This Week in Pharmacy

The Arkansas PBM Wild Card & AXS25 | TWIRx

In this powerful episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury explores the growing national backlash against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—starting with bold action in Arkansas. Following Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' recent signing of legislation to limit PBM influence, Arkansas has become a flashpoint in the nationwide struggle to protect independent pharmacies and ensure fair drug pricing.
Special guest from Arkansas, Doctor's Orders Pharmacy Owner, Lelan Stice, as we dig into what this legislation means, how states like Alabama are following suit, and why pharmacists across the U.S. are calling for transparency, accountability, and reform.
PBMs are under increased legal and political scrutiny across multiple states
Independent pharmacies are gaining new allies in their fight for survival
Legislative momentum is growing—this could be a tipping point
Patients, too, are paying the price for PBM overreach
Pharmacists must stay informed and involved in local/state policy
Full AP article: APNews.com – Arkansas Takes on PBMsTWIRx Feature: Lumicera Health Services
Guest: Dr. Ben Heiser, PharmD – General Manager, Specialty Pharmacy, Lumicera Health Services
In this special TWIRx segment, This Week in Pharmacy dives into the world of specialty pharmacy with Dr. Ben Heiser of Lumicera Health Services, a nationally recognized leader in delivering specialty drug solutions with a patient-first approach.
Dr. Heiser discusses how Lumicera leverages data-driven care models, collaborative payer partnerships, and a commitment to access and affordability to redefine what it means to support patients with complex, chronic conditions. From pharmacy innovation to value-based outcomes, this interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most forward-thinking organizations in specialty care.Lumicera Health is the Pharmacy Podcast Network sponsor for the AXS25 Press Coverage, learn more about  Lumicera here: https://www.lumicera.com/ Subscribe to all 40+ Pharmacy Podcast Network podcasts from one link: https://linktr.ee/pharmacypodcast 

Next-Generation Patient Access to Food, Medicine, and Lifestyle Programs | TWIRx

In this thought-provoking episode of This Week in Pharmacy, I am joined by three powerhouse leaders from health innovation: Dr. Alex Ding (Humana), Dr. Marc Watkins (Kroger Health), and Brian Urban (Best Buy Health). Together, they explore the next generation of patient access—where healthcare meets lifestyle, nutrition, and digital convenience.
Special Guests: 
Dr. Alexander Ding, MD, MBA – Medical Director, HumanaDr. Marc R. Watkins, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer, Kroger HealthBrian Urban – Head of Innovation, Best Buy HealthFrom food-as-medicine initiatives and retail-driven clinical models to smart tech integration in chronic care, this episode examines how cross-industry collaborations are shaping the future of health. It's not just about treating illness—it's about engineering longevity.💡 Topics Covered:☑️ The intersection of grocery, pharmacy, and tech in holistic care☑️ Reducing healthcare utilization by improving access to essential needs☑️ How retail health platforms are personalizing nutrition + medication delivery☑️ Digital health tools for aging in place, remote monitoring, and patient educationThank you to Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) for your support of today's #TWIRx episode, leading in #DigitalHealth tech through iCare+ for Community Pharmacy. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eQM_s7Zq
 

Rx + AI & Pharmacists Embracing Autism Acceptance | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – April 4, 2025
We launch with the "godfather of Functional Pharmacy" Robert Kress fRx.
Roberts is a #pharmacist, practitioner, and coach who blends lifestyle and functional medicine with a passion for empowering patients. He believes true healing comes from within the patient, and that the role of the practitioner is to guide, teach, and support through awareness, education, and self-care. Rather than dispensing medications, Roberts shares tools for wellness—ranging from supplements and nutrition to mindfulness, natural movement, and purposeful living—all aimed at helping others reach peak performance and holistic well-being.
 
This week on This Week in Pharmacy (TWIP), we’re proud to honor World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated globally on Tuesday, April 2nd, by spotlighting an inspiring voice in the profession: Dr. Brian Catton, PharmD.
Brian is many things—a husband, a father, a community pharmacist and Pharmacist in Charge at Walgreens, and proudly, an autistic professional who brings heart, authenticity, and advocacy into every role he plays. In this deeply personal and powerful interview, Brian shares his journey—from his early diagnosis in 1989 with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), to earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Shenandoah University, to leading in both life and the pharmacy profession.
He speaks candidly about what Autism Acceptance truly means: moving beyond awareness to inclusion, understanding, and valuing neurodiverse individuals for who they are and the perspectives they bring.
✨ “It’s not just about knowing autistic people exist—it’s about making sure we’re heard, included, and able to contribute to the betterment of our spheres of influence.” – Dr. Brian Catton
Tune in to hear Brian’s story of resilience, growth, humor, and purpose. You’ll walk away inspired—and better equipped to foster inclusion in your community and workplace.
 
Next up, we talk with John Nosta.
 
John Nosta is the Founder and President of NostaLab, a globally recognized innovation think tank at the intersection of technology, science, and medicine. Renowned for his forward-thinking insights, John is consistently ranked among the top global influencers in digital health and technology. He has contributed over 500 articles to publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Psychology Today, and Bloomberg, and has been published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals including The American Journal of Physiology and Circulation. John has served on advisory boards for organizations like Google Health and the World Health Organization's Digital Health Roster of Experts. As a sought-after speaker, he guides companies, NGOs, and governments through the complexities of exponential change and innovation. 
 
Learn more at JohnNosta.com 
🧩 This episode is part of our ongoing effort to highlight diversity, humanity, and leadership in pharmacy.
🔗 Listen now and join the conversation.
#ThisWeekInPharmacy #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity
 

Pharmacists leading in Pharmacovigilance & Hormone Therapies | TWIRx

In this powerful episode of This Week in Pharmacy, TWIRx we're spotlighting the critical leadership roles pharmacists are taking in two vital areas of patient care: pharmacovigilance and hormone treatment therapies.
🧬 Featured Guest #1: Dr. Sara Rogers, PharmD A trailblazing researcher and healthcare leader, Dr. Sara Rogers is the founder of the American Society of Pharmacovigilance, a national biomedical and healthcare network committed to improving drug safety. She shares her passion for translating genomics into improved patient care and dives deep into the growing importance of pharmacovigilance in modern healthcare. With adverse drug events contributing to over $136 billion in annual healthcare costs and millions of emergency and hospital visits, this discussion shines a light on the pharmacist's role in detecting, monitoring, and preventing these events before they happen.
💊 Key Topics with Dr. Rogers:
What is pharmacovigilance and why it matters now more than ever
The connection between genomics and adverse drug event prevention
How pharmacists are uniquely positioned to lead in this critical area
The mission and membership of the American Society of Pharmacovigilance
🌸 Featured Guest #2: Dr. Tiffany Ruder, PharmDPharmacist, hormone health advocate, and founder of Better Health & Hormone Balance, LLC, Dr. Tiffany Ruder brings a wealth of experience and compassion to the conversation around hormone replacement therapy. With over a decade of pharmacy practice and specialized certification, Dr. Ruder is empowering midlife women to reclaim their vitality and live "radiantly restored."
🧘‍♀️ Key Topics with Dr. Ruder:
The science behind hormone balance and its impact on women’s health
Personalized, evidence-based approaches to hormone therapy
Breaking the stigma and misconceptions around HRT
How pharmacists can support patients in their hormone health journey
🎧 Don’t miss this insightful episode that showcases how pharmacists are redefining healthcare leadership through safety science and specialized care.
💥 This Week in Pharmacy is powered by Yaral Pharma and Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) — supporting innovation, independence, and the future of pharmacy.
👉 Subscribe now and follow us @PharmacyPodcast on all platforms.

Pittsburgh Pharmacy Network 4th Year Anniversary | TWIRx

Join us for a special episode of This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) as we celebrate the 4th Anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pharmacy Network (PPN)—a thriving community dedicated to connecting pharmacy professionals and students in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Hosted at Shorty's at the Waterfront, this milestone event brought together pharmacy leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates for an evening of networking, collaboration, and celebration.
Vadim Gazarov, founder of Pittsburgh Pharmacy Network, kicks off this exclusive Pharmacy Podcast Network coverage, highlighting the impact PPN has had over the past four years.
Special Guest Interviews
🎙️ Shawn Nairn – Founder, ACORx🎙️ John DeJames – Value Drug🎙️ And many more influential voices in Pittsburgh's pharmacy community!
Tune in for engaging discussions on pharmacy innovation, independent pharmacy success, and the power of professional networking in shaping the future of pharmacy.
Key Topics in This Episode:
✅ The growth and impact of the Pittsburgh Pharmacy Network over four years ✅ Independent pharmacy insights from industry leaders ✅ How networking drives success in pharmacy ✅ Exclusive interviews with Pittsburgh's pharmacy professionals
🔗 Listen now on: PharmacyPodcast.com | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Your favorite podcast platform!

APhA 2025 Preview & the Expanding Roles of Pharmacists | TWIRx

On This Week in Pharmacy, we talk with Stephen Beckman, CEO of Yaral Pharma LLC. We're headed to APhA 2025 in Nashville.Next up, We're focused on the Expanding Role of the Pharmacist with Stephanie Smith, PharmD, Thea Blystone, PharmD, and Jamie Wilkey, PharmD.

Workforce & Wellness – Staffing Solutions & Smarter Medications | TWIRx

This week on TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy, we dive into two critical business topics impacting the pharmacy industry: staffing solutions and access to better medication options.
Our first guest, Doniyor Sattarov, Vice President of PharmaStaff (pharmastaff.com), joins us to discuss staffing challenges in pharmacy and how outsourcing workforce solutions can boost efficiency and profitability. PharmaStaff, the official sponsor of PPN’s Press & Media coverage at APhA 2025, specializes in building remote pharmacy workforces, helping operations scale without sacrificing quality.
Next, we talk with  (fh2pharma.net) about their upcoming presence at the Pharmacy Profit Summit 2025 in Dallas. FH2 Pharma is committed to providing pharmacies with better access to medications with optimized dosing options, helping independent and specialty pharmacies improve patient care while enhancing profitability.
💡 Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable insights on improving workforce strategies and expanding pharmacy access to essential medications!
📍 Follow TWIRx & Subscribe for More Industry Updates!#PharmacyPodcast #PharmacyStaffing #PharmaStaff #FH2Pharma #PharmacyProfitSummit
 

New Partnership Empowering Independent Pharmacy & GLP-1 Marketing | TWIRx

New Partnership Empowering Independent Pharmacy & GLP-1 Marketing | TWIRx
 
Our first feature on "This Week in Pharmacy" is the announcement about IPC and LPG:The Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Legacy Pharmacy Group (LPG) are partnering to improve patient care and strengthen community pharmacies. 
How will the partnership help pharmacies and patients?
Streamlined supply chain
The partnership will improve the supply chain for essential medications and healthcare products. 
Competitive pricing
The partnership will help pharmacies get better pricing and discounts. 
Digital health services
IPC's iCare+ platform will give LPG members access to digital health services like telehealth, patient transport, and discount prescriptions. 
Legislative advocacy
IPC and LPG will work together to advocate for PBM reform, pharmacist provider status, and patient access to cost-effective medications. 
What are IPC and LPG?
IPC - A member-owned Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) that supports independent pharmacies across the United States. 
LPG - A pharmacy group that offers programs and systems to help members promote and expand their business. 
What does this partnership mean?
The partnership will create new opportunities for growth and improve patient care. Press Release: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independent-pharmacy-cooperative-ipc-and-legacy-pharmacy-group-lpg-announce-strategic-cooperation-agreement-302377435.html Our second part features a fun conversation with Dr. Joey Mattingly, Associate Professor & Vice Chair of Research at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy and Darshan Kulkarni PharmD Esq.  Linkedin Top Voice| Life Science Lawyer | Emily Whitehead Foundation Board Member talking about the state of GLP-1 Advertising. A venture-funded startup is partnering with compounding pharmacies to market and distribute compounded GLP-1s across state lines. (Whoa!) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joeymattingly_congrats-to-fella-health-for-getting-its-activity-7301247943108440067-UCWB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAABrTvQB0dlEVm5vGSXYR3MCaqeEzqaBQ8M 
New boost

The GLP-1 Debate | TWIRx Special Episode

In this special episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we dive into one of the most debated topics in healthcare today: GLP-1 receptor agonists. Joining the discussion are Josh Pirestani, Editor-in-Chief of Dispense Times; Dr. Darshan Kulkarni, PharmD, of Kulkarni Law Firm; and Dr. Masoud Rashidi, PharmD, FAPC, CEO of Innovative Compounding Pharmacy.
Whether you see the latest weight loss drugs as a miracle or a menace, the hype around GLP-1s is impossible to ignore. What started with Ozempic, a diabetes treatment, quickly shifted into a global weight-loss trend. Soon after, Wegovy, a high-dose version officially marketed for obesity, took center stage. The popularity of these medications skyrocketed, catapulting their manufacturer’s market value beyond the entire economy of Denmark. And now, Eli Lilly's Zepbound has entered the competitive landscape.
Our expert panel explores the current state of GLP-1s, discussing:✅ The clinical impact and efficacy of these drugs✅ Safety concerns and side effects✅ Ethical considerations surrounding off-label use✅ The skyrocketing demand and supply shortages✅ How compounding pharmacies are navigating the GLP-1 surge
With soaring demand and increasing controversy, the conversation around these medications is far from over. Tune in for an insightful discussion on what’s next for GLP-1 receptor agonists and the future of weight loss treatments.
🎧 Listen now and stay informed on the latest pharmacy trends!

The Future of Pharmacogenomics, State Rep Cook, & Super Culture | TWIRx

The Future of Pharmacogenomics, State Rep Cook, & Super Culture | TWIRx 
Howard McLeod, PharmD
Katrina Azer
About the ElevateRx Event - Pharmacogenomics Virtual SummitApril 12, 2025 12pm -6pm ETAbout the ElevateRx Event: This event is for you if you want to: bring innovation and fresh ideas to your practice elevate your career with new skills and expertise learn how precision prescribing reduces adverse events and improves patient outcomes learn step-by-step how top pharmacogenomics pharmacists are successfully implementing PGx across various settings This event is open to pharmacists worldwide, providing practical PGx implementation strategies applicable across diverse healthcare settings.Bud Cook50th Legislative DistrictPennsylvania House of RepresentativesGO BIG & COME HOME!!Representative Cook recently spoke at the Washington County commissioners monthly meeting about his newest initiative – “Come Home…GO BIG!” The initiative highlights Southwestern Pennsylvania, which consists of Washington, Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties, as the best place in the Commonwealth to live and work.“I stood before the commissioners and asked for a committed partnership from them in pursuing this idea,” said Cook. “I want to publicly thank them for the opportunity to present Come Home…GO BIG! I look forward to potentially working with them in the months to come.” - said Rep CookIn May 2021, Cook started to ask the public “Why Not Here?” As many people had the opportunity to work from anywhere during the pandemic, he questioned why people wouldn’t want to live and work in one of the tightest-knit communities in the Commonwealth. Thus, began his focus to make Southwestern Pennsylvania a home for many and a tourist destination for others.Chris Cornelison, RPhAuthor & CEO SolutionsRxCreator of Super Culture™ Framework
In Super Culture™, Chris Cornelison outlines five steps to transform workplaces into thriving environments where employees feel energized and appreciated. Drawing from his experience, he emphasizes the importance of building a Super Culture™, retaining talent, fostering collaboration, and improving results.