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.

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

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, 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 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

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 Aryo Mehrabi, Pharmacist and Owner, Teeswater Pharmacy. Aryo's story, from growing up in Iran to retraining as a Pharmacist in Canada, highlights resilience, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of the American dream, or rather, the Canadian one.

Aryo shares their experience growing up in Iran, where career choices were influenced by challenging university entrance exams. They chose Pharmacy due to its respected status in Iranian society. Upon arriving in Canada, Aryo faced challenges re-establishing their Pharmacy career, highlighting the rigorous preparation and exams required to become a Pharmacist in Canada.

Aryo discusses their determination to become a Pharmacist in a new country while balancing family responsibilities and adapting to a different culture. They emphasize the scarcity of mentorship and support for immigrant Pharmacists, reflecting on their challenges, including finding clinical experience and the need for more accessible mentorship. Personal aspects that influence success in the Pharmacy profession are explored. Aryo acknowledges the impact of interpersonal skills and teamwork, reflecting on their journey and how personal dynamics can affect the profession.

Aryo shares their unconventional path to success by opening a Pharmacy in a small town, overcoming skepticism, and thriving through community engagement and determination. They highlight factors such as convenience, community pride, and financial advantages contributing to their Pharmacy's success in a rural area.

Aryo's story also includes experiences with opening multiple Pharmacies, lessons learned, and the impact of unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Their commitment to giving back and helping aspiring Pharmacists succeed is a central theme, inspiring immigrants looking to succeed in their new homeland.

In summary, Aryo Mehrabi's journey from Iran to becoming a successful Pharmacist in Canada is a testament to determination, community engagement, and the importance of mentorship and support for immigrant Pharmacists. Aryo's advice for aspiring Pharmacy owners emphasizes the need to be realistic, embrace the local lifestyle, and differentiate themselves to succeed in small-town Pharmacy practice.

Ep 85 From Iran to Canada: Aryo's Pharmacy Career

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 Sherri Barden, Pharmacist and Asthma Educator at Moama Village Pharmacy. Listen to this episode to explore the transformative journey of implementing specialized fee-for-service asthma and hay fever clinics, uncovering the challenges and triumphs that shape the evolving landscape of patient-centered Pharmacy care. And also discover the power of empathy, community engagement, and strategic communication in fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful change within the Pharmacy sector.

With over three decades in Community Pharmacy, Sherri has developed successful fee-for-service asthma and hay fever clinics and consults with other Pharmacies to implement similar programs. Growing up in a small farming community near Moama, New South Wales, Sherri's passion for improving patient understanding and adherence to medication led them to establish asthma and hay fever education clinics and provide consultancy services for respiratory medicine in other Pharmacies.

Despite challenges, including patient reluctance and staff mindset shifts towards paid services, Sherri remains committed to proactive patient education and effective healthcare services, emphasizing the crucial role of communication and staff empowerment. They share insights into the strategic implementation of fee-for-service models, tailoring approaches to individual Pharmacy capacities and staff comfort levels. Sherri highlights the importance of community engagement and effective marketing strategies to promote clinic services, emphasizing the impact of patient relationships and community engagement on Pharmacy success.

Additionally, Sherri provides valuable insights into creating and implementing effective hay fever and asthma clinics, stressing the significance of utilizing resources from organizations such as Asthma Australia and the National Asthma Council. They emphasize the importance of proper medication usage, technique, symptom monitoring, and the potential for cross-referrals to other Pharmacy services. Sherri also underlines the importance of transparency and patient consent in creating an ideal Pharmacy environment, as well as the powerful role of empathy in fostering Patient-Pharmacist relationships and cultivating a compassionate work environment.

Breathe Easy: Fee for Service in Respiratory Healthcare with Sherri Barden

Note: The content discussed in this episode includes references to experiences involving mental health challenges, including thoughts of suicide. Please be advised that the following conversation may be sensitive and triggering for some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a helpline for support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.

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 Ilwoo Park, Pharmacist Manager at Oatlands Pharmacy. Ilwoo is a dedicated Community Pharmacist renowned for her work in rural Pharmacy. Ilwoo not only owns a Pharmacy but also takes an active role in mentoring and guiding the next generation of Pharmacists, aiming to enhance the quality of their practice. She shares her journey from Korea to Australia, overcoming language barriers and academic challenges, ultimately establishing herself as a respected Pharmacist in Oatlands, Tasmania.

Ilwoo's account emphasizes her resilience during her challenging seven-year intern experience, where she faced resistance and hostility from colleagues while striving to gain mastery of Pharmacy tasks. Despite contemplating leaving the field, her determination and the support of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) propelled her to eventually pass the exam and secure a position as a Pharmacist in Tasmania. Her emotional struggles and efforts to improve her English fluency through confrontational dialogues reflect her dedication to personal and professional growth.

Throughout her career, Ilwoo emphasizes the importance of responsibility, advocating for a holistic approach to Pharmacy practice. She highlights the significance of proactive patient care, effective communication, and the necessity of taking personal accountability for one's actions and decisions. Her reflections shed light on the challenges faced within the Pharmacy environment and underscore the crucial role of Pharmacists and assistants in ensuring patient safety and promoting effective medication management.

Ilwoo's dedication to bridging the gap between friendliness and assertiveness within the workplace stands as a testament to her commitment to mentorship and excellence in Pharmacy practice. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring Pharmacists, encouraging them to strive for continuous learning, professionalism, and a customer-centric approach in the field of Pharmacy.

Ep 87 - From Korea to Tasmania: A Pharmacist's Challenging Journey

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 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

Episode: 98
Episode Title: Pharmacy Showdown: Inside the PBM Power Play in the U.S.

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 Dr. Drew Oliveira, Executive Director, Washington Health Alliance and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Washington; and Denise Giambalvo, Director, Member Engagement & Business Strategy, Washington Health Alliance.  Together, they explore the intricate dynamics of the Pharmaceutical market, focusing on the impact of PBMs and the broader disparities in the U.S. healthcare system. Tune in to uncover how vertical integration, financial incentives, and payment model reforms could reshape patient care and outcomes.

Denise delves into the complexities of the pharmaceutical market, particularly focusing on the role and impact of PBMs. They highlight the dominance of three major PBMs that control 80% of the market, creating a system that often prioritizes profits over patient care. Denise explains how vertical integration enables PBMs to manipulate drug pricing, even within programs aimed at assisting low-income patients, and describes the financial challenges faced by Pharmacies due to PBM practices like clawbacks, which often result in financial losses for Pharmacies.

Denise elaborates on the challenges independent Pharmacies face due to PBMs' vertical integration, where PBMs own Pharmacies and manage the entire supply chain. This integration allows PBMs to benefit from practices like spread pricing, where they charge health plans more than they reimburse Pharmacies, pocketing the difference. Denise underscores the lack of transparency in PBM operations and its impact on costs for both employers and patients. Additionally, the discussion covers the significant role of specialty drugs in healthcare costs and how PBMs leverage their control to profit through rebates and preferred drug listings.

Further, Dr. Drew and Denise discuss the disparities and complexities within the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing the dominance and profit mechanisms of PBMs at various stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The conversation reveals how PBMs and consultants create a biased market, influencing employer choices through back-end financial incentives, exacerbating the lack of transparency, and ultimately affecting drug costs. Denise also highlights the need for data-driven strategies to address health inequities, stressing the importance of removing financial and access barriers to improve patient outcomes.

In a thought-provoking exchange, host Michael Alexander asks Denise and Dr. Drew Rivera about the most impactful change that could improve patient care in the U.S. healthcare system. Both suggest that changing the payment model to a global or episode-based payment for primary care would be transformative. Dr. Rivera also proposes a federalized healthcare system as a controversial yet potentially effective solution for aligning incentives and enhancing care quality. The episode concludes on a lighter note, with Dr. Rivera sharing his passion for jazz music and Denise discussing their enjoyment of dancing and pickleball, highlighting the importance of balancing professional and personal interests.

Pharmacy Showdown: Inside the PBM Power Play in the U.S.

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.

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