CPhT Connect The Podcast with Mike Johnston, CPhT

Welcome to another inspiring episode of CPhT Connect. In this installment, join your host, Mike Johnston, for an illuminating discussion with Emily, MS, CPhT, a seasoned pharmacy professional with a unique journey in the field. From her beginnings as a compounding technician to her venture into pharmaceutical sales and back again, Emily shares her captivating story of navigating various roles within the pharmacy landscape. Discover how Emily's initial leap of faith for love led her to unexpected opportunities in pharmacy, culminating in a fulfilling career that blends her passion for sales with her love for compounding. Gain insights into the essential traits for success in sales and business development, as Emily reflects on her experiences and offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals. Explore the challenges and rewards of charting new territories in pharmacy, as Emily discusses the thrill of creating innovative solutions and overcoming obstacles in her role. Hear firsthand about the power of belief in oneself and the importance of confidence in achieving personal and professional growth. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical insights from a pharmacy professional who's not afraid to blaze her own trail. Tune in now to hear Emily's remarkable journey and discover how you too can find success and fulfillment in the ever-evolving world of pharmacy.   Linkedin - Emily Durham, MS, CPhT | LinkedIn Revelation Pharma - Revelation Pharma: Overview | LinkedIn

Welcome to a special episode of CPhT Connect, presented in partnership with Drug Topics. Join your host, Mike Johnston, for an engaging conversation with Christine Cline-Dahlman, an Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician and President of Pharm Tech Forward. In this insightful episode, Christine shares her incredible journey from an unexpected partnership with pharmacy to her role as a contributor and advocate for the pharmacy community. As a veteran in the field, Christine's wisdom and passion shine as she discusses the exciting and creative opportunities for pharmacy technicians in patient care. Tune in to discover the inspiring story of how Christine's second career in pharmacy became an avenue for growth, learning, and making a meaningful impact. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cclinedahlmanpharmacy/

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston interviews Travis Church, a certified pharmacy technician with over 10 years of experience in the field. Travis shares his unique journey into pharmacy, from an accidental start at Walgreens to his role as an instructor at a vocational school. He also discusses the challenges and successes of setting up a low-cost pharmacy technician program and the valuable insights he gained along the way. Tune in to discover the diverse career opportunities available for pharmacy technicians and gain valuable industry knowledge.   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischurch26/ Email: travis.church.cpht@icloud.com

Join host Mike Johnston in this special episode of CPhT Connect as he interviews Stanley Warren, a seasoned certified pharmacy technician and founder of Pharmacy Stan Consulting. Published in partnership with Drug Topics, this episode highlights the work of leading independent community pharmacy technicians. Stan shares valuable insights on reimbursement rates, medication synchronization, and the importance of work-life balance for pharmacy technicians. Don't miss this episode for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing pharmacy technicians in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry.   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pharmacystan/ https://www.instagram.com/pharmacystan/?hl=en https://www.pharmacystan.com/ https://twitter.com/pharmacystan Phone: 305-205-0061 Email: stan@pharmacystan.com

Join us in this episode of CPhT Connect as Mike interviews Devin Wallace, a seasoned pharmacy technician and founder of Wallace Ventures Medical Sales & Consulting. Devin shares his remarkable career journey, from working in various pharmacy settings to establishing his own successful consulting company. He highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing new challenges in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Devin's expertise in regulatory compliance and product development shines through as he discusses his contributions to the field, including developing innovative solutions for sterile environments and supporting organizations with their compliance needs. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating your career as a pharmacy technician, leveraging your skills, and making a meaningful impact in the industry. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for pharmacy professionals seeking to unlock their full potential. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with Devin Wallace, CPhT, as he shares his wisdom and passion for making a difference in healthcare. Devin Wallace: LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/devin-wallace Email – devin@wallace.ventures Website – www.kindmop.com Cell – 970-689-2784

In this special CPhT CONNECT episode in partnership with Drug Topics, host Mike Johnston sits down with Meredith Ayers, an experienced CPhT-Adv, about her journey in the field and the unique role of technicians in independent pharmacies. They discuss the importance of trust and respect in retaining talented technicians, the diverse responsibilities technicians can have within a pharmacy, and the culture at Bremo Pharmacy that fosters a family-like environment. Ayers emphasizes the need for independent pharmacies to diversify their business models beyond prescription filling and highlights the opportunities in cash-based clinical services and medical billing. She encourages technicians to be proactive, seek growth opportunities, and collaborate with pharmacy owners to contribute to the pharmacy's goals. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving role of pharmacy technicians and the challenges and opportunities faced by independent pharmacies.

Join us in this week's CPhT Connect episode, as Mike sits down with Polo Heysquierdo, a seasoned pharmacy technician who shares his personal journey and valuable advice on career planning and pursuing one's passions. Polo, currently the Willow Inpatient Analyst for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, emphasizes the importance of having a well-thought-out plan and discovering one's true aspirations. He encourages pharmacy technicians to explore diverse interests and leverage their skills to create a path tailored to their goals. Mike and Polo discuss the significance of being open to new opportunities and continuously learning and growing in the profession. Polo's story serves as an inspiration to listeners, demonstrating how pharmacy technicians can navigate their careers and unlock their full potential. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with practical tips and motivation for your own career journey. 

In our newest podcast episode on CPhT Connect, Mike engages in a conversation with Hunter Hill, a certified pharmacy technician working as the Supervisor for Compliance, Quality, and Safety at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. As they dive into Hunter's journey, they discuss the creation of his role from scratch, the challenges he encountered, and the skills required for success. With genuine insights and practical advice, Hunter emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, open-mindedness, and effective communication when working alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals. This episode offers an inspiring narrative that resonates with pharmacy technicians seeking growth opportunities and the chance to make a difference in their field.

In this week's episode of CPhT Connect, Mike speaks with Beth Shelton, a certified pharmacy technician, and currently the Customer Engagement Specialist for PharmSaver. With a diverse range of skills and experiences in content management, social media, and customer service, Beth shares her insights on staying current in the pharmacy industry, the importance of networking, and the value of not burning bridges in one's career. She emphasizes the power of being open-minded, flexible, and adaptable in navigating professional opportunities and challenges. Beth's story serves as an inspiration for pharmacy technician listeners who are interested in exploring similar roles and finding success in their careers.

Join us for another inspiring and informative episode on CPhT Connect. In this week's episode, Mike sits down with Rafael Roman, a seasoned pharmacy technician with a wealth of experience and a passion for mentorship and career advancement. Rafael shares his journey, from starting as a pharmacy technician at Eckerds Pharmacy to becoming the Training Coordinator of the Technical Operations EPIC Implementation Team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the skills required for success in his role, and his long-term goal of bridging the gap between pharmacy technicians and pharmacists. If you're a technician seeking motivation and guidance for your career, this episode is a must-listen.

In this week's episode on CPhT Connect, Mike interviews Laura Burress about her journey as a Certified Compounding Technician at Carolina Compounding & Nutritional Pharmacy. Laura discusses her experience in the field, the importance of attention to detail and following procedures in compounding modifications, the software program used in their pharmacy, and how they stay up to date with advancements in the field. She also shares her aspirations for the future and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a similar career path. This episode provides valuable insights into the world of compounding pharmacy and offers inspiration for listeners considering a career in this field.

Join us for this inspiring episode of our CPhT Connect Podcast, where we dive into the world of pharmacy technicians with the experienced and passionate Jeremy Cates. As an independent pharmacy technician, Jeremy shares his firsthand knowledge of the rewards and challenges of the role. He highlights the significance of patient outcomes and the joy of hearing success stories. Jeremy also sheds light on the difficulties faced by independent pharmacies in the current landscape, such as declining reimbursements and rising medication prices. He shares valuable advice for technicians, emphasizing the importance of a willingness to learn, consistent dedication, and adaptability in the ever-evolving field. If you're a pharmacy technician seeking motivation and guidance, this episode is a must-listen as Jeremy's insights and experiences will inspire you to preserve and find fulfillment in your career.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, join Mike as he engages in an insightful conversation with Briana Wukovich, a versatile pharmacy technician, as she shares her diverse career journey and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. From transitioning from retail to hospital pharmacy, exploring various roles within a health system, and leveraging networking opportunities, to her passion for neurodiversity and ADHD coaching, Briana's story is one of adaptability, continuous learning, and pursuing meaningful opportunities. Discover the power of curiosity, the importance of empathy in patient care, and the possibilities that await pharmacy technicians in this engaging episode. Don't miss out on this inspiring and informative discussion.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, join us as we sit down with Angela Blueitt, a seasoned Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and Quality Assurance Analyst at Houston Methodist. Angela shares her inspiring journey in the pharmacy field, offering valuable insights into her previous experiences and current role in ensuring quality standards. Angela takes us behind the scenes of her work at Houston Methodist, shedding light on the intricate world of quality assurance in pharmacy. She discusses the crucial role of a CPhT in maintaining patient safety and satisfaction, highlighting the various challenges encountered in ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Throughout the conversation, Angela explores the importance of efficient communication and collaboration among pharmacy teams. She dives into the significance of leveraging technology to enhance workflow and optimize operational efficiency. Angela's expertise shines as she shares her experiences with implementing quality assurance initiatives and driving continuous improvement within Houston Methodist's pharmacy operations. Tune in to this engaging episode of CPhT Connect to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role CPhTs play in quality assurance and discover practical strategies for optimizing pharmacy operations in a dynamic healthcare environment. Whether you're a pharmacy technician or simply interested in the ever-evolving pharmacy landscape, this conversation with Angela Blueitt is sure to leave you informed and inspired.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, Mike speaks with Michael Shanabarger, a certified pharmacy technician advanced, and the pharmacy inventory system administrator at Parkview Health. Michael discusses his journey into pharmacy, his previous work experiences, and his current role in inventory management. Michael delves into the details of the pharmacy inventory management project at Parkview Health and the challenges they have encountered along the way including customizing existing software to work for pharmacy needs. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of pharmacy inventory management and the importance of centralizing operations.

In this week's episode of CPhT Connect, Mike interviews HeatherLyn Gray, a certified pharmacy technician with expertise in emergency management and infectious diseases. HeatherLyn recounts how her upbringing in Hawaii helped influence her interest in disaster preparedness. Listeners will learn about her work with the Special Pathogens Response Network, a team that respond to outbreaks of highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Ebola. HeatherLyn also touches upon the challenges of handling radiation events and the importance of collaboration and interconnectedness in emergency response efforts. Aspiring pharmacy technicians will find HeatherLyn's advice on pursuing a similar career path invaluable – her tip to ask questions and take the initiative. Please listen for an engaging discussion on the crucial role of pharmacy technicians in public health crises and emergency management.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston Interviews Chris Lobo, a certified pharmacy technician and pharmacy services manager at Fresenius Kabi USA. Chris shares his journey from starting as a pharmacy technician to becoming a lead trainer and eventually transitioning to a sales and clinical education role. He emphasizes the importance of networking, being strategic, and taking risks in advancing one's career as a pharmacy technician The episode provides valuable insights for pharmacy technicians looking to make a difference in the industry.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, Mike interviews pharmacy informatics specialist Nichole Barnes about her career journey in pharmacy. Nichole shares her experience of starting as a pharmacy technician and working her way up to a leadership role in pharmacy informatics. She provides insightful advice for listeners interested in pursuing a similar career path, including the importance of asking questions, reading materials that others may overlook, and giving oneself the job title they want. Please listen to this inspiring conversation for practical tips on advancing your pharmacy career. 

In this week's episode on CPhT Connect, we hear from Gerardo Ramirez, a community health worker and pharmacy technician who shares his journey and career path in healthcare. Gerardo discusses his experience working with patients, advocating for their needs, and his role as an instructor in pharmacology. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, willingness to learn, and staying up-to-date with industry resources to succeed in these roles. Gerardo also shares his long-term goal of becoming a pharmacist and offers advice for listeners interested in pursuing similar career paths.

In this week's episode of CPhT CONNECT, we speak with Tom Gibson, who leveraged his experience as a pharmacy technician and supervisor to land a dream job. Tom started as a tech at a local drugstore, where a chance encounter with the manager sparked his passion. Soon he was supervising 40+ techs at a hospital, optimizing workflows, and thriving under pressure. Now a systems analyst, Tom helps implement the technologies streamlining pharmacy technician lives nationwide. Yet, despite his success, Tom's roots as a tech run deep. He's here to share the wisdom of a trailblazer who never forgot where he came from. Whether you seek to lead or innovate, Tom's story proves the endless possibilities for pharmacy technicians. Listen in for an episode to innovate and inspire as CPhT CONNECT, helps you connect to the future of this fast-growing field.

This week's CPhT Connect episode features an exclusive interview with Dena Wallace, a CPhT-Adv and Regional Clinical Account Manager extraordinaire. Dena discusses her thrilling career journey from veterinary work to retail pharmacy to her current role with the cutting-edge company EQUASHIELD, which provides next-level automated compounding technology. Dena shares how she skillfully leveraged her valuable experience at every turn to rocket forward in her career. This episode highlights the abundance of exhilarating career paths available to savvy pharmacy technicians looking to blaze their own trail. Make sure to check out this episode!

This week's CPhT Connect podcast featured Matthew Rewald, BS, CPhT, DPLA, Pharmacy Technician Education Coordinator at Mayo Clinic. Matthew shared his journey to his current role, which spanned over 20 years and multiple positions. Like many in the pharmacy field, Matthew started in a community pharmacy and then pursued new opportunities to advance his career. He emphasized continually developing your skills and education to make yourself more marketable for new roles. Matthew's story is an excellent reminder that advancing your career is often an "accidental journey with purpose." Even when the path isn't clear, preparing yourself for new opportunities can lead to exciting places.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Bridget Hanna, a certified pharmacy technician who has gone above and beyond to become a pharmacy marketing specialist and owner of Independent Edge Consulting! In this episode, Bridget shares her incredible story of starting as a pharmacy technician and the determination, hard work, and dedication that led her to where she is today.  Bridget discusses the challenges and lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, networking, and proactively taking on new responsibilities. Bridget's insights will inspire and motivate technicians looking to expand their roles and take their careers to the next level. Listeners will be captivated by Bridget's passion for the pharmacy industry and her unwavering commitment to making a difference. So buckle up and get ready to be inspired by Bridget's incredible journey! 

Are you interested in a career in the pharmacy industry? Please look no further than this podcast featuring Daniel Kyes, Regional Pharmacy Training and Quality Specialist at New England Life Center. Dan shares his valuable insights on the pharmacy industry in our podcast and offers helpful tips on succeeding. He even gives a glimpse into his journey and his steps to get to where he is now. So, if you're ready to take your pharmacy career to the next level, tune in and let Daniel's wisdom guide you! 

In this podcast, Pharmacy Supervisor Yvonne Fairbanks recounts her professional journey in pharmacy. She delves into her previous work experiences that paved the way for her current role while offering insightful guidance for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in pharmacy. Yvonne's candid discussion provides a firsthand glimpse into the industry as she shares her personal stories of triumphs and obstacles encountered throughout her career. This informative conversation with Yvonne is a must-listen for anyone seeking valuable knowledge about the pharmacy industry.

In this podcast, Kevin Judeich, Licensing and Accrediting Specialist for Curexa Pharmacy discusses his career journey in pharmacy. He shares the work experience that enabled him to get to his current role, plus he gives insightful advice to those looking to have a future in pharmacy. This podcast gives listeners an inside look into the industry as Kevin unravels stories of the challenges and successes he faced during the course of his career. Don't miss this informative conversation with Kevin, as it will provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in the pharmacy industry.   

In this week's episode, Exploring Career Path Options, Mike sits down with Brittani Stone, a highly experienced certified pharmacy technician. Brittani shares her journey in the pharmaceutical industry, starting as a pharmacy tech and now serving as a Clinical Research Associate at Syneos Health. She provides valuable insights and advice for other pharmacy technicians looking to advance their careers. Don't miss this informative and inspiring conversation with Brittani Stone on CPhT Connect, as she sheds light on the opportunities and challenges in the world of pharmacy and the role of a Clinical Research Associate.

In this week's episode, we sit down with two pharmacy technicians who currently serve on their State Board of Pharmacy. Autumn Hawks from Utah and Kristen Snair from Arizona discuss what their experience has been like serving on the state board of pharmacy as a technician as well as what the process was to get appointed. 

When people think about the issues related to pharmacy they inevitably think of the opioid epidemic, as portrayed in the Netflix documentary The Pharmacist and the Hulu series Dopesick. But sadly, the problems in pharmacy extend much further and have existed far longer. Corporate chains like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens have taken over community pharmacy, elbowing out patient-focused independent pharmacies, and forcing a retail sales environment. The chains ratcheted up production for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to a fast-food pace along with adding metrics for upsells and serving times.

We've got a very special episode for you this week...and you can actually earn a free hour of CE from it. This week's episode is a recording from a recent conversation and live CE program we held with Dr. Ally Dering-Anderson all about grassroots advocacy.

This is part two of a discussion with LaQuoia Johnson, PharmD, pharmacy consultant, and life and leadership coach. In this episode, we discuss her five-step framework for inclusive leadership, how to equip and train emerging leaders, and advice on dealing with burnout and toxic work environments.

This is part one of a discussion with LaQuoia Johnson, PharmD, pharmacy consultant and life and leadership coach. In this episode we discuss the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the pharmacy and how pharmacy technicians can work to ensure proper behaviors and standards are met in the workplace.

This is part two of a discussion with Matthew Grissinger, Director of Education at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). In this episode, Mike and Matthew discuss the case of RaDonda Vaught and how disrespectful behaviors in the pharmacy can lead to more burnout for pharmacy technicians. Access the survey here: https://www.pharmacytechnician.org/npta/Safety.asp ISMP's website

This is part one of a discussion with Matthew Grissinger, Director of Education at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). In this episode, Mike and Matthew cover the partnership between NPTA and ISMP and how a survey collecting data regarding burnout and poor working conditions could help improve patient safety in the pharmacy. Access the survey here: https://www.pharmacytechnician.org/npta/Safety.asp ISMP's website

In this episode, Mike sits down with Elizabeth Johnson, LPN, the Chief Executive Officer for MedicoCX as well as the co-founder and the President of the National Association of Medication Access & Patient Advocacy, to discuss the National Association of Medication Access & Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA) and its mission as well as what to expect from this year's Healthcare Advocate Summit. 

This episode is from our FIRST LIVE podcast recording during the third day of our Pharmacy Technician Student Summit. In this episode, Mike sits down with Jessica Langley, Executive Director of Education and Advocacy at the National Healthcareer Association, and Jeremy Sasser, Pharmacy Content Strategist at the National Healthcareer Association, to discuss NHA's national certification exam for pharmacy technicians, advocacy efforts, and how the association provides a multitude of pathways and opportunities for aspiring pharmacy technicians.

In this episode, Mike and Dr. Faast discuss the idea of the 6 pillars of pharmacy profitability. Dr. Faast dives into what each one of the pillars is as well as how anyone in the pharmacy, whether it is a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, can do to succeed and accomplish these 6 pillars. Dr. Faast talks about Pharmacy Badass University.

This week, Mike is joined by Dr. Lisa Faast as they discuss how to be a pharmacy badass. This is part one of the discussion as they cover how Dr. Faast came up with the idea behind her podcast "Becoming a Pharmacy Badass as well as how that idea should be implemented by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in their day-to-day operations in the pharmacy.