This Week in Pharmacy

Pills to Purpose | TWIRx

This week on TWIRx, we cover the latest headlines shaping pharmacy care, followed by three powerful interviews spotlighting innovation, advocacy, and access.
TWIRx News:
13WHAM ABC News: Health Center Turns Away Patients as Medicaid Approval Stalls Pharmacy Services – A troubling look at how bureaucratic delays are cutting off critical access to care for vulnerable populations.
Pharmacy Times: Pharmacists’ Knowledge Gaps on Kratom: Building Competence for Patient Counseling – Why pharmacists need more education to better guide patients on the risks and benefits of this controversial substance.
Pharmacy Times: Navigating Biosimilars and 505(b)(2) Drugs in Oncology – Operational, clinical, and policy strategies to help pharmacists drive adoption and improve cancer care access.
Featured Interviews:
Ritesh Shah – Founder, Ritesh Shah Charitable PharmacyAuthor of Pills to Purpose: From the Pharmacy to the Frontlines: Healing Beyond the Counter, Ritesh shares his journey from personal loss to creating New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy—ensuring life-saving medications reach those most in need with dignity and compassion.
Bonnie Bonds – Sykes & CompanyLive from the 2025 ThoughtSpot Conference, Bonnie brings insights on the financial strategies independent pharmacies need to grow, adapt, and thrive.
Srulik Dvorsky – CEO & Co-founder, TailorMedHow technology is being used to eliminate financial barriers to care and connect patients with the resources they need to afford treatment.
Sponsored by: Sykes & Company – Helping pharmacies succeed with expert accounting, tax, and advisory services.
🎧 Listen now for the news, perspectives, and inspiration driving the pharmacy profession forward.
 
"Pills to Purpose" is a book and the name of Ritesh Shah's charitable pharmacy. The book, "Pills to Purpose: From the Pharmacy to the Frontlines: Healing Beyond the Counter", is a memoir about Ritesh Shah's journey from personal loss to founding New Jersey's first charitable pharmacy, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. The pharmacy's mission is to provide access to life-saving medications for those in need, ensuring they are treated with dignity and compassion. The book highlights the power of service and how individual actions can create a movement for positive change, according to a post on Amazon.

Beyond the Ledger: How AI & Accounting Impacts Pharmacy Growth | TWIRx

In this episode of TWIRx, we explore how pharmacy accounting has evolved from basic bookkeeping into a strategic business development tool powered by artificial intelligence, data analytics, and specialized accounting expertise. Pharmacy owner & PPN Podcast Host Dr. Adam Robinson and Titan Accounting’s team members Nicholas Caltabiano & Jordan Pridemore dig into what modern pharmacy owners must understand to stay financially healthy and competitive in today’s complex marketplace. Learn more by going to Titan's website: https://titanswork.com/home 
 
Next, we talk with CEO & Founder of RxInsider, Gregory Cianfarani RPh, sharing the Colleges of Pharmacy Report 2025. RXinsider’s Market Intelligence Group produces weekly newsletters, market reports, and specialty INTEL Reports covering various segments of the pharmacy ecosystem—including an exclusive report on colleges of pharmacy. 
 
Find the full report here: 
https://ebook.rxinsider.com/flip-book/37174/2065397

The Silent Threat: Diversion of Non-Controlled Substances in Healthcare | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – July 25, 2025
Episode Summary:This week, we spotlight a growing but often overlooked threat to patient safety and healthcare integrity: the diversion of non-controlled substances. While most discussions around drug diversion focus on controlled substances, a troubling pattern has emerged involving medications not classified as controlled—yet still susceptible to misuse, theft, and exploitation.
Our guest is Alan McGill, a Senior Supervisory Special Agent with over 30 years of investigative experience, including 23 years in law enforcement. Agent McGill is a nationally recognized expert on drug diversion, having trained thousands across healthcare and law enforcement. In this episode, he sheds light on how non-controlled substances are being diverted within healthcare settings, why it’s happening more frequently, and what pharmacies and healthcare systems must do to detect and prevent it.
We explore:
Common myths about non-controlled medications and diversion risk
Real-world cases and investigative red flags
Compliance blind spots in retail and institutional pharmacy settings
Actionable recommendations for pharmacists, techs, and healthcare leadership
The role of education, oversight, and reporting in stopping this silent epidemic
Plus, Agent McGill discusses his work with NASCSA and offers insight into how national policy and local practices can align to protect both patients and professionals.
Don’t miss this essential conversation for pharmacy leaders, compliance officers, and healthcare professionals committed to medication safety.
🎧 Listen now and stay informed. 📢 Brought to you by IPC and iCare+, supporting pharmacy excellence and compliance integrity.
 

What Do Racing Dragsters & Pharmacy Ownership Have in Common? | TWIRx

This week's TWIRx puts the pedal to the metal—literally. Host Todd Eury dives into the surprising parallels between racing 150+ MPH and building a pharmacy business from the ground up. Special guest Charles Hoopes, co-owner of S&H Motorsports, joins the show alongside Stephen Beckman, CEO of YARAL Pharma, to preview the upcoming “Geezer Race” on Saturday, July 19th, sponsored by YARAL.
Charles shares the intense highs and lows of becoming a drag racing team owner—from financial risk to the emotional rollercoaster of chasing a dream. His story mirrors the grit and resilience required to own and operate an independent pharmacy today.
🎙️ Pharmacy + Precision Medicine Spotlight:We also welcome Dr. Melissa Smith, PharmD, founder of Florida PGX Consulting, who’s speaking at the Florida Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting in Orlando this weekend. Melissa gives us a preview of her presentations and shares her role as press correspondent for the Pharmacy Podcast Network at FPA.RXinsider's latest Market Intelligence report on the current state of the job market as it pertains to the Pharmacy500 companies in the pharmacy supply chain. We walk with Jeff Rackliff, Jr. Market Analyst at RXinsider. 
Special thanks to Stacy Hall and the Florida Pharmacy Association for their continued support of our coverage and advocacy efforts.
🎧 Sponsored by:YARAL Pharma – Advancing quality generics and supporting pharmacy innovation.
📍 Don't miss this fast-paced, inspiring episode about what it takes to chase your dream—whether you're behind the counter or behind the wheel.
#TWIRx #PharmacyPodcast #PharmacyOwnership #DragRacing #YARALPharma #FloridaPharmacy #PGx #FPA2025 #CompoundingDreams #GeezerRace

Breaking down the One Big Beautiful Bill & a 15 Year Celebration of Pharmacy Marketing | TWIRx

In this episode of TWIRx, we break down H.R. 1 — The One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and what it could mean for the future of pharmacy in America. From PBM reform and drug pricing transparency to Medicaid restructuring and NADAC expansion, this bill carries enormous implications for community pharmacy, behavioral health services, and specialty care.
Joining us to unpack the real-world impact of this legislation are two influential voices in the pharmacy space:
Ryan Paul Liabenow, CEO of Mango Health, a behavioral health specialty pharmacy redefining care models for patients with complex mental health needs. Ryan shares insight into how fairer reimbursement models and drug cost transparency could unlock new clinical and economic opportunities for pharmacies serving vulnerable populations.
Nicolle McClure, President & CEO of GRx Marketing, marks her 15-year milestone as one of the most respected voices in independent pharmacy marketing. Nicolle discusses how pharmacy communication must evolve in this new legislative landscape—and why strategic messaging, patient education, and digital storytelling are now more critical than ever.
We also explore the potential challenges H.R. 1 brings, including the administrative burden of NADAC compliance and the tension between progressive pharmacy reforms and simultaneous Medicaid restrictions. Will increased oversight and transparency finally tip the scale in favor of independent pharmacies—or will coverage erosion undercut the gains?
Don’t miss this timely discussion on what may be the most consequential pharmacy bill in decades—and how forward-thinking pharmacy leaders are preparing for what's next.
 
sponsored by IPCRx.com

Going on the Offensive to Protect Public Health | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – June 27, 2025 Episode Title: “Going on the Offensive to Protect Public Health” 🎙️ Sponsored by IPC (Independent Pharmacy Cooperative) & SureCost
This week’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) is a call to arms: pharmacists, patients, and industry leaders are going on the offensive to defend public health from collapsing under the weight of unchecked PBMs, broken reimbursement models, and vanishing access to care.
PART ONE: Claudia Holley (@c_money636) & Joshua R. Pirestani — Fighting Back for Patients TikTok star and unapologetic patient advocate Claudia Holley, known as @c_money636, joins the show alongside Josh Pirestani, founder of Dispense Marketing and publisher of Dispense Times. TogetheRx, we’re tackling the real crisis: corporate profits are steamrolling patients and community pharmacies. With drug access tightening and treatment safety protocols falling by the wayside, the pharmacy industry is being gutted.
We break down the lost opportunity of NADAC — a fair drug pricing model with a standardized $10.49 dispensing fee — Todd Eury just talked with pharmacy owner Erich Cushey of Curtis Pharmaciesin PA, where pharmacy closures are leaving entire towns with no access to medications. This is not fiction. It’s what happens when Congress ignores the backbone of public health.
📉 Reimbursement drops
🏥 Pharmacies close
🧓 Patients suffer
💀 Access dies
PART TWO: Calvin Hunsicker, Founder of SureCost – Smarter Pharmacy Starts Here Tech visionary Calvin Hunsicker dives into SureCost at NoCost, a summer promo offering pharmacies three months of SureCost free. Why? Because it works — slashing cost of goods by 2–5% and saving valuable hours on purchasing. With $8.5B+ in transactions managed annually, Calvin shares how his time as a pharmacy owner led him to build a tech-forward platform now used by over 10,000 pharmacy pros.
PART THREE: Dr. Melissa Smith PharmD, CPH – Precision Medicine Meets Pharmacy Meet Dr. Melissa Smith, host of the upcoming PGx for Pharmacists podcast launching July 2025. A leader in precision medicine, Melissa explains how pharmacists can implement PGx to improve outcomes through genetic-guided medication decisions. Her new show will spotlight PGx integration, patient care, and how pharmacy is evolving to meet the demands of modern medicine.
Don’t miss this packed episode — because protecting public health isn’t a debate, it’s a duty. 👉 Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music & all major platforms.
🔗 ThisWeekinPharmacy.com #TWIRx #PharmacyPodcast #PBMReform #PublicHealth #SureCost #PGx #PharmacyAdvocacy

Building Your LTC at Home Pharmacy Business | TWIRx

In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy for May 16th, 2025, Pharmacy Podcast Network founder Todd Eury is joined by his co-host Dr. Ryan Paul Liabenow, PhD, CEO of Mango Health as they review TWIRx News. Our first segment, we explore the transformative potential of the Long-Term Care at Home (LTC@Home) pharmacy model. As healthcare shifts towards home-based care, pharmacies have a unique opportunity to expand their services beyond traditional settings. Key Discussion Points:
Strategic Partnership Spotlight: We delve into the recent collaboration between RxSafe/Eyecon, PharmaComplete, and the LTC@Home Pharmacy Network. This alliance aims to revolutionize pharmacy operations through automation and expert consulting, enhancing patient care in the LTC@Home space.
Expert Insights: Paul Shelton, founder of PharmaComplete and co-founder of the LTC@Home Pharmacy Network, shares his extensive experience in pharmacy operations and discusses strategies for pharmacies to successfully implement LTC@Home services.
Automation in Focus: We examine how RxSafe's Eyecon technology, including RapidPakRx and RapidCardRx, is streamlining compliance packaging and improving workflow efficiency for pharmacies transitioning to the LTC@Home model. 
Business Transformation: Learn how integrating LTC@Home services can lead to increased prescription volumes, enhanced patient outcomes, and new revenue streams for pharmacies.
Why This Matters:The LTC@Home model represents a significant shift in pharmacy services, aligning with the broader trend of patient-centered, home-based care. By adopting this model, pharmacies can play a pivotal role in reducing hospitalizations and improving the quality of life for patients requiring long-term care.
 
On the second feature, we spotlight a remarkable family legacy that’s shaped community pharmacy in Salt Lake City for over 70 years. We’re talking about Jolley’s Compounding Pharmacy—a third-generation, family-owned pharmacy that continues to blend tradition with innovation.
 
From the pioneering vision of Joel Jolley in 1954 to the modern leadership of Dean Jolley, R.Ph., and now Dr. Benjamin Jolley, the Jolley family has remained committed to personalized care, compounding excellence, and pharmacist-driven leadership. Ben is joined by his sister, Megan Jolley Milne, PharmD, BCACP, entrepreneur and CEO of Nutranize. 
 
This Episode is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Eyecon RxSafe. 
 
Connect with Us:For more insights and updates, follow This Week in Pharmacy on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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