Specialty Pharmacy Podcast

This week, host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President of Client Engagement, welcomes CSI Specialty Group's Richard H. Williams, RPh, to discuss key pharmaceutical trends to be aware of post-coronavirus and what opportunities may present themselves as the country begins a return to normalcy.

This week, host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President of Client Engagement, welcomes Senior Director of Supply Chain Consulting for CSI Specialty Group Ken Cyr. Ken joins the program to discuss how the healthcare supply chain industry has changed over his 25 years in the business and what opportunities are now available following the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSI Specialty Group's Richard H. Williams, RPh, joins host Andrew Maddigan to discuss how pharmaceutical manufacturers are working together in an unprecedented way to help address the Coronavirus crisis.

This week, host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President of Client Engagement, welcomes CSI Senior Consultant, Vijeev Menon, to break down the accreditation process in specialty pharmacy and illustrate how organizations, especially first-time applicants, can best prepare for success.

This week, Richard Williams, R.Ph., Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Innovation and Insights at CSI Specialty Group, joins host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement, to discuss the most impactful upcoming meetings and conferences in 2020 and how specialty pharmacy stakeholders can decide what events might be right for them to consider.

This week, Richard Williams, R.Ph., Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Innovation and Insights at CSI Specialty Group, joins host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement, to recap key takeaways from January’s 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference from San Francisco, CA. Don’t miss this overview featuring some of the major trends and announcements from industry leaders, emerging tech companies and private equity/investment firms at one of the year’s most influential healthcare conferences.

Biosimilars will be a critical element of the future of healthcare in the United States. Already in Europe, biosimilars have been widely adopted, allowing the European Union to save substantial amounts of money on healthcare. In this special centennial episode, Richard Williams, R.Ph., Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Innovation and Insights at CSI Specialty Group, joins host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement, to share new insights on the topic of pharmaceutical biosimilars.

In this episode, Richard Williams, R.Ph., Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Innovation and Insights at CSI Specialty Group, joins host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement, to share new insights on a busy fall conference season. Richard also breaks down the strategic priorities facing hospital pharmacies, Washington’s inertia on pharmacy policy, and the future of technology and healthcare.

Accreditation continues to be both relevant and essential for specialty pharmacies who want to earn a “seat at the table” and gain access to payor networks and specialty medication manufacturers. This week, host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President of Client Engagement, welcomes Vijeev Menon, Director of Specialty Pharmacy Consulting and Accreditation at CSI Specialty Group to dissect the role of accreditation in specialty pharmacy, reveal current trends, and propose methods to assist specialty pharmacies in their preparation for the accreditation process.

This week, host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement welcomes Brendan Reichert, Senior Vice President of Health System and IDN Consulting at CSI Specialty Group, to share insights on the 2019 State of Specialty Pharmacy Report and reveal where the market may be heading in the future.

The specialty pharmacy and home infusion drug market continues to burgeon along with an aging Baby Boomer population requiring increased Medicare services and specialized care, most notably in oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. In an effort to streamline costs, payors have prioritized alternative deployment methods and are now transitioning patients out of hospitals sooner and into less complex (and safe) treatment environments. This week, host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement welcomes Mary Jo Heglund, Director of Infusion Services at CSI Specialty Group, to discuss the current state of the infusion industry and how infusion and specialty pharmacies can manage risk and take control of their own destinies to drive success.

The US healthcare system continues to undergo dramatic changes, and the pharmaceutical industry, along with pharmacy, has a critical role to play in improving patient outcomes. From pricing to supply chain integrity, and from gene therapies to integrated delivery networks, the sands of the industry continue to shift with all stakeholders - government, manufacturers, big pharma, and patients - striving for a playing field that all can benefit from. In this episode, Richard Williams, R.Ph., Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Innovation and Insights at CSI Specialty Group, joins host Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement, for an in-depth discussion on the state of the pharmaceutical industry, the major obstacles now being faced, and how the future of the industry may play out.

The NASP Annual Meeting is the most effective way to stay abreast of the rapid developments across the specialty pharmacy landscape. And if you missed it, here’s the take from two industry leaders. This week, join Andrew Maddigan, Vice President, Client Engagement and Tricia Twaranovica, MS, RN, OCN, Regional Vice President at CSI Specialty Group, as they break down the latest developments in specialty pharmacy, including insights from senior executives, pharmacy directors, and other management-level personnel from across the specialty pharmacy spectrum.

In this episode of the CSI Specialty Pharmacy Podcast, Brian Maxon, director of sales and training for CSI Specialty Group, shares how sales training and intentional follow up have doubled referrals for one specialty pharmacy. During this 25-minute episode, Brian is joined by Max, and Crystal, two specialty pharmacy sales representatives, to share how the training has helped them overcome challenges in the field, increase sales, and skyrocket bonus pay.

In this episode, Suzette DiMascio, President and CEO of CSI Specialty Group, discusses the latest breaking developments across the specialty pharmacy spectrum. She also breaks down what to look forward to at the industry’s biggest conference, Asembia's Annual Specialty Pharmacy Summit in Las Vegas, including her role as moderator of the first-ever Women’s Leadership Forum at the event.

In this timely episode, host of the Specialty Pharmacy Podcast, CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, shares the can’t-miss 2019 specialty pharmacy conferences coming up just around the corner. If you want to know what specialty pharmacy stakeholders are looking for and how to get the most out of your next conference, this is the episode for you!

The old adage “If you build it, they will come,” does not apply to the world of specialty pharmacy. Many retail pharmacies desire to enter the specialty pharmacy realm, but few succeed. This week’s episode focuses on retail pharmacies or chains that have not yet built out their specialty pharmacy capabilities and wish to learn about industry best practices when entering the exploratory phase and developing their specialty pharmacy strategy. Tune in as Cam Jones, regional business development manager for CSI Specialty Group, shares how to develop a customized blueprint for a special pharmacy buildout. As a seasoned healthcare sales and consulting veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the field, Cam has guided retail pharmacies through every phase of the specialty pharmacy buildout process.

For many specialty pharmacies, your sales reps can be your greatest assets. However, 55% of all salespeople don’t have the proper skills to be successful long-term. And for most firms, 80% of sales come from just 20% of their salesforce. In this episode, Cam Jones, regional business development manager for CSI Specialty Group, discusses the importance of investing in the continuous training and development of your sales teams. As a seasoned healthcare sales and consulting veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the field, Cam has seen firsthand the effect training can have and where many salespeople can falter.

This week, join host and CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as she recaps her key takeaways from January’s 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference from San Francisco, CA. Don’t miss this quick overview featuring some of the major trends and announcements from industry leaders, emerging tech companies and private equity/investment firms at one of the year’s most influential healthcare conferences.

In this episode, join CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as she shares her holiday healthcare wish list, and the 4 key areas the industry needs to address moving forward to satisfy the needs of all stakeholders, citizens, and at-risk patients. Listen in as Suzette shares why, with no safety net for disadvantaged families grappling with catastrophic illnesses, now is the time to develop a sustainable national plan to protect our nation’s most vulnerable patients.

In this episode, Michelle Sherman, president of MichRx Pharmacist Consulting Services, joins host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, to detail her role in transforming the care model for HIV patients while becoming one of the specialty pharmacy industry’s leading HIV experts. She also discusses the critical role HIV specialty pharmacists play in delivering patient care and helping patients overcome the financial and administrative challenges posed by the healthcare system. Tune in to Discover: - Why HIV specialty pharmacist plays such a critical role on any HIV patient’s care team - How HIV pharmacists help patients navigate the healthcare landscape, including coordination of benefits and copays - What the Ubuntu Pharmacist Care Program is and how it empowers patients, their families and communities - How health systems can develop strong HIV care programs to support patient needs and optimize outcomes - Where HIV specialty pharmacist care is heading in an ever-changing healthcare system About Michelle Sherman Michelle Sherman founded MichRx Pharmacist Consulting Services, Inc. in 2005. MichRx Pharmacist Consulting Services, Inc. is a top provider of innovative services and solutions for Pharmacists who want to grow and expand their businesses and focus on specialty niche markets such as HIV/AIDS. Ms. Sherman is a nationally recognized HIV Specialist Pharmacist practicing in Orange County, California for over eighteen years. As an advocate for pharmacists to be at the forefront of care and recognized as a healthcare provider nationally, she is passionate about taking care of patients by arming caregivers, patients and the industry with the knowledge they need to advance the care of HIV patients. Ms. Sherman has extensive experience and expertise in building profitable specialty pharmacies and is a published author of the book "Saving Lives: The Role of The Pharmacist in HIV."

In this episode, Director of Workforce Solutions at CSI Specialty Group Marlin Plank, discusses current labor market conditions and how they impact available talent for your business. He also shares how to attract and retain the best talent for your specialty pharmacy and what to do to set up a successful talent strategy. As a seasoned workforce talent executive with more than 20 years of experience in the field, Marlin shares his experiential wisdom of having survived and thrived during both economic highs and lows.

In this podcast, Brian Maxon, Director of Sales and Training at CSI Specialty Group, broadcasts live from the WellSky (Mediware) CareForum 2018 conference in San Antonio, TX. The event brought together the Mediware and Kinnser user conferences to create the leading conference for professionals in acute, post-acute, and community care. It also introduced their rebrand to WellSky. Brian discusses and recaps the latest insights from industry stakeholders and conference presenters about the successes and challenges in specialty pharmacy, and where the industry is heading in the future.

In July 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed new rules regarding the implementation of the Medicare Part B Improvement Act and section 5012 of the 21st Century Cures Act which directly affect the home infusion industry. The new rules and requirements have raised serious concerns among industry stakeholders, that if not addressed, stand to adversely compromise the marketplace as a whole. In this special episode, Kendall Van Pool, vice president of government affairs at the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA), joins host CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the home infusion marketplace. He also shares how listeners can make a positive impact on the future of home infusion with a key hearing taking place this week.

In this timely episode, CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, shares recent news, updates and notes to help keep you in the know and make you the smartest specialty pharmacy professional in the room. Plus, Suzette chats about a few can’t miss events coming up at the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., September 24-26, 2018. Are You Going to Be at NASP? Don’t Miss the Women in Specialty Pharmacy Luncheon Don’t miss the Women in Specialty Pharmacy Luncheon (WSPRX) taking place on Tuesday, September 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Focusing on “Harnessing the Headwinds of Change,” keynote speaker, Air Force veteran Nicole Malachowski, shares the perfect message to inspire audiences to think differently about the headwinds of change they face – organizationally and personally.

In this podcast, Brian Maxon, director of sales and training at CSI Specialty Group, provides a live look at a day in the life of a specialty pharmacy sales representative. Join Brian as he provides hands-on training in the field with Daphne, a specialty pharmacy sales representative and recent graduate of CSI University’s Certified Sales Training Program. Recently, after students completed their CSI University on-site training, Brian joined each of them for part of their day to reinforce training and answer questions from the sales representatives as they put their training to the test. During this 20-minute episode Brian and Daphne document real-time feedback from sales calls in the field, share how to overcome challenges in the field and the importance of successful training in regards to both short-term and long-term success. We’ll also follow along as they discuss how to structure pre-call planning, post-call analysis, and prepare successful sales strategies moving forward.

In this episode, CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, discusses the top 3 questions and answers her team has received about the marketplace throughout the past few weeks

In this episode, CSI Specialty Group’s Alex Buell, vice president of business development, and Ashley Johnson, director of business development, join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, for an in-depth discussion and analysis of key current trends in specialty pharmacy and how they will shape the future. They also unpack how big pharma and health systems can navigate the increasingly complex waters of specialty pharmacy to drive success and avoid costly mistakes.

The first half of 2018 has witnessed unprecedented changes in the healthcare industry including the spate of mergers and acquisitions as PBMs attempted to increase their strength and influence. By contrast, Washington, DC, saw heightened activity from lobby groups fighting to change the way PBMs manipulate patient choice. In this episode, we ask you, the listener, to speak up and make a difference in healthcare so that change can be brought about to improve patient care and save lives across the U.S. This week, CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, discusses the state of healthcare in the first half of 2018 and the extraordinary changes taking place. She also explains why listeners need to be active participants in the changes they would like to see in healthcare, and provides action steps they can take to help be a catalyst for positive change.

In this episode, members of CSI Specialty Group’s industry-leading leadership and consulting team discuss key takeaways and action items from the industry’s biggest conference, Asembia's Annual Specialty Pharmacy Summit from Las Vegas. Join host Brian Maxon, Director of Sales and Training, to hear unique perspectives on the Asembia Summit from core members of the CSI Specialty Group team.

Real World Examples of How Specialty Pharmacy Sales Training Can Improve Your Bottom Line by CSI Specialty Group

In this episode, Logan Davis, director of franchise development of Vital Care Home Infusion Services, joins host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, for a discussion on recent developments in the home infusion industry, including the impact of recent legislation on reimbursement by Medicare, and opportunities for infusion providers to grow in the context of the evolving specialty pharmacy landscape.

In this week’s episode, we provide a state of the industry speed recap to get you caught up on all of the latest trends, changes and calls to action in specialty pharmacy. Join CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as she breaks down the latest mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships in the marketplace and discusses how potential players and disruptors may shape the future of specialty pharmacy. We’ve tried to pack as much information as possible into a short amount of time; so if you like what you hear, please consider leaving us a rating on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Brian Maxon, field sales manager at CSI Specialty Group, shares why the total office call is critical to your specialty pharmacy’s sustainable sales success. We will discuss proven strategies your salespeople can employ to optimize their time, provide value and build successful relationships with key decision-makers in an office.

In this episode, we welcome resident reimbursement expert and Specialty Operations Manager at CSI Specialty Group Nicole “Nicky” Felty to discuss how to navigate upcoming copay assistance program changes, what they mean for your pharmacy and how they will impact your patients. Nicky joins host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, to share can’t-miss tips, examples and keys for success in this 16-minute interview.

In this episode, CSI Specialty Group’s John Hafl, Senior Vice President, Sales, discusses the critical factors required for organizational success for specialty pharmacies of all sizes. With this 15-minute episode, John shares how companies can use knowledge, communication, training, and a sense of urgency and accountability to come together as one cohesive unit to drive success. Tune in to Discover: The factors inhibiting cooperation and proper functioning among different divisions within an organization. The importance of aligning sales, operations, and clinical teams to build success. How a robust training program is key to growth of employees and ultimately organizational prosperity. Why accountability and a sense of urgency from the top down is crucial for optimizing business performance (and why it can improve your culture). Strategies for developing a culture of teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving, and understanding between departments.

In this episode, the patient journey takes center stage as Jennifer Paretta, MS, CLT, scientist, and multiple sclerosis (MS) patient, joins host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, to share tips on how patients can navigate the complexities of paying for expensive drugs as we head into 2018. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 23, and now raising a son with MS as well, Jennifer also shares her firsthand insights on how innovations in the pharmaceutical industry are changing and enhancing the patient journey.

In this episode, CSI Specialty Group’s VP of Business Development Alex Buell joins host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, for an in-depth discussion on the big 3 things keeping specialty manufacturers up at night. Alex has has spent many years developing strategic initiatives to meet the changing needs of manufacturers – especially those with specialty pharmacy products. He shares what you need to know in this informative, entertaining interview.

In this episode, CSI Specialty Group’s John Hafl, Sr. Vice President of Sales & Training, discusses why specialty pharmacy sales departments are so important to your company’s success and the 3 most important steps your pharmacy can take to help the sales team drive growth in 2018. Tune in to Discover: The importance of learning from the past and using trends, data and events to plan for the future How training and development of the right people can create differentiators to propel your sales team to the next level and drive your company’s sustainable success Ways to develop a business plan specific to a certain territory and how to make people accountable About John Hafl: John Hafl is the Sr. Vice President of Sales & Training, at CSI Specialty Group with over 18 years of experience. John brings a unique blend of knowledge and experience from within each core area of the specialty biologics and pharmaceutical space. John’s career has provided him with a thorough understanding of the Specialty Pharmacy, Manufacturing and Specialty Distribution channels. This knowledge provides John the ability to build highly successful programs. John has held leadership positions such as National Director of Sales at Coram Healthcare, Director of National Accounts at BDI Pharma, National Accounts Manager and Manager of Training and Development at Talecris Biotherapeutics. John has also held sales and/or management positions at J&J, Bayer Biologicals, and Kedrion Biopharma. Prior to joining CSI, John had launched multiple new market entry products and has also played a vital role consulting to launch specialty pharmacy programs across the country.

In this episode, host Brian Maxon, sales manager at CSI Specialty Group, gives us a snapshot of what specialty pharmacy sales look like and the fundamental things a sales rep should look out for on a day-to-day basis. To succeed in the growing and dynamic marketplace of specialty pharmacy, specialty pharmacy sales reps need to cultivate a unique understanding of the environment and the sales strategies and tools needed to thrive within those dynamics.

Looking for a brief NASP Conference recap to hear key takeaways and trends from the annual event held September 18-20, 2017 in Washington, DC? The conference sets the stage for industry stakeholders, innovators and educators to stay abreast of the rapid developments across the specialty pharmacy landscape. This week, join host and CSI Specialty Group President and CEO Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as she shares the collaborative efforts currently underway (and just around the corner) by the NASP board and its members to enhance the specialty pharmacy industry and push patient care to the next level.

In this episode, Michael Castagna, MBA, PharmD, CEO of biopharmaceutical company Mannkind Corporation, shares his perspective on innovation and how pharmaceutical manufacturers are navigating the changing landscape with Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, host of the Specialty Pharmacy Podcast.

In this episode, Sheila Arquette, RPh, executive director of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy, joins Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, host of the Specialty Pharmacy Podcast, to discuss legislative changes and initiatives impact both the specialty pharmacy marketplace and patients at large.

In this episode, Stacy Ness, PharmD, MSCS, AAHIVP of Managed Healthcare Associates, Inc. joins Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, host of the Specialty Pharmacy Podcast, to provide a midyear update on the specialty pharmacy pipeline and to discuss what’s happening in the marketplace, how changes impact stakeholders and what it means for patient care. About The Specialty Pharmacy Podcast Join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, President and CEO of CSI Specialty Group, as she answers questions, addresses concerns and discusses the news you need to stay on top of the ever evolving world of specialty pharmacy. Tune in every episode to hear real world examples of the good, the bad and the outrageous from the experts at CSI Specialty Group, and to learn about the limitless growth opportunities available in the specialty pharmacy industry. About Managed Healthcare Associates Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA) is not only the country’s largest alternate site GPO, but also has established itself as a leading health care services and technology company. This evolution reflects our commitment to stay abreast of changes in the alternate site health care market and invest in innovative solutions, technologies and services for our members including long-term care pharmacies, infusion pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, home medical equipment providers and assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.

In this extended episode, Libby Orendorff and Cori Casey Turner of the Healthcare, Life Sciences & Education team at law firm Husch Blackwell are joined by Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, host of the Specialty Pharmacy Podcast, for an in-depth discussion on how health systems can enter the realm of specialty pharmacy and develop in-house services. Note: This episode is a full recording from a July 27, 2017 webinar hosted by Husch Blackwell.

In this episode, Carlos Alfaras, president and CEO of Genesco Pharmaceutical, joins Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, host of the Specialty Pharmacy Podcast, for an in-depth discussion on how to successfully navigate the specialty pharmacy marketplace and form meaningful partnerships amid rapid market changes. About Carlos Alfaras Carlos Alfaras has served as president of Gensco Pharma since January of 2011. Since the acquisition, the company has launched three new products based on Patented Transdermal drug delivery technology and increased revenues by 2000% under his direction. He attended the University of Miami, majoring in Biology/Pre-Medical studies and utilized this education and experience to enter the pharmaceutical management world. He’s held a multitude of management positions at many different pharmaceutical companies. Carlos Alfaras is dedicated to building a legacy of mentorship both professionally and personally and has been recognized as such by developing an ever-growing list of successful persons in the industry. In his dedication for the pursuit of excellence he has had successes in creating growth in revenues at every company he has been associated with through education, team building, strategic planning and efficiently determining the development strategies for all. About Genesco Pharma Gensco® Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on research, development and marketing of transdermal prescription products. As an innovator of pharmaceutical products, Gensco® Pharma currently manufactures non-narcotic transdermal analgesic gels utilizing our patented drug delivery solutions. Gensco® Pharma’s airless, closed-system, metered dose technology, MDose™, dispenses the exact amount of medication per application, yielding maximized results and minimized side effects. As a healthcare partner, Gensco® is in continual pursuit of novel and effective therapies designed to improve health. About The Specialty Pharmacy Podcast Join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, President and CEO of CSI Specialty Group, as she answers questions, addresses concerns and discusses the news you need to stay on top of the ever evolving world of specialty pharmacy. Tune in every episode to hear real world examples of the good, the bad and the outrageous from the experts at CSI Specialty Group, and to learn about the limitless growth opportunities available in the specialty pharmacy industry.

This episode is part of a special interview series conducted at the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit. In each installment, we ask attendees at the conference to weigh in on some of the hottest issues facing specialty pharmacies and what that means for key stakeholders and, ultimately, the patient journey. In this episode, we asked attendees of the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit to discuss what they think is needed to enhance the patient journey more in regards to specialty pharmacy. Join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as specialty pharmacies, nonprofits and even vendors open up about their efforts to enhance the patient journey from this episode recorded at the multi-day conference held from April 30 – May 3 in Las Vegas, NV.

This episode is part of a special interview series conducted at the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit. In each installment, we ask attendees at the conference to weigh in on some of the hottest issues facing specialty pharmacies and what that means for key stakeholders and, ultimately, the patient journey. In this episode, we asked attendees of the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit to discuss how DIR fees are affecting their business and their ability to provide quality patient care. Join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as specialty pharmacies open up about DIR fees and how they handle them in their day-to-day locations from this episode recorded at the multi-day conference held from April 30 – May 3 in Las Vegas, NV.

This episode is part of a special interview series conducted at the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit. In each installment, we ask attendees at the conference to weigh in on some of the hottest issues facing specialty pharmacies and what that means for key stakeholders and, ultimately, the patient journey. In this episode, we asked attendees of the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit to share their opinions on the recent PBM lockouts and discuss how their business is affected every day. Join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as specialty pharmacies, nonprofits and even vendors open up about their recent PBM experience from this episode recorded at the multi-day conference held from April 30 – May 3 in Las Vegas, NV.

This episode is part of a special interview series conducted at the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit. In each installment, we ask attendees at the conference to weigh in on some of the hottest issues facing specialty pharmacies and what that means for key stakeholders and, ultimately, the patient journey. In this episode, we hit the show floor of the 2017 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit to ask a handful of the 5,600 attendees why they chose to attend the year’s biggest specialty pharmacy conference and what they hoped to gain from their time there. Join host Suzette DiMascio, CHE, CMCE, CPC, as specialty pharmacies, nonprofits and even vendors open up about their experience at the multi-day conference held from April 30 – May 3 in Las Vegas, NV.

In this episode, hosting duties belong to at CSI Specialty Group, and Brian Maxin, Sales Manager for CSI Specialty Group. The two sales gurus discuss how continued training contributes to specialty pharmacy success and how a tool like CSI University’s continued online education modules can help foster confidence, resilience and sustainable success for salespeople. Succeeding in the ever-changing marketplace of specialty pharmacy requires a unique understanding of the environment and the sales strategies and tools needed to thrive within those dynamics. Lack of investment in relevant, ongoing training for new and seasoned sales professionals can be a key factor leading to extended learning curves, higher frustration, reduced effectiveness in the field, and ultimately, higher turnover. CSI University, a new online training platform designed specifically for specialty pharmacy sales professionals, went live at this year’s Asembia’s 2017 Specialty Pharmacy Summit. Offered both online and onsite, the program enables sales reps to ramp up their abilities, hit the ground running, and set them up for immediate and long-lasting success and growth. Sales training not for you? Don’t worry, there are plenty more CSI University courses coming up shortly! Stay tuned to the podcast and CSIgroup.net for updates as they happen.