance of delegating tasks to others with complementary skill sets, fostering collaboration and efficiency. Kevin also reflects on the value of monetizing services to create sustainable growth and provide even greater value to others. They acknowledge the challenge of balancing personal values while recognizing the need for monetization to scale their impact effectively.

Kevin discusses the establishment of RPhAlly, a community that addresses major issues facing the pharmacy profession, including burnout, suicide rates, and the need for education and specialization. RPhAlly focuses on empowering pharmacists to play a significant role in patient care, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve outcomes. The long-term vision of RPhAlly is to ensure pharmacists are recognized as leaders in healthcare, making critical decisions to advance patient care and drive positive change in the profession.

EP 77 Success Through Delegation and Monetization

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 Fellicia Hambali, Head of Chemist Discount Centre, The Platform Alliance Group. Fellicia shares her inspiring journey of becoming a Pharmacist, her innovative approach to Pharmacy business, and her passion for data-driven decision-making. Join us as we delve into the world of Pharmacy and learn from Fellicia's experiences and expertise.

EP 2 Championing Care & Affordability Amid Industry Change

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Scott Carpenter, EVBC, engages in a lively conversation with guest Michael Alexander, who is set to become the podcast's future host. Michael is a Pharmacist, an entrepreneur, a digital health enthusiast, and, next episode on, a podcaster. He is the Co-Founder of Audrie, an AI-based service that helps people improve their communications skills, and the Regional Vice-President, Health Plans at Omada Health. 

In this episode, Scott Carpenter explores their diverse 40-year career journey, transitioning from a furniture maker to roles across management, consumer goods, and marketing. Despite lacking Pharmacy experience, they entered the field as a retailer, utilizing their leadership skills to contribute to the growth of the National Pharmacies Group. They emphasize the collaborative nature of the Pharmacy industry and discuss their dynamic personality, from introversion to extroversion, highlighting the importance of embracing one's unique traits and seizing opportunities. The concept of adaptability within the Pharmacy industry is also explored, emphasizing the ongoing changes and challenges, with a focus on supporting those who may struggle during transitions.

Scott delves into successful Pharmacy strategies, emphasizing specialization and adaptability, suggesting that thriving Pharmacies excel in a specific area rather than trying to cater to everyone. They stress the significance of maintaining motivation and engagement while cautioning against spreading resources too thin. 

Michael reflects on the evolving Pharmacy landscape. They highlight differences between Pharmacy industries in Australia and the US, focusing on government remuneration versus health insurers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Michael envisions a technologically advanced future of Pharmacy in 2038, including AI-driven diagnoses, 3D-printed medications, and drone-delivered prescriptions, underscoring the importance of data utilization and patient-centered innovation.

Ep 78 Innovation Overdrive: How Tech is Reshaping the Pharmacy Landscape

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, first-time host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health is joined by Dr. Alex Barker, Pharmacist, Founder at The Happy PharmD and Co-Founder of The Task Fox. Dr. Alex is also the author of “Indispensable: The prescription for a fulfilling pharmacy career.” Listen to this episode to discover the transformative journey through the world of Pharmacy, from burnout to brilliance, as Dr. Alex shares insights on fostering innovation, finding advocates, and aligning your work with your true strengths. Also, learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities within Pharmacy to craft a fulfilling and joyful career.

Dr. Alex opens up about their early career experiences, revealing their initial adherence to the conventional wisdom of pursuing residency for a thriving Pharmacy career. However, they soon found themselves grappling with burnout and frustration in a clinical Pharmacy role, prompting a reevaluation of their path. This pivotal moment led Dr. Alex to establish a business dedicated to coaching and empowering fellow Pharmacists to rediscover fulfillment within the profession. The episode sheds light on the diverse career trajectories Pharmacists can undertake, with Dr. Alex's coaching guiding individuals toward roles as diverse as real estate agents, financial advisors, and comedians.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Alex’s experiences serve as an inspirational narrative for Pharmacists seeking purpose and growth within their careers. The discussion embodies the essence of transformation and resilience, proving that with the proper guidance and perspective, individuals can carve out their meaningful journey within the realm of Pharmacy.

Innovate Your Pharmacy Career with Insights from Dr. Alex Barker - EP - 79

In this episode of Pharmacy View Podcast’s Pharmacy Career, Resource & Training stream, host Kavita Nadan, Pharmacist and Founder at Locumate is joined by Vinit Kewal, Director of The Infinity Group. Listen to the episode as the two explore Vinit’s remarkable Pharmacy journey, share industry insights, and delve into the evolving landscape of Pharmacy.
Vinit begins the conversation by reminiscing about their remarkable journey. Originally from Fiji, Vinit's path led them to the University of Queensland, where they pursued a Pharmacy degree. Their focus on Community Pharmacy, particularly in regional Australia, has been a driving force throughout their career. Notably, Vinit became a Pharmacy owner in regional New South Wales and has found great joy and strength in their family, spouse, and two kids who offer unwavering support. Vinit's evolution from a Pharmacist in a single store to a leader within a vast organization has sparked their interest in leadership and the training Pharmacists receive. 
Vinit also opens up about the significant hurdles and challenges they've faced in their journey. They explore internal and external obstacles, delving into their initial self-doubts and fears of branching out into new ventures. Vinit emphasizes that internal hurdles, like self-belief and courage, can be the most daunting, yet overcoming them can make anything seem achievable. They also discuss the importance of promoting women's entry into leadership positions in Pharmacy, acknowledging the unique challenges they may face. Vinit reflects on the resilient nature of the Pharmacy industry and its ability to thrive despite ever-changing landscapes.
When asked about changing perceptions on Pharmacy ownership amongst the youth, Vinit emphasizes that despite the challenges, ownership remains a key part of career progression. Vinit specifically highlights their involvement with The Infinity Group and how they encourage partnership as a natural step forward for Pharmacists. They acknowledge the changing ownership landscape with higher barriers to entry but also stress that opportunities for young Pharmacists to achieve ownership have never been more feasible. 
Vinit reflects on their 15-year journey with The Infinity Group, highlighting its remarkable growth in terms of both store numbers and the people that constitute the organization. The Infinity Group's adaptability and agility are key strengths facilitating its growth, albeit presenting challenges and opportunities. Vinit also talks about the ever-present lesson of humility that the industry imparts, driven by the consistent change it faces. Vinit touches upon the ongoing shifts within the industry, including the introduction of 60-day dispensing and the need for Pharmacists to adapt to new challenges. They emphasize the Pharmacy profession's transformative journey, from a focus on dispensing to an exciting era of expanded scope of practice. Vinit explores the importance of the human element in healthcare, noting that while automation advances, the personal connection and expertise Pharmacists provide remain irreplaceable.
Vinit discusses various aspects of mental health, work-life balance, and professional growth within the Pharmacy industry. They emphasize the significance of openly addressing mental health concerns, destigmatizing the topic, and creating a supportive environment. Vinit touches on the challenge of striking a work-life balance, particularly in an industry where accessibility and healthcare provision are crucial. They also highlight the need to reevaluate Pharmacist pay, advocating for a minimum baseline that values all Pharmacists' contributions.
Vinit envisions the future of the Pharmacy industry, emphasizing the role of automation and technology in shaping interactions between Pharmacists and patients.

EP 80 Leading with Heart: Vinit Kewal’s Pharmacy Journey

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audrie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, is joined by Tom Myers,  Pharmacy Manager at Walgreens. Listen in as Tom talks about their journey, innovations in Pharmacy, and the challenges of balancing clinical care with business demands. 

Tom's journey into Pharmacy began in high school when they gained hands-on experience in Hospital Pharmacy practice in Salem, Oregon, sparking their passion for chemistry and Pharmacy. After completing an undergraduate degree in microbiology with a chemistry minor at Oregon State University, Tom entered the Pharmacy program.

Having risen from intern to staff Pharmacist, Tom eventually stepped into the role of Pharmacy Manager, particularly during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom discusses the advantages of their managerial role, emphasizing the opportunity to shape projects according to their vision and streamline operations.

Tom shares further insights into the innovative technological advancements implemented by Walgreens to enhance patient convenience and streamline Pharmacy operations. They highlight features of the Walgreens app, such as digital text reminders and insurance card updates, reducing wait times and phone calls. Tom also mentions the introduction of 90-day medication supplies and the adoption of micro-fulfillment technology.

Tom explores the challenges and opportunities related to reimbursement for clinical knowledge and services in Pharmacy, emphasizing the need for reimbursement even for negative test results. They also discuss Walgreens' national engagement program and express a desire to see more community clinics in the future, recognizing staffing challenges as a key consideration for such projects. 

Lastly, Tom Myers emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to discover new income methods in the evolving landscape of Pharmacy, acknowledging the challenge of finding alternative revenue streams while balancing clinical care with business obligations. They also stress the importance of qualities such as attention to detail, a clear vision, courage in decision-making, and staying true to one's ethics in the Pharmacy profession.

Global Trends in Pharmacist-Patient Engagement - Ep 81

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Scott Carpenter, EVBC, interviews Carolyn Rimmer, National Training Specialist at Sigma Healthcare. Listen to this episode to discover the secrets to thriving in the evolving world of pharmacy and the critical role of training, even amidst unprecedented challenges.

Carolyn is a seasoned Pharmacy professional with a rich history in the field. Carolyn's journey began in Community Pharmacy, where they honed their skills over two decades with a well-regarded pharmacy family in Brisbane, Queensland. After starting a family of their own, Carolyn decided to transition from retail Pharmacy into training within the Pharmacy industry. Their love for training and mentoring Pharmacy assistants drove their career shift, leading them to obtain a diploma and eventually join the Queensland Pharmacy Guild. There, they gained valuable insights into compliance and opportunities within the Pharmacy world.

Carolyn emphasizes the critical role of training in the Pharmacy industry, particularly in the context of the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They highlight how the pandemic disrupted traditional companion selling, which involves providing customers not only with the products they need but also valuable lifestyle tips. Due to the constraints of the pandemic, Pharmacies had limited interaction time with customers, resulting in a gap in the training of new Pharmacy professionals. Carolyn suggests that as the industry evolves, focusing on companion selling and upselling will be crucial for Pharmacies to maintain profitability and customer loyalty, especially with changes on the horizon.

Carolyn also discusses the impact of 60-day dispensing on patients and Community Pharmacies. They highlight that while patients on regular medications may benefit from the convenience of less frequent visits, there's a concern that some patients may misinterpret the option and skip Pharmacy visits entirely. Carolyn emphasizes the vital role of Community Pharmacies as a social link within the community and the importance of maintaining strong connections with patients. They also acknowledge that COVID-19 underscored the essential nature of Pharmacies in the community and the loyalty that patients have towards them, calling for Pharmacies to harness and build upon that loyalty.

Carolyn concludes by stressing the importance of continuous upskilling in the Pharmacy industry, highlighting that trained and upskilled staff lead to solid business, increased profit, customer loyalty, and staff retention. Their insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring Pharmacy professionals and established industry experts, emphasizing the significance of training and adaptability in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

Companion Selling Crucial for Pharmacies to Maintain Profitability and Customer Loyalty

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 welcomes Veronica Nou, Pharmacist Proprietor at Colyton Centre Pharmacy and Morris Care & Advice Pharmacy. Listen to the episode to catch up on Veronica’s inspiring journey and understand how she has been transforming Community Pharmacy through compassion, advocacy, and holistic care.

EP -3 Unveiling the Heart of Community Pharmacy

In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast, host Scott Carpenter, EVBC welcomes John Shanks, the Lead Pharmacist for Antimicrobial Stewardship at the Far West Local Health District and the Director of Kraken Coding. Listen in to understand John’s journey from Pharmacy to tech and how they create groundbreaking solutions for clinical decision support.

John's journey in Pharmacy began in Lithgow, with their education at Newcastle Uni, where they pursued a master's degree in Pharmacy. They ultimately chose to focus on Hospital Pharmacy, starting with an internship at Coffs Harbor Base Hospital and eventually settling in Darwin.

John's passion for leveraging technology in healthcare led to their involvement in IT and developing innovative tools for identifying critical patient issues. They even pursued an IT master's degree to further their skills. John's project to create structured pathways for pharmacist prescribing garnered attention. In the episode, they also discuss their vision for improving decision support in healthcare. John’s innovative platform simplifies the creation and sharing of clinical decision support pathways, emphasizing collaboration and customization. 

John also explores their latest project involving the development of a chatbot for pre-triaging patients, making healthcare interactions more accessible and user-friendly. John's platform offers comprehensive solutions for managing patient interactions, ensuring accountability, and fostering better decision-making in the clinical community. They express their contentment with their project's progress and invite collaborators who share their passion for improving healthcare decision support in Australia.

In summary, John Shanks is a trailblazer in healthcare decision support, merging their Pharmacy background with innovative technology solutions to enhance patient care and streamline clinical processes.

EP 83 - Pharmacist Turned Techie, John Shanks, Revolutionizes Healthcare

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.

Ep 72 Helping Professional Pharmacists Deliver Professional Services

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