CVS Healthcare Careers Podcast

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Katie Angione PharmD and Sandeep Bali PharmD about CVS Health Specialty Pharmacy with a focus on HIV pharmacy. Listen and hear about their experiences within CVS Health Specialty, career paths, and learn about how they provide patient care to put our HIV patients on the path to better health. If you are a Pharmacy Intern or Pharmacist interested in Specialty Pharmacy then this is a must listen for you. Pharmacy Students- Please join our free Student Success Center to find great resources on CVS Health and your enhance your development https://cvs.jobs/StudentSuccessCenter For more information about CVS Health Careers, click the links below:  For Pharmacists: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/pharmacist-overview For Internships: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/internships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Kira Weaver PharmD and Neil Simon PharmD about Pharmacy Internships within CVS Health. Both have experienced our Pharmacy Internships and are now Pharmacists.  Listen and hear about their experiences within CVS Health Internships and learn about how Internship opportunities CVS Health provides can help you find your Pharmacy Practice path. If you are a Pharmacy Intern then this is a must listen for you. For more information about CVS Health Careers, click the links below:  For Pharmacists: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/pharmacist-overview For Internships: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/internships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Justin Koch, PharmD recapping the first two Pharmacy rotations podcasts and then visits with two of our Rotation Preceptors:  Nate Burrell (Business Leadership Rotation) and Kristian Walker (Long Term Care Rotation) within CVS Health. Listen and explore the many practices of Pharmacy within CVS Health rotations such as Specialty, Community, Managed Care, Home Infusion and Long Term Care. If you are a Pharmacy Intern then this is a must listen for you. Interns, email us at RxCareers@CVSHealth.com with any questions about our rotations For more information about CVS Health Careers, click this link:  https://cvs.jobs/2VswVD9  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Tammy Lewis, Coram Home Infusion Clinical Pharmacist about the practice of home infusion pharmacy at CVS Health. Tammy will tell us about her career path to becoming a home infusion pharmacist and what she does on a daily basis. If you are a current Pharmacist or Pharmacy Intern, listen in so you can learn firsthand about the Coram Home Infusion Pharmacist and if this is the career path for you. For more information about CVS Health Careers, click the links below:  For Pharmacists: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/pharmacist-overview For Internships: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/internships Coram 360 degree tour link: https://youtu.be/2TEYfPBr5Ss Other Coram Pharmacist sharing how they practice: https://youtu.be/Ctbip92gP9A    https://youtu.be/s-u5JLPrkmY See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Jimmy Gallagher RPh about the Summer Pharmacy Internships within CVS Health. We then go directly to the people that have experienced our Pharmacy Internships, current Interns Rachel and Danielle.  Listen and hear about their experiences within CVS Health Summer Internships and learn about just a few of the focused Summer Internship opportunities CVS Health can provide. If you are a Pharmacy Intern then this is a must listen for you. For more information about CVS Health Careers, click the links below:  For Pharmacists: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/pharmacist-overview For Internships: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/internships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Jimmy Gallagher RPh about Pharmacy Internships within CVS Health. Listen and explore the many internships of Pharmacy within CVS Health rotations such as Specialty, Community, Managed Care, Home Infusion and Long Term Care. If you are a Pharmacy Intern then this is a must listen for you. For more information about CVS Health Careers and Internships, click https://tinyurl.com/CVSHealthInternships For our CVS Careers Mobile App click below: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/Mobile-App See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Justin Koch, PharmD about  Pharmacy rotations within CVS Health. We then go directly to the people that have experienced our Pharmacy Rotations, current Interns Manny and Naomi.   Listen and hear about their experiences within CVS Health Rotations and learn about just a few of the many rotations opportunities CVS Health can provide. If you are a Pharmacy Intern then this is a must listen for you. For more information about CVS Health Careers, click the links below:  For Pharmacists: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/pharmacist-overview For Internships: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/internships Here's part one of this Rotations Podcast:  https://omny.fm/shows/pharmacy-podcast-network/pharmacy-rotations-cvs-health-careers-podcast-seri  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmacy Rotations Today on the CVS Health Careers Pharmacy Podcast Tyson Cromeens, PharmD talks with Justin Koch, PharmD about the multitude of Pharmacy rotations within CVS Health. Listen and explore the many practices of Pharmacy within CVS Health rotations such as Specialty, Community, Managed Care, Home Infusion and Long Term Care. If you are a Pharmacy Intern then this is a must listen for you. For more information about CVS Health Careers, click this link:  https://cvs.jobs/2VswVD9  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyson Cromeens RPh PharmD Sr. Advisor Pharmacist Recruitment Strategy interviews Alexa Hospodar PharmD PGY-1 Managed Care Pharmacy Resident at CVS Health & Sarah McLarty, PharmD Specialty Innovations Resident at CVS Health.  CVS wants you to grow. It’s why we offer fellowship and residency programs that give you the support and training you need to thrive professionally and personally. Residency & Fellowship Duration: July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Application Deadline: January 3, 2019 PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Pharm.D. education and outcomes to contribute to the development of a clinical pharmacist responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training. More information here:  https://jobs.cvshealth.com/page/show/pharmacy-residencies-fellowships  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights of the Retail Spanish Immersion Internship: Participate in the care of patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, focusing on the Hispanic community and utilizing the Spanish language Application of therapeutic principles, communication skills (including Spanish), and drug information skills are emphasized on a daily basis through interaction with patients and other health care professionals Immersion with the Hispanic community and related disease states associated with those patients This is a summer paid internship held fromJune- August 2019 with continued year-round employment with flexible hours Who is eligible?  External applicants and currently employed CVS Health Interns who are currently a P1 (Class of 2022) or P2 (Class of 2021) enrolled in a US College of Pharmacy While fluency in Spanish is not mandatory to apply, Spanish courses previously taken in high school and/or college, or prior participation in mission trips to Spanish speaking countries would be a preferred qualification Key Dates Application period: December 2018 – March 30, 2019 Pharmacy applicant video screens: December 2018-  - March 30, 2019 Pharmacy applicant interviews: December 2018 - March 30, 2019 Intern selections finalized: April 15, 2019 If you are interested in learning more about this program, please Click Here to receive more details and application instructions. Cities and States where the 2019 Internship will be held: *multiple opportunities exist in certain metropolitan markets ARIZONA Phoenix Tucson CALIFORNIA Watsonville, Santa Maria, Santa Ana, Pacoima, Van Nuys, Tulare, Porterville, Salinas, Los Banos, East Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, Southgate, El Monte, Hemet, San Diego, Chula Vista, San Jose, Redwood City, North Hollywood, Hemet, La Puente, Soledad, Canoga Park CONNECTICUT New Britan FLORIDA Davenport Miami Kissimmee GEORGIA Atlanta ILLINOIS Chicago MARYLAND Hytattsville Langley Park Riverdale MASSACHUSETTS Lawrence MICHIGAN Detroit NEVADA Las Vegas North Las Vegas NEW JERSEY Elizabeth Newark West New York NEW YORK Central Islip Queens NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte RHODE ISLAND Central Falls TEXAS Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, El Paso, Farmers Branch, Harlingen, Houston, Central Houston,  San Antonio, Weslaco, Zapata VIRGINIA Falls Church Fredricksburg Richmond WISCONSIN Milwaukee       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CVS Health Sponsors a 3-Part Podcast Series on 2018 Retail Spanish Immersion Internship. This is part 3 of our 3 part series.  Here's part 1:  http://pharmacypodcast.com/podcast/2018-retail-spanish-immersion-internship-cvs-health/ Here's part 2:  https://soundcloud.com/pharmacy-podcast/2018-retail-spanish-immersion  We welcome our guests: Ron Snow Sr. Advisor, Pharmacist Recruitment Strategist  Cara (Walkup) Healey Sr Advisor, Pharmacist Talent Acquisition at CVS Health  CLICK HERE: http://cvs.co/spanishimmersion  Highlights of the 2018 Retail Spanish Immersion Internship: 10 week paid internship within a CVS Health Retail location. Participate in the care of patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, focusing on the Hispanic community and utilizing the Spanish language Application of therapeutic principles, communication skills (including Spanish), and drug information skills are emphasized on a daily basis through interaction with patients and other health care professionals Immersion with the Hispanic community and related disease states associated with those patients Complete appropriate Phase training of the CVS intern program, ExperienceRx, to fulfill the Interns’ training, in addition to the Spanish/Hispanic experience Fluency in Spanish is not mandatory to apply. Spanish courses previously taken in high school and/or college, or prior participation in mission trips to Spanish speaking countries may provide a baseline knowledge for program participation Medical Spanish Course offered to assist in the intern’s development of counseling Spanish speaking patients. Internship held from June 4th- through August 10th, 2018- these dates are firm   Key Dates Application period: Now – February 16, 2018 Pharmacy applicant video screens: Now – March 1, 2018 Pharmacy applicant interviews: February 1- March 15, 2018 Intern selections finalized: April 1, 2018 Who is eligible? Pharmacy Interns who are currently enrolled in a US College of Pharmacy in their first professional year/P1 (Class of 2021) or second professional year/P2 (Class of 2020) year. They can be already employed by CVS or not yet employed for consideration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CVS Health Sponsors Part 2 of the 3 part series on 2018 Retail Spanish Immersion Internship. Here's Part One:  http://pharmacypodcast.com/podcast/2018-retail-spanish-immersion-internship-cvs-health/ We welcome our guests and last year's interns: Alejandra Sierra Itzel Alfaro-Rivas  Nathaniel Moore  CLICK HERE: http://cvs.co/spanishimmersion  Highlights of the 2018 Retail Spanish Immersion Internship: 10 week paid internship within a CVS Health Retail location. Participate in the care of patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, focusing on the Hispanic community and utilizing the Spanish language Application of therapeutic principles, communication skills (including Spanish), and drug information skills are emphasized on a daily basis through interaction with patients and other health care professionals Immersion with the Hispanic community and related disease states associated with those patients Complete appropriate Phase training of the CVS intern program, ExperienceRx, to fulfill the Interns’ training, in addition to the Spanish/Hispanic experience Fluency in Spanish is not mandatory to apply. Spanish courses previously taken in high school and/or college, or prior participation in mission trips to Spanish speaking countries may provide a baseline knowledge for program participation Medical Spanish Course offered to assist in the intern’s development of counseling Spanish speaking patients. Internship held from June 4th- through August 10th, 2018- these dates are firm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CVS Health Sponsors a 3-Part Podcast Series on 2018 Retail Spanish Immersion Internship.  We welcome our guests: Scott Lason Pharmacist Recruiting Strategist Cristina M. Medina, Pharm D. Senior Advisor, Professional and College Relations  CLICK HERE:   http://cvs.co/spanishimmersion Highlights of the 2018 Retail Spanish Immersion Internship: 10 week paid internship within a CVS Health Retail location. Participate in the care of patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, focusing on the Hispanic community and utilizing the Spanish language Application of therapeutic principles, communication skills (including Spanish), and drug information skills are emphasized on a daily basis through interaction with patients and other health care professionals Immersion with the Hispanic community and related disease states associated with those patients Complete appropriate Phase training of the CVS intern program, ExperienceRx, to fulfill the Interns’ training, in addition to the Spanish/Hispanic experience Fluency in Spanish is not mandatory to apply. Spanish courses previously taken in high school and/or college, or prior participation in mission trips to Spanish speaking countries may provide a baseline knowledge for program participation Medical Spanish Course offered to assist in the intern’s development of counseling Spanish speaking patients. Internship held from June 4th- through August 10th, 2018- these dates are firm   Key Dates Application period: Now - February 16, 2018 Pharmacy applicant video screens: Now - March 1, 2018 Pharmacy applicant interviews: February 1- March 15, 2018 Intern selections finalized: April 1, 2018 Who is eligible? Pharmacy Interns who are currently enrolled in a US College of Pharmacy in their first professional year/P1 (Class of 2021) or second professional year/P2 (Class of 2020) year. They can be already employed by CVS or not yet employed for consideration. The 2018 summer program has 53 possible positions in these cities & states: Phoenix #1, AZ Phoenix #2, AZ Douglas, AZ Bell, CA Santa Ana, CA Santa Maria, CA Ventura, CA Van Nuys, CA Pacoima, CA Salinas, CA Tulare, CA Watsonville, CA Los Banos, CA El Monte, CA South El Monte, CA East Los Angeles, CA Downtown Los Angeles, CA Southgate, CA Kissimmee, FL Orlando-Davenport, FL Miami- Central #1, FL Miami- Central #2, FL Miami- Hialeah, FL Miami- Miami Beach, FL Miami- Kendall, Fl Miami- West Miami, FL Chicago #1, IL Chicago #2, IL Chicago #3, IL Lawrence #1, MA Lawrence #2, MA Langley Park, MD Hyattsville, MD North Bergen, NJ West New York-NJ, NJ Newark, NJ Elizabeth- Store 955, NJ Elizabeth- Store 7613, NJ Santa Fe, NM Central Islip, NY Ridgewood, NY Weslaco, TX Donna, TX Alamo, TX Central Houston, TX El Paso 1, TX El Paso 2, TX San Antonio 1, TX San Antonio 2, TX El Paso- CVS in Target, TX Springfield, VA Milwaukee, WI See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building Your Pharmacy Career – Pharmacy Podcast Series part II Sponsored by CVS Health Careers:  Millions of times a day, pharmacists are helping people on their path to better health—from advising on prescriptions to helping manage chronic and specialty conditions. Because pharmacists are present in so many moments, big and small, they have an active, supportive role in shaping the future of health care. Today’s interview is with CVS Health Careers Papatya Tankut, R.Ph. Vice President, Pharmacy Affairs at CVS Health.  Where my career began and how it advanced through the years I am a 1994 graduate of the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy with a B.S. in Pharmacy I have been working for CVS Health (CVS Pharmacy) ever since I graduated from Pharmacy School – 23 years ago My career began as a pharmacist in the Washington Metro area, and soon transitioned to a pharmacy manager After four and a half years directly serving patients, I was promoted to a field management role, Manager, Professional and College Relations. In that role, I was responsible for recruiting and hiring pharmacists and interns for our stores in the Washington Metro and Central Pennsylvania markets – building relationships with the area schools of pharmacy and the professional associations. Five years into that position, I was approached to interview for the Director of Pharmacy Recruiting position, located in the corporate office in Woonsocket, RI. My responsibilities involved owning the recruitment strategy for the organization at a time when CVS was heavily focused on acquiring many large retail competitors (Eckerd, Savon/Osco, Longs) In 2005, having 1 year under my belt in the corporate office, I was approached to take on a newly created role of Vice President, Pharmacy Professional Services. This position encompassed many challenging facets of the professional side of pharmacy – recruitment of pharmacist and interns, clinical services, quality assurance and patient safety, regulatory compliance and professional practice standards. Since moving to the corporate office, I also had the unique opportunity of being media trained and serving as a spokesperson for key pharmacy issues affecting our business and industry At the end of 2013, after having spent my entire pharmacy career in Pharmacy Operations, I was asked to consider a position in Corporate Communications as the Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs, the role I hold today. This role initially began as responsibility for establishing and deepening the Company’s relationships with non-profit, governmental and other health-based organizations to raise awareness of the many ways CVS Health is helping people on their path to better health. Today, it has continued to evolve into managing our company’s Corporate Communications Public Affairs strategy through position CVS Health as a relevant leader in the health care landscape expanding our influence with the policymaker audience all with the intent of enhancing the company’s visibility and marketplace. Finally, in August 2016 I also assumed the ownership and management of our Corporate Meetings and Events Department. As the profession of pharmacy and the landscape continues to evolve and change, the opportunities and career tracks for pharmacists have significantly progressed too More than a decade or so ago, it was customary for pharmacists to generally choose from 2 to 3 career tracks – community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy or continued education through residency programs. Today, a pharmacist’s career path is endless. Many pharmacists take advantage of the traditional frontline pharmacist roles, while others have the ability to venture into field and areas of healthcare where a pharmacist role is important. Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare delivery system where their medication and drug expertise are critical, their ability to educate and influence around immunizations and opioids are imperative to public health and their presence in the community is paramount. With the years of training and preparedness, pharmacists are playing a very important role in helping people on their path to better health – whether it’s on the frontline or in management or consultant roles. Working for CVS Health feels like the opportunity to explore and work for many different companies – all under one roof. The opportunities are truly endless A pharmacist at CVS Health is a pharmacist with endless opportunities. Many graduating students will begin their career as a pharmacist at CVS Health – whether it’s in the retail pharmacies, at a specialty pharmacy or at one of our mail order facilities. The roles and responsibilities vary and colleagues have the opportunity to explore different workplace settings throughout their career In addition to the practicing pharmacist roles, many corporate departments across the organization are led by or include pharmacists on their teams. Some are more tradition than others. Pharmacy Operations, Store Operations, Regulatory, Legal and Government Affairs, Underwriting and Contracting, Clinical Operations, Marketing, Merchandising, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, and Government Services to name a few With the many business units at CVS Health, pharmacists can have a career that spans from ‘Cradle to Grave’, feeling like a new opportunity each time. Working in a retail store is very different than a management position, which is very different that working for our Omnicare or MinuteClinic divisions. Having a sound education, being open to new opportunities and willing to take risks is key to success in Pharmacy and CVS Health is certainly a company to help you get there CVS Health is a great place to start your career and a great place to end your career Many times, pharmacists are asked why they chose pharmacy as a career– and the answer is always the same – to have the opportunity to take care of patients. That’s the most rewarding part of the profession. Being a CVS pharmacist in the many 100+ different positions and roles that are available provides that gratification and send of accomplishment Opportunities are sometimes a clear fit for a pharmacist, and other times they require the individual to assume some risk and work in a white space area With all scenarios, the organization is ready to walk with you as you take the next step in your desired career path.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of times a day, pharmacists are helping people on their path to better health—from advising on prescriptions to helping manage chronic and specialty conditions. Because pharmacists are present in so many moments, big and small, they have an active, supportive role in shaping the future of health care.  Today's interview is with Colin DeWald, PharmD about his career with CVS Health.  CVS Health Careers with Colin DeWald, PharmD Introduction Name, current job position, graduate of URI CoP Background of career path since entering college (started off as biology major, transferred into pharmacy, became CVS pharmacy technician, became an intern, became a graduate intern, became a full time floater pharmacist, became a pharmacy manger) Why did I choose a career with CVS? CVS was very eager and willing to help me get started as a student hoping to go the pharmacy school to become a pharmacist Many career paths available (other than the role of a traditional community pharmacist) Patient interaction Transition from student to pharmacist Can be very stressful, but you have many resources available to make this transition go smoothly Work experience early on Develop a relationship with your Rx supervisor Use your rotations as a time to prepare for your license exams What is the first day/ first several months like as an RPh? Day 1- expect to feel nervous, but rely on your team/supervisor for help. You are not alone and you should never feel like you have no idea what you are doing. It is expected that you will run into roadblocks so use your resources! Its ok that you are “slow,” it takes time for every RPh to adjust It will take at least a few months to master the basics of daily workflow- and to really feel comfortable There will always be new challenges to develop your skills as a leader Learning new things everyday While the job is retail, I am constantly using my clinical knowledge (the profession is shifting more and more in this direction) Leadership Opportunities within first year Pharmacy Manager Most rewarding role I’ve had with CVS so far APhA certified Immunization trainer for my district Foundations for leading  Check out - CVS Careers  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Roads into Loving Your Retail Pharmacy Career PART 5  Special Guest Ron Snow, Manager, Professional & College Relations CVS Health  The FINAL CHAPTER in the series, PART 5:  Play nice with others – This is a combo of all the 4 previous steps, but ask yourself how you and your pharmacy business can play nicely with others. Is there a visiting nurse service you could partner with in the community? Is there a way you could organize a community task force for disaster relief if, God forbid, something happens to your community? What about a tox away day? Can you set up a phone tree with other pharmacists to prevent theft and diversion in pharmacy? What can you do with strong non profits in your area that would help the community? Can you bring the community IN to your pharmacy to hang out and be a spot of joy and hope for your neighborhood, instead of another icky task they have to check off of their list? Ask yourself one more time what your strengths are, and how you can add them to your world around you to create a better retail pharmacy world. Maybe that’s through a broader, interprofessional pathway that could lead you to feeling FANTASTIC about your career of pharmacy. After all, you picked a great profession! The sky is the limit….! The article for all parts of the series: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-roads-loving-your-retail-pharmacy-career-erin-l-?trk=mp-reader-card Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/snowmanrph Sponsored by CVS Health Careers Click here: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Roads into Loving Your Retail Pharmacy Career PART 4 Special Guest Chad Lesczynski Pharmacy Supervisor at CVS Health Indianapolis, Indiana Area Step up – Volunteer. Do extra work. Show upper management that you want to train/teach/beta test/write/speak/ manage/help/recruit others and grow within your company or chain. Be the liaison between your pharmacy school alma mater and your chain. Take students on rotation and precept. The more you do and do well, the more you’ll get noticed, which is critical if you want to move up in the company you’re working within. Chad's linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcvs   Chad's Twitter: @chadlesczynski Sponsored by CVS Health Careers  Click here: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ok, Pharmacy Podcast listeners, I’m starting to feel a bit…guilty. In writing an original post, then creating a 5-part mini series about the 5 Roads out of Retail Pharmacy over at Pharmacy Podcast, I’m worried that I may appear to be discounting or even trashing retail pharmacy. I’m not. Really! I learned a LOT of valuable lessons about managing people and caring for patients through my various retail pharmacy practice experiences. I also learned a lot of soft skills through those experiences as well – like patience, fortitude, endurance, creativity and problem-solving – that I never would have learned inside a classroom. 5 Roads Into Loving your Retail Pharmacy Career: 1. Own it – why not own your own store? It’s becoming a reality for many pharmacists these days. Shout out to one of the wholesalers in particular who helps pharmacy owners take their businesses and their professions to the next level. Many pharmacists long to be their own bosses. In fact, back in the day, EVERY pharmacist was a business owner, because there were no pharmacy chains. So, if you’re going to be in it to win it, why not own it? I’ve never owned a pharmacy, but I acted like an owner when I was the pharmacist in charge of my first pharmacy – so “ownership” doesn’t need to be literal–it can be a mindset here too! 2. Get out of the fishbowl – Just like Hazel Walker described this week on the Pharmacy Podcast, you need to build a network inside the profession of pharmacy and OUTSIDE. That INCLUDES networking in your local community, with the patients you serve. My first couple of pharmacy experiences had me surrounded by glass around the pharmacy – so we used to joke that sometimes, we needed to “get out of the fishbowl.” Examples of this: could you get out into the community and discover nursing homes that need adherence packaging for their patients that you could help with? Is there an acute facility in a rural setting that could use your pharmacy’s help? Do you have a hospice program in your community you could partner with? If you’re the new kid on the block, why not get out and say hi to the doctors in your local community? Get out of the fishbowl and investigate! 3. Niche it – I have a friend in retail (large chain) who created a really interesting niche for herself in community practice pharmacy, which led her to meeting the US Surgeon General! There are pharmacies (yes, even in chains) that specialize different areas of pharmacy practice. So, even if you work in a huge chain, ask yourself the following: what are my passions within this profession? Also, ask your CUSTOMERS what their needs are as well. Do you have an older population, a younger/new family population, or something else? Find and fill their needs, and in doing so, you may just have created yourself an amazing career corner in practice! Even better – once you become the “go to” guy or gal, can you help train others about it in your company? Who does compounding in your neck of the woods? If everyone is a hot potato with it, why not own it and run with it? What about wellness? What about preventative care? 4. Step up – Volunteer. Do extra work. Show upper management that you want to train/teach/beta test/write/speak/ manage/help/recruit others and grow within your company or chain. Be the liaison between your pharmacy school alma mater and your chain. Take students on rotation and precept. The more you do and do well, the more you’ll get noticed, which is critical if you want to move up in the company you’re working within. 5. Play nice with others – This is a combo of all the 4 previous steps, but ask yourself how you and your pharmacy business can play nicely with others. Is there a visiting nurse service you could partner with in the community? Is there a way you could organize a community task force for disaster relief if, God forbid, something happens to your community? What about a tox away day? Can you set up a phone tree with other pharmacists to prevent theft and diversion in pharmacy? What can you do with strong non profits in your area that would help the community? Can you bring the community IN to your pharmacy to hang out and be a spot of joy and hope for your neighborhood, instead of another icky task they have to check off of their list? Ask yourself one more time what your strengths are, and how you can add them to your world around you to create a better retail pharmacy world. Maybe that’s through a broader, interprofessional pathway that could lead you to feeling FANTASTIC about your career of pharmacy. After all, you picked a great profession! The sky is the limit….! Let's see what you all think about this post.  If it gains enough traction, I'll do another Pharmacy Podcast miniseries on it, because I know people who fit all 5 of these suggestions above.  Leave your thoughts below and we'll see if we need to create another mini series on this...until then, keep on rocking retail! p.s. This is GAME ON! Watch for this over at the pharmacy podcast this fall, beginning in October, 2016. Episode 1 - Introduction to the mini series Episode 2 - Dr. Amy Lenell Episode 3 - Dr. Kathy Campbell Episode 4 - Dr. Chad Lesczynski Episode 5 - Mr. Ron Snow Other items I mention in this show:   -List of Pharmacy Meetings: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cwxZoZdlLWl-MRNmAYYxFI8mRH-8AAlHWf8Xkr5FnOA/edit?usp=sharing   -List of Pharmacist Certifications: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KysSGcQQEcC9RHzQ5-IyBT-Z5Qk4dg2v9g4fGXUHUC4/edit?usp=sharing   -Healthcare Businesswomen's Association - http://www.hbanet.org/   -American College of Sports Medicine - http://www.acsm.org/   -Indiana Rural Health Association - http://www.indianaruralhealth.org/   -Erin's site: http://www.erinalbert.com/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.