Podcasts about Pharmacy

Humans have harnessed many plants, fungi, and even animals, for our medicines. But we aren't the only species that can do this. From chimpanzees to dolphins to geese, a striking range of animals use remedies that grow naturally in their environments. We meet primatologist Elodie Freymann, whose work in the forests of Uganda and Peru has given us new insights into how animals self-medicate.

How Discount Theater and Generic Compliance Ratios Quietly Overcharge Patients and Employers. Episode 526. Mark Cuban, co-founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, and Cora Opsahl, managing director of Peterson Health Analytics and former director of the 32BJ Health Fund, join Stacey Richter for an outtake from their conversation last fall (EP488) on the operational mechanics of the pharmacy supply chain. They trace how a generic compliance ratio—typically requiring pharmacies to buy at least 92% of their generics from a single primary wholesaler—pushes independent pharmacies into paying a premium that gets passed straight to patients, and how so-called pass-through PBM contracts can pay pharmacies using one pricing formula while billing employers using an entirely different one. Along the way, they walk through the classic generic imatinib example—a drug Cost Plus Drugs sells for $25 a month that a traditional PBM channel has billed at $9,000—to show why a discount off an inflated reference price is, as Cuban puts it, discount theater. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✅ Why pharmacies get locked into overpaying: wholesalers set a Generic Compliance Ratio requiring pharmacies to buy at least 92% of their generics from them or face chargebacks and fees that wipe out their margin ✅ The classic generic imatinib example: Cost Plus Drugs sells it for $25 a month, while the same drug billed through a traditional PBM channel has run $9,000 a month—a "discount" off a $27,000 branded Gleevec price that Mark Cuban calls discount theater ✅ How specialty tiers compound the problem: because generic imatinib gets classified on a specialty tier, patients can owe 25% coinsurance calculated off the inflated WAC price rather than the drug's real cost ✅ Why a "pass-through" PBM contract isn't simple math: Cora Opsahl explains that PBMs often reimburse pharmacies on an acquisition-cost-plus formula while billing employers a completely different AWP-minus formula for the same claim ✅ Why claims audits keep finding money owed back to the plan—and why employers are often restricted to auditing only a pre-approved sample of 250 claims ✅ Mark Cuban's advice for the next RFP: simply requiring that Cost Plus Drugs be included in the network is often enough on its own to get PBMs to offer better rebates and terms WHY THIS MATTERS As Stacey Richter puts it, where there's mystery, there's margin—and pharmacy pricing is thick with both. Generic compliance ratios, WAC-based specialty tiers, and pass-through contracts that pay pharmacies one number while billing employers another all point to the same underlying reality: so much of what gets called an expense in medicine is simply pricing failure. For plan sponsors and brokers heading into their next RFP, understanding these mechanics—rather than accepting a discount off an inflated reference price—is what it takes to move from passive price taker to informed decision maker. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE EP429 with Luke Slindee, PharmD: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP488 with Mark Cuban and Cora Opsahl: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP422 with Benjamin Jolley, PharmD: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP465 with Chris Crawford: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP486 with Stan Schwartz, MD: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps === LINKS ===

In this episode, Tony Ambrozie, Senior Vice President, Chief Digital & Technology Officer - Pharmacy, CVS Health Enterprise Digital, discusses Health 100, healthcare interoperability and how AI can help connect fragmented patient data, coordinate care and improve the consumer experience. He also shares his perspective on responsible AI, leadership and using technology to keep people at the center of healthcare transformation.

Jenifer Lockwood became a surgical nurse in Florida, grew up watching her mother struggle with addiction, developed her own health complications that introduced her to prescription pills, and eventually built a scheme at her job calling in fraudulent prescriptions to pharmacies to feed the addiction before law enforcement set her up at a pharmacy and arrested her — producing a 15 year Florida state prison sentence that she served 13 years of before sobriety, a paralegal career built inside those walls, and a complete life transformation gave everything that addiction cost her a completely different second chapter. _____________________________________________ #PrisonStories #PrisonLife #florida #nurse #truecrimestory _____________________________________________ Thank you to HUNGRYROOT, PRIZEPICKS & AG1 for sponsoring this episode: Hungryroot: Explore my Hungryroot Digital Cookbook "The Commissary Upgrade" at https://hungryroot.com/LOCKEDIN _____________________________________________  PrizePicks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! _____________________________________________ AG1: For a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at https://drinkag1.com/lockedin _____________________________________________ Connect with Jenifer Lockwood: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeniferlockwood_postconviction/ Website:https://postconvictionalliance.org/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadFH6OUvd0oYsZ49876ZgUNamkrtoguEvoHhTss8b8Eae0YjSpPFNXIEHSGUw_aem_zplLQ5f36CmzUcciKJ03Vw _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:  https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Surgical Nurse's Journey 00:28 Growing Up in Pensacola 02:22 Discovering Biological Father 05:52 Influence of Medical Family 09:15 Early Marriage and Nursing 12:04 Life as a Surgical Nurse 14:41 Sponsor Break 15:14 Traumatic OR Stories 20:36 Addiction Begins 24:47 Mother's Role in Addiction 27:20 Silent Struggles in Healthcare 30:40 Prescription Ends, Desperation 35:20 Arrested in Pharmacy 38:48 Drug Trafficking Charge 41:02 Pharmacy Verification Process 43:36 Bond and Legal Threats 48:39 Out on Bond, Terminated 50:05 Bond Revoked and Withdrawal 52:27 Firing Lawyer, Public Defender 55:00 County Jail Experience 57:38 Sponsor Break 58:47 Legal Process and Plea Deal 01:03:58 Understanding Gain Time 01:05:18 Marriage and New Relationship 01:09:10 Motherhood from Prison 01:13:26 First Day of Prison 01:19:29 Fitting in at Gatson 01:23:31 Becoming a Law Clerk 01:29:51 Prison Shows and Talents 01:31:04 Types of Cases Helped 01:32:32 Sobriety and Self-Discovery 01:35:35 Using Nursing Skills in Prison 01:38:49 Financial Support Inside 01:39:55 Mother's Sobriety 01:40:06 Questioning Sentencing Length 01:42:50 Refusing Cases and Prejudice 01:48:53 Comparing Sentences 01:50:15 Lessons from Encounters 01:53:42 Approaching Release Date 01:55:59 Release and Reuniting with Kids 02:03:36 Josh's Anger and Healing 02:05:30 Current Work and Advocacy 02:08:13 Feeling the Lost Years 02:09:25 Advice to Past Self _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

Do you suffer with anxiety, depression, or another mental illness? Millions of people do. The usual treatment is a prescription medication. If that doesn't work, the healthcare provider may offer a different one. Diet is certainly not the first topic on the provider's mind. But what if, in addition to appropriate pharmacological treatment, you were able to nourish, protect and energize your brain with your diet? Our guest offers evidence that you can heal your mind with a ketogenic approach to eating. We need to acknowledge that this approach is quite different from the plant-rich eating pattern advocated by last week's guest, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. Humans around the world have adopted a wide range of dietary regimens that support health. Listen to Dr. Georgia Ede explain why she thinks a paleo or ketogenic diet is helpful for bolstering brain health. At The People's Pharmacy, we strive to bring you up to date, rigorously researched insights and conversations about health, medicine, wellness and health policies and health systems. While these conversations intend to offer insight and perspective, the content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical care or treatment. How You Can Listen You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EST on Saturday, August 22, 2026, through your computer or smart phone (wunc.org). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can't listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on August 24, 2026. Can You Heal Your Brain with Food? We live in stressful times. More than 50 million Americans take prescription antidepressants, and millions more are on anti-anxiety medication. Unfortunately, while these drugs can be life savers, they don't always work as well as we would like. In some cases, antidepressants are only about 10 percent more effective than a placebo. Dr. Georgia Ede is a psychiatrist who began her investigation into how food affects mental health serendipitously. She was experimenting with her own diet to address some physical health issues. She used a food and symptom journal to discover the best dietary choices for her own health. To her surprise, the “upside-down” diet that helped her feel better physically also improved her sleep and her ability to focus. She started looking into evidence that a paleo or ketogenic diet could benefit people with mental health challenges. What Is Metabolic Psychiatry? There is evidence that people consuming unhealthy diets full of fast food or ultra-processed products are more susceptible to symptoms of anxiety (Nutrition Neuroscience, May 19, 2026). On the other hand, people participating in a supervised weight-loss program using either a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet or a low-fat diet reported improvements in mood (Obesity, Jan. 2007). Those on the ketogenic (Atkins) diet reported less hunger and fewer unpleasant symptoms. Researchers have also tested a ketogenic diet in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (Psychiatry Research, May 2024).  These volunteers also had metabolic disorders, including obesity, which is often an unwanted effect of the ant-psychotic drugs they take to treat their condition. This four-month pilot study saw participants lose weight, reduce insulin resistance and lower their triglycerides. Even more impressive, they had a 32 percent reduction in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. They also reported better sleep and improved life satisfaction. You may find this recent article from National Geographic of interest: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/metabolic-psychiatry-keto-diet-brain-science. Unfortunately, it might be behind a paywall. How Does Food Affect Our Brains? Most of our body tissues are accustomed to getting energy from glucose, with the help of insulin. However, years of exposure to high levels of these compounds often makes the tissues less sensitive to the effects of insulin. The consequence is that the body–and therefore also the brain–is flooded with high levels of glucose. This exposure can result in the formation of advanced glycation end products in the brain, which can be harmful. The brain evolved to use either glucose or a flexible mix of glucose and ketones. These are the result of burning fat rather than sugar. A paleo diet will naturally provide more ketones and less glucose. Dr. Ede and colleagues have found that a ketogenic diet can be very helpful even for people with relatively serious mental problems. In one study (which was not placebo-controlled), patients hospitalized with severe persistent mental illness were given a ketogenic diet. Most did well and had significant improvements in their depression and psychosis symptoms (Frontiers in Psychiatry, July 6, 2022). Is Ketosis Dangerous? Ketosis itself simply means that you are burning fat as fuel rather than sugar. This can be achieved by following a diet that is high in animal fat, with moderate amounts of animal protein and low amounts of carbohydrate derived from plant foods. Ketosis is not inherently dangerous. However, Dr. Ede urges anyone who wants to heal their brain with diet to ask a healthcare provider to monitor and supervise the process. Prescription drug doses may require adjustment, and people may need support as they adopt a paleo or ketogenic diet. That is why this is not a do-it-yourself approach. Is Coconut Oil Helpful to Heal Your Brain? Dr. Ede described the benefits of medium-chain fatty acids produced in digesting fat. You may recall a video from a few years back in which a doctor described helping her husband recover from Alzheimer disease, at least partially, by giving him coconut oil. Some researchers consider Alzheimer disease to be a form of diabetes because the AD brain does not metabolize sugar effectively. Dr. Ede suggested that the benefits may be real, but getting medium-chain fatty acids from the diet rather than be taking coconut oil might be preferable. After Dr. Ede told us about Fran, who overcame significant memory problems by changing to a ketogenic diet, we hope there will be trials on this. Future Trials on Diet to Heal Your Brain Dietary trials are notoriously difficult to conduct. People often don't stick to the prescribed diet, and it can be difficult to find an appropriate placebo for comparison. Nonetheless, Dr. Ede is looking forward to results from a large trial of the keto diet for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. This study is being conducted in Australia. This Week’s Guest Dr. Georgia Ede is a globally recognized expert in nutritional and metabolic psychiatry. Her 25+ years of clinical experience include 7 years at Harvard University, where she was the first psychiatrist to offer nutrition-based approaches to mental health conditions. Dr. Ede co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for serious mental illness, developed the first medically accredited course in ketogenic diets for mental health, and is a recipient of the Baszucki Metabolic Mind Award. Current research collaborations include pilot studies in pediatric bipolar disorder, adult ADHD, and PTSD. Her internationally bestselling book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health is being translated into 11 languages and is recommended by the New York Times Book Review. The People's Pharmacy is reader supported. When you buy through links in this post, we may earn a small affiliate commission (at no cost to you). Dr. Georgia Ede, author of Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, August 24, 2026, after broadcast on Aug. 22. In this week's podcast, we'll learn how vegetarians can follow a ketogenic diet. How does the evidence Dr. Ede has collected accord with the chemical imbalance theory of mental illness? We also discuss why the standard American diet is not good for mental wellbeing, and we find out what might be in Dr. Ede's own shopping cart. You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free. Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Pharmacists and Advocacy for Patients in Pain  Friday, August 21, 2026 What happens when patients living with chronic pain, their advocates, and the pharmacists responsible for dispensing opioid medications view the same healthcare system from very different perspectives? This special episode of This Week in Pharmacy brings together the Doctor Patient Forum's founders, Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, with pharmacist and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD—better known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.” The discussion follows a wave of social-media debate surrounding Claudia's use of the term “Harmacists,” which prompted responses from hundreds of pharmacists who felt the label misrepresented their professional responsibilities and the legal restrictions under which they practice. Rather than allow that controversy to deepen the divide, TWIRx created an opportunity for direct, respectful conversation. The purpose of this episode is to help pain-patient advocates better understand the limits pharmacists face when dispensing opioids—and to identify opportunities for pharmacists and patient organizations to advocate together for safe, compassionate and uninterrupted pain care. Five Legal and Supply-Chain Realities Affecting Opioid Dispensing Pharmacists have a federal “corresponding responsibility.” Under 21 CFR §1306.04, a controlled-substance prescription must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose. Pharmacists share legal responsibility with prescribers for determining whether a prescription is valid. Knowingly filling an illegitimate prescription may expose the pharmacist to federal penalties and professional discipline. Review the federal regulation. Schedule II prescriptions must satisfy strict requirements. Federal law generally requires a valid written or compliant electronic prescription before a Schedule II opioid may be dispensed. Emergency oral prescriptions are permitted only under limited conditions and require prescriber follow-up documentation. Schedule II opioid prescriptions cannot be refilled. Under federal law, every additional dispensing generally requires a new prescription. Partial fills are allowed only under specific circumstances, documentation requirements and time limits. Pharmacists cannot simply extend or refill opioid therapy when a patient or prescriber requests it. State laws add another layer of requirements. Depending on the state, pharmacists may have to verify prescriber authority, review prescription-monitoring information, validate electronic or security-form requirements, confirm identification, document partial fills, or comply with state-specific dispensing limitations. For example, California requires controlled-substance prescriptions to meet defined security and validity standards. California Board of Pharmacy guidance. Wholesaler monitoring can restrict a pharmacy's opioid supply. DEA-registered distributors must identify and report suspicious controlled-substance orders under 21 CFR §1301.74. National wholesalers therefore operate monitoring programs that may delay, limit or suspend shipments based on ordering patterns, geography, drug mix and internal thresholds. These controls are imposed upstream and can leave a pharmacy unable to obtain medication—even when the pharmacist believes a prescription is clinically and legally appropriate. Review the federal distributor requirements. These examples are not exhaustive. Pharmacists must navigate overlapping federal law, DEA requirements, state pharmacy and controlled-substance laws, prescription-monitoring systems, employer policies, payer rules, wholesaler restrictions and professional standards. Requirements also vary by state and by the circumstances surrounding an individual prescription. The Central Question How can pain-patient advocates and pharmacists move beyond blame and work together to address the policies, supply restrictions, staffing conditions and regulatory pressures that can interfere with appropriate care? This conversation explores: Why patients may interpret a refusal or delay as judgment, discrimination or abandonment Why pharmacists cannot treat a valid prescriber signature as automatic authorization to dispense How PDMP and risk-scoring information can influence clinical decisions The effect of corporate policies and wholesaler ordering controls The difference between professional judgment and stigma The communication failures that damage trust between patients, prescribers and pharmacists How advocacy organizations and pharmacists can pursue policy reform together Why patients deserve clear explanations, respectful treatment and continuity-of-care planning How pharmacists can remain vigilant without losing empathy for people living with pain About the Doctor Patient Forum The Doctor Patient Forum, founded by Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, combines healthcare education, research, digital influence and patient advocacy to address the consequences of opioid-reduction policies and barriers to individualized pain care. Claudia A. Merandi is an advocate and educator whose work contributed to a Rhode Island law protecting access to pain management. Since 2016, she has built a growing national audience while documenting systemic harms experienced by patients and healthcare professionals. Bev C. Schechtman is a researcher, advocate and educator who examines opioid-reduction policies, prescription drug monitoring programs and surveillance technologies such as NarxCare. Her work helps patients understand and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system. Learn more: The Doctor Patient Forum About Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD Dr. Shane Jerominski is a pharmacist, Navy veteran and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.” In 2025, his professional peers selected him as one of the “50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy.” Through his influential social-media platform, Shane combines humor, candid commentary and frontline experience to advocate for safer working conditions, professional unity and meaningful reform throughout pharmacy practice. He is also a co-founder of The Pharmacy Guild and has become a prominent voice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians nationwide. A Call for Collaborative Advocacy Patients should not be stigmatized because they require pain treatment. Pharmacists should not be vilified for complying with laws and professional obligations that can place their licenses and livelihoods at risk. Progress requires both communities to recognize that many barriers originate beyond the pharmacy counter. Patients, pharmacists, prescribers and advocacy organizations share an interest in policies that protect medication safety without denying appropriate, individualized care. The goal is not to determine which group has suffered more. The goal is to replace mistrust with understanding—and turn that understanding into stronger, unified advocacy. This episode is intended for education and discussion. It does not provide legal or medical advice, and regulatory requirements may differ by jurisdiction and circumstance.

This episode looks at some smart ways to regulate pharmacy when it comes to med spas and pop-up clinics — ways that won't cut patients off from their meds. We also look at the latest news on the thyroid-extract front, what's happening with peptide compounding, and a bill in California that could bode well for pharmacists nationwide. Then we talk with Kristen Jones, PharmD, from Pharmacists Mutual about how insurance companies view compounding, and why compounders are taking a bigger risk than they might realize if they're compounding peptides. Pharmacists Mutual: https://pmuw.com Join APC: a4pc.org/join Stay up to date on these topics and more at: a4pc.org/news

Axios reported that Walmart raised its outlook while saying drug price declines pressured pharmacy results. Pharmacy margins are being squeezed by reimbursement terms set by PBMs, generic drug deflation, and the 2024 shift of pharmacy DIR fees to the point of sale. CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance have cited similar headwinds, while Amazon Pharmacy, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, and GoodRx are reshaping price transparency and consumer behavior. The Inflation Reduction Act will add Medicare drug price negotiations in 2026 and a $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap in 2025, which could shift volumes and reimbursement flows. Rising demand for GLP-1 drugs adds inventory and authorization complexity without guaranteed margin lift. Walmart's 2024 exit from its health clinics highlights how reimbursement pressures influence strategy, pushing focus back to core pharmacy services and OTC products.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike and Mark examine the strange attempts to prop up Darline Graham against her problematic performance on the campaign trail; update on the Baby Gabriel parents who are now suing the surrogate mother who saved his life; and an opening rant on the half-hour lunch closure at pharmacies. ----M and M EXTRA: Two iconic talk radio hosts. One unfiltered daily conversation. No scripts. No spin. Just Mike Gallagher and Mark Davis breaking down the news the way it should be — with decades of experience and zero apologies. If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place.-----Thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting the podcast! PreBorn saves babies and souls, by providing free ultrasounds to women. When a young woman SEES her baby and HEARS her baby’s heartbeat, it doubles the chance she’ll choose LIFE!  Whether you want to save one baby or hundreds…you are just a call or a click away. Call 833-850-BABY that’s 833-850-2229 OR go to preborn.com/MMExtra! PHD Weightloss:If you're ready to finally take control of your health, PHD Weightloss has the plan that works. Real science. Real support. Real results. Visit PHDWeightloss.com or call 864-644-1900 and mention Mike and Mark. Relief FactorAre you in pain? When it comes to supplements, two things matter most: that it works, and that you can trust it. That's why we love Relief Factor. Get relief from pain at relieffactor.com or call 1-800-4-RELIEF to get your 3-Week Starter for $17.76. EKKL StreamingThe stars of Duck Dynasty, Willie & Korie Robertson, teamed up with EKKL to create a brand new, one-of-a-kind streaming platform built around faith and family with movies, TV series and podcasts. The best part? You get all of this for only $5.83 a month. Sign up for EKKL at ekkl.com today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Mark examine the strange attempts to prop up Darline Graham against her problematic performance on the campaign trail; update on the Baby Gabriel parents who are now suing the surrogate mother who saved his life; and an opening rant on the half-hour lunch closure at pharmacies. ----M and M EXTRA: Two iconic talk radio hosts. One unfiltered daily conversation. No scripts. No spin. Just Mike Gallagher and Mark Davis breaking down the news the way it should be — with decades of experience and zero apologies. If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place.-----Thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting the podcast! PreBorn saves babies and souls, by providing free ultrasounds to women. When a young woman SEES her baby and HEARS her baby’s heartbeat, it doubles the chance she’ll choose LIFE!  Whether you want to save one baby or hundreds…you are just a call or a click away. Call 833-850-BABY that’s 833-850-2229 OR go to preborn.com/MMExtra! PHD Weightloss:If you're ready to finally take control of your health, PHD Weightloss has the plan that works. Real science. Real support. Real results. Visit PHDWeightloss.com or call 864-644-1900 and mention Mike and Mark. Relief FactorAre you in pain? When it comes to supplements, two things matter most: that it works, and that you can trust it. That's why we love Relief Factor. Get relief from pain at relieffactor.com or call 1-800-4-RELIEF to get your 3-Week Starter for $17.76. EKKL StreamingThe stars of Duck Dynasty, Willie & Korie Robertson, teamed up with EKKL to create a brand new, one-of-a-kind streaming platform built around faith and family with movies, TV series and podcasts. The best part? You get all of this for only $5.83 a month. Sign up for EKKL at ekkl.com today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick Couldry, MS/HSPA, joins Over the Counter to discuss the industry's push to cloud-based pharmacy software and how this digital transformation is revolutionizing pharmacy practice and patient safety in real time.

The PBM Reform Podcast, sponsored by APCI, welcomes John Vinson, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, for a timely conversation with host Greg Reybold about the management of the TRICARE pharmacy benefit.   Express Scripts administers pharmacy benefits for TRICARE, the Department of Defense healthcare program serving more than 9 million active-duty service members, military retirees, and family members. In fiscal year 2023 alone, TRICARE spent more than $8 billion on prescription medications.   Greg and John examine concerns surrounding Express Scripts' administration of the program, including shrinking pharmacy networks, reduced patient choice, questionable contractor reporting, specialty-drug delivery oversight, and the consequences for independent and rural pharmacies.   A 2025 Government Accountability Office investigation found that:   TRICARE's minimum network requirement fell from 50,000 to 35,000 pharmacies. The network had approximately 13,165 fewer pharmacies in late 2024 than in late 2022. An estimated 380,000 beneficiaries may have been forced to find another pharmacy. The Defense Health Agency relied heavily on contractor-submitted reports that contained inaccuracies. DHA had not consistently audited the data used to evaluate beneficiary access. GAO's two corrective recommendations remain open as of August 2026, although DHA has begun adding reporting and auditing requirements.   The episode also addresses higher 2026 prescription copayments. For most non-active-duty beneficiaries, home-delivery copays are now $14 for generic formulary drugs, $44 for brand-name drugs, and $85 for non-formulary medications. At retail network pharmacies, the corresponding 30-day copays are $16, $48, and $85.   Greg and John discuss whether PBM-driven network reductions represent true savings—or simply transfer costs, inconvenience, and access barriers to military families and the community pharmacies serving them.   Key discussion points Express Scripts' role in administering the TRICARE pharmacy benefit Pharmacy network contraction and beneficiary disruption Access challenges facing rural communities and military families Inaccurate contractor data and insufficient federal oversight Specialty-pharmacy delivery and monitoring concerns Rising 2026 copayments and pressure toward mail order Arkansas' leadership in challenging PBM vertical integration The need for transparency, accountability, adequate reimbursement, and patient choice   Important clarification: TRICARE is administered by the Department of Defense and is distinct from healthcare and pharmacy services operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.   Sponsored by APCI — American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.   Sources: U.S. Government Accountability Office, TRICARE's 2026 pharmacy-benefit update, official 2026–2027 pharmacy costs.

In this episode, Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network, joins the podcast to discuss improving enterprise-wide visibility into medication inventory and navigating ongoing drug shortages. She shares insights on strengthening pharmacy operations, improving inventory management, and building more resilient strategies to ensure medications remain available when patients need them.

Independent pharmacies need partners they can trust—and patients need a prescription-drug system that puts access ahead of profits. In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury welcomes Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the importance of choosing a dependable wholesale distribution partner. Following Smith Drug Company's announced operational transition, Value Drug Company is prepared to help affected independent pharmacy owners evaluate their purchasing, distribution and operational needs while developing an orderly transition that protects continuity of service. For more than 90 years, pharmacist-led Value Drug Company has supported community pharmacies through transparent pricing, dependable distribution, collective purchasing power and programs designed to improve efficiency, growth and profitability. Rick explains how the company will provide transition assistance and regional gatherings where pharmacy owners can speak directly with Value Drug Company leadership. The episode also features a follow-up conversation with patient advocate Bil Schmidtknecht about the continuing fight for Cole's Act. Named in memory of Bil's son, Cole, the proposed reforms seek to protect patients from unexpected formulary and coverage changes that can suddenly make essential medications unaffordable. “Patients can't afford more delays, and lives should never be collateral damage in a profit-driven system,” Bil says. The discussion examines PBM accountability, medication affordability and why families must receive meaningful notice before coverage changes place lifesaving treatments beyond their reach. TWIRx News: Week Ending August 14, 2026 Employers Are Moving Away from the “Big Three” PBMs A new employer survey points to growing disruption in the PBM marketplace. Forty-six percent of surveyed employers reported using a PBM outside CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx—up from 37% the previous year. Employers are increasingly seeking transparent pricing, access to claims data and greater control over prescription-drug spending. Read the Axios report FDA Delays Major iPLEDGE Changes Until November The FDA has postponed implementation of updated iPLEDGE REMS requirements from August 8 to November 15, 2026, to allow additional system testing. The forthcoming changes are intended to reduce burdens on patients, pharmacists and prescribers while maintaining safeguards surrounding isotretinoin. Read the FDA iPLEDGE update   Episode Resources Value Drug Company transition-support announcement Value Drug Company transition assistance: 1-866-226-1772 Patient Protector Modern Medical Mafia: PBM Reform Pharmacy Podcast Network About the Guests Rick Seipp, PharmD President, Value Drug Company Bil Schmidtknecht Patient advocate and father of Cole Schmidtknecht  

When you decide to grab a bite to eat, do you think about how to feed your gut microbes? Most of us don't. Even if we did, their only means of stating their preferences is somewhat after the fact. Do you end up feeling less than well? Perhaps the denizens of your gut aren't happy. In this episode, we consider how to support your microbiota and whether that can reduce the inflammation that seems to accompany modern life. At The People's Pharmacy, we strive to bring you up‑to‑date, rigorously researched insights and conversations about health, medicine, wellness and health policies and health systems. While these conversations intend to offer insight and perspective, the content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical care or treatment. How You Can Listen You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EST on Saturday, August 15, 2026, through your computer or smart phone (wunc.org). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can't listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on August 17, 2026. Feed Your Gut Right to Fight Inflammation Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is a gastroenterologist who urges all of us to focus on a healthful fiber-rich plant-strong diet to maintain our microbiome in good shape. He has described his own evolution from a busy medical student relying heavily on processed food products to a whole-food plant-based enthusiast. Eating a wide variety of plants is one of the easiest ways to make sure we are getting the nutrients our gut microbes need. Why are the trillions of microbes in our large intestine so important? Dr. Bulsiewicz (aka Dr. B.) shares the story of a patient who was overwhelmed by a serious C. diff infection. A course of clindamycin for a skin infection had decimated her normal microbiome and left an open field for C. diff to flourish. Instead of treating her with surgery and even more potent antibiotics, Dr. B. and his colleagues utilized a fecal transplant. She got poop from a healthy person into her colon and left the hospital a few days later in good health herself. What Is the Link Between the Microbiome and the Immune System? Inflammation is one of the primary signs that the immune system has gone into action to fight off a perceived foe. There is a close relationship between the gut microbes, the gut barrier and the cells of the immune system. Between 70 and 80 percent of immune system cells are present in the gut (Nutrients, March 9, 2021).  There is just one layer of cells in the gut barrier, firmly attached to each other through tight junctions. If those tight junctions break down, pathogens and toxins can get from the gut into the bloodstream and activate the immune system into creating inflammation Medicines That Harm the Intestinal Barrier Diets that are high in salt have a negative impact on the integrity of the intestinal barrier (Nutrients, Nov. 25, 2025). In fact, a diet high in salt can reduce the number of Lactobacilli in the gut by 90%. This also affects the permeability of the gut barrier, which can contribute to auto-immune conditions. When we asked about inflammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, Dr. B. told us he thinks it's a mistake to classify them as auto-immune conditions. Instead, he suggests we should consider these conditions as due to the immune system rejecting the microbiome. Some of them might be initiated and perpetuated by failures in the gut barrier that allow certain organisms or their toxins into systemic circulation. A number of medications can also harm it, most notably the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Agents like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib and meloxicam may disrupt the tight junctions that keep the intestinal barrier intact (Gastroenterology, Feb. 2018).  In some cases, they may also upset the balance of microbes. Four Keys to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet There are several different dietary patterns that allow you to feed your gut and fight inflammation. Good evidence supports a DASH diet, a Mediterranean diet, pescatarian, flexitarian, vegetarian and some vegan diets. We asked Dr. B. to summarize the four features healthful eating patterns share. They include adequate fiber, plenty of polyphenols, healthy fat and fermented foods (think of sauerkraut or kimchi). Fiber and Flatulence One drawback of a high-fiber diet is that when microbes in the colon ferment the fiber we can't digest, they produce gases. It has to go somewhere, or it will cause sensations of cramping and bloating. Consequently, fiber is often associated with flatulence. Dr. B. suggests that there may be more gas, and it may be loud, but it shouldn't be stinky. Smelly farts are born of sulfur, which is more common in a diet containing garlic, onions, crucifers like broccoli or cabbage, fish, eggs or meat. Plant-Powered Plus We wondered what might be included in the “plus” category when you feed your gut and fight inflammation. Dr. B. offers a few things that you might not expect in a book about diet, but they are related to reducing inflammation. One is to go outside early in the day, every day, to get your circadian rhythm in sync. Another is to maintain your emotional connections with family and friends. Still another, just as important, is to nurture your spiritual core. This Week’s Guest Dr. Will Bulsiewicz describes how a plant-powered diet can fight inflammation Will Bulsiewicz, MD, is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning gastroenterologist and internationally recognized health expert. Dr. Bulsiewicz directs the Gut & Microbiome Center for Excellence, a physician-led executive medicine and telemedicine practice based in Mount Pleasant, SC. Dr. Bulsiewicz is the author of several books, including his latest book, Plant Powered Plus: Activate the Power of Your Gut to Tame Inflammation and Reclaim Your Health. His website is https://theguthealthmd.com/books/ The People's Pharmacy is reader supported. When you buy through links in this post, we may earn a small affiliate commission (at no cost to you). Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, August 17, 2026, after broadcast on Aug. 15. In this week's podcast, you get to peek into Dr. B's shopping cart. Are you buying the same vegetables he does? We also get insights on his favorite recipes for grains like farro. And we discuss the effect of coffee on the gut microbes. If you want to feed your gut to encourage certain microbes, remember that consistency is crucial. You can't eat a specific food once and expect it to make a difference. But consuming it several times a week will ultimately add up. We also discuss antidotes for flatulence, if you are interested in that. You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free. Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Send us Fan MailSchedule an Rx AssessmentYour pharmacy has a bottleneck so naturally, you list a job! But what if the bottlenecks in your pharmacy come down to software, not staffing?On this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, we sit down with Ross Miller of TJM Labs to break down:What a pharmacy AI bot actually isHow TJM's product suite has expanded beyond data entryWhat change management looks like when a bot starts taking on technician-level tasksAnd more!Stay connected with Ross Miller and TJM Labs:Ross Miller LinkedInTJM Labs WebsiteTJM Labs LinkedInTJM Labs Instagram Stay connected with us:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA TwitterMore resources on this topic: Podcast - Becoming a Pharmacy GladiatorPodcast – Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 with Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24Podcast – 2026 Quarter 2 Pharmacy UpdatePodcast – America 250, The history of Pharmacy, Q&A

Rae McMahan joins Over the Counter to discuss recent regulatory action involving CVS Caremark and the Federal Trade Commission, exploring what the collection of PBM reform efforts means for the greater pharmacy industry moving forward.

Pharmacy Radio 121 August 2026 Welcome to episode 121 of Pharmacy Radio. This month Yestermorrow takes over the decks in the second hour with a preview mix of their phenomenal new album Ancient Futurism out now on Iboga Records. Every track is amazing and they have put together a mix for us featuring all the tracks from the album. In the first hour I have one of my favorite mixes I have done in a long time. Sometimes it is a real struggle to put the mix together. The tracks can be fantastic but they aren't team players. Everyone is a superstar but to be a team you have to play well with others. This month I have the winning team. Also, the music in this episode really reflects the sound that I am playing and the direction that I want to go. With this episode I feel like I was able to lock in to my perfect sound with both track selection and programming. First Hour: Christopher Lawrence AIKON - Raw - UNTAMED Chris Avantgarde - Origin - Hyperreal Tigran Oganezov - Aboriginal - Detox Records Rick Pier O'Neil - Journey Through Space (RPO Part 1) - RPO Records Victor Ruiz, Kaufmann (DE) - Don't Mess With Us - VOLTA Lampe - Words Fall - Alula Tunes INLINE, Spoon (HU) - Power of Silence - NoLimit Jody 6 - Vodka Lime & Soda - Hypnostate Thomas Schumacher, A.D.H.S. - Achilles - Electric Ballroom Diego Straube - Spiritual Beings (Nick Grater Remix) - Teknotribe Records Marco V - Teaser - In Charge (Be Yourself Music) Atmos - Staven - Iboga Sacred Secret - We Are Free - Iono Music Atmos - Everglade - Iboga Records Guest Mix: Yestermorrow Ancient Futurism Album Preview Mix

One of the most difficult—and least discussed—aspects of building a Consolidated Service Center (CSC) is securing executive support and capital investment.   Success depends on connecting strategy, financial value and patient outcomes to an organization's broader goals. Ganesh Chandran is joined by Dr. Akeem Bale, Vice President, Pharmacy Services at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Dr. Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network, to discuss the strategic, financial, and organizational steps that transformed a promising idea into an approved capital investment.  Guest Speakers:  Akeem O. Bale, PharmD, MS, MBA, BCPS, BCSCP Vice President, Pharmacy Services Program Director, PGY1/2 HSPAL Residency Program UTMB Health, Department of Pharmacy Services Laura Mark, MS, MHM, PharmD Vice President of Pharmacy  Allegheny Health Network   Host:   Ganesh Chandran, PharmD, MBA Pharmacy Executive  Vizient Pharmacy Enterprise Support    Show notes: [01:12] How each organization recognized that traditional pharmacy operations could no longer support future growth, expanding ambulatory care, and increasing operational complexity. Why long-term strategic planning, workforce challenges, and enterprise wide support became the driving forces behind pursuing a consolidated service center. [04:39] How successful business cases focus on organizational priorities such as patient access, financial performance, quality outcomes, and total cost of care instead of technology alone. Why demonstrating measurable value through pilots, standardization, and return on investment helps gain executive support for large scale transformation. [08:30] The importance of tailoring proposals to different executive stakeholders while building champions who can advocate for the vision. How early operational improvements and phased implementation can demonstrate value before construction or major capital investments begin. [10:24] Why breaking a consolidated service center strategy into manageable phases creates confidence among executive leaders and improves long term success. How responding to executive questions with refined financial models and scenario planning strengthens both the proposal and organizational trust. [13:12] How creating an enterprise wide pharmacy culture through standardization, trust, and shared leadership prepares teams for organizational change. Why establishing a one team philosophy before opening a new facility creates stronger collaboration and more sustainable operational success. [16:56] Practical advice for pharmacy leaders beginning their own consolidated service center journey, including learning from peer organizations and celebrating incremental progress. Why a consolidated service center should be viewed as an enabler of a broader pharmacy strategy that supports long term growth, scalability, and patient care rather than simply a new building.   Links and Resources: Pharmacy Enterprise Support   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed  

If you woke up tomorrow struggling with acne, bloating, fatigue, hormone imbalances, or just feeling "off," where would you even begin?With so much conflicting health advice online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what actually matters. In this episode, I'm sharing the exact step-by-step approach I'd take if I had to start my own health journey from scratch.As a Doctor of Pharmacy and Functional Medicine Practitioner, I'm walking you through the order I recommend focusing on your health—from building a strong foundation with nutrition and lifestyle habits to understanding your body's symptoms, getting the right blood work, supporting your gut, and knowing when supplements or functional testing are actually necessary.We'll cover: The biggest mistakes people make when starting their health journey  Why you shouldn't jump straight to supplements  How to identify patterns in your symptoms  The blood work I recommend starting with  Lifestyle habits that make the biggest impact  When to consider gut health and hormone testing  A simple roadmap to help you stop guessing and start making informed decisions Whether you're just beginning your wellness journey or feel like you've tried everything without getting answers, this episode will help you simplify the process and focus on what truly moves the needle.Because healing isn't about doing everything at once—it's about doing the right things in the right order.

Mid-August to mid-September marks the time every year when hospitals need to recertify for 340B. Failure to recertify in time could cost a hospital its ability to participate in 340B. 340B Health Associate Director of Policy and Compliance Rebecca Swartz joins us to walk listeners through the process.Why recertification is “exceptionally important”Swartz says annual recertification is not just important, it's also one of the central tenets of 340B compliance. All hospital types except critical access hospitals need to make sure they're meeting the minimum disproportionate share percentage threshold. Hospitals also need to affirm that they are nonprofit facilities and that all their registered parent and child sites continue to have reimbursable outpatient costs and charges on their Medicare cost reports.The cost of losing eligibility is highFailure to recertify 340B eligibility in a timely manner can lock hospitals out of their access to 340B pricing for a year or more. That could deprive a hospital of crucial resources to provide the care and support its patients need.Tips for a smooth recertificationSwartz says a key to making the process go smoothly is to start early and make sure hospital officials have the necessary worksheets and other documentation before the recertification process begins. Authorized officials (AOs) and primary contacts (PCs) should be on the lookout for returned tasks from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and other messages to ensure their recertification process is complete. Taking screenshots of each step of the process also can help identify and fix discrepancies that might arise.ResourcesHospital Recertification Begins Aug. 10, Prepare Now!340B Health Registration and Recertification Resource Page340B Health Webinars

Behind every athlete is a story of perseverance—and often those who help make it possible. When Wendy Stacken's son, Nick, was born, doctors warned he would face significant health challenges and an uncertain future. Today, at 31, Nick's lifelong participation in Special Olympics reflects determination, commitment, and optimism—as Special Olympics athletes compete throughout the summer. His journey shows the impact of dedicated care and strong family support. Tune in for Wendy Stacken and Lucille Accetta of CVS Health to discuss caregiving, resilience, and helping individuals with complex medical conditions thrive. Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET 1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comLearn more about CVS Health at: www.cvshealth.comDiscover inspiring conversations with today's leading authors, celebrities, thought leaders, and change makers. To learn more about the Moments with Marianne Radio Show, explore guest interview opportunities, connect with Marianne, and follow her on social media, visit https://www.mariannepestana.comExplore the Moments with Marianne Book Club and find your next great read: https://www.mariannepestana.com/book-club/Listen to the Moments with Marianne Radio Show on KMET 1490AM & 98.1FM, an ABC News Radio Affiliate, weekdays at 8:06 AM PT / 11:06 AM ET and Sundays at 10:06 AM PT / 1:06 PM ET. Learn more at: https://www.kmet1490am.com/moments-with-marianne

Our kidneys do an incredible job filtering our blood every hour of every day. Most of us have two kidneys, and each one has about a million microscopic filters called glomeruli. Unlike the filters in our HVAC system, though, these filters cannot be replaced. But they do their work so well and unobtrusively that most of us don't even think about our kidney function. Although 37 million Americans have kidney trouble, the majority are unaware of their situation. Two tests could reveal how well the kidneys are working. What are they, and how often should you ask about them? At The People's Pharmacy, we strive to bring you up‑to‑date, rigorously researched insights and conversations about health, medicine, wellness and health policies and health systems. While these conversations intend to offer insight and perspective, the content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical care or treatment. How You Can Listen You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EST on Saturday, August 8, 2026, through your computer or smart phone (wunc.org). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can't listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on August 10, 2026. What Are the Two Tests That Reveal Kidney Trouble? Chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes put a strain on the kidneys. They are very common problems that signal the need for kidney function monitoring. Our guest expert, Dr. Samir Parikh, suggests that all of us should know our numbers. One is derived from the level of creatinine in the blood. This is normally part of a basic metabolic panel. Usually, the panel results will include a number for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) calculated from the value for blood creatinine. The other crucial test is a urine test for protein. Keeping Kidneys Healthy by Staying Properly Hydrated One of the simplest tactics to keep kidneys healthy is to provide them with enough liquid. We get some fluid from the food we eat, which may be one reason eating fruits and vegetables seems to be good for us. They are full of water! We also need to drink fluid, and plain water is probably the best choice. It would be smart to use thirst as a guideline and make sure to drink when thirsty. We do avoid overdoing water consumption, though, as overloading the kidneys with more fluid than they can handle is dangerous as well. Medicines That Are Hard on the Kidneys We mentioned to Dr. Parikh the experience of an older friend, a devoted runner, who discovered that taking ibuprofen after a run reduced the likelihood of having to get up overnight to urinate. He reminded us and our listeners that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib or meloxicam can be hard on the kidneys. That doesn't mean we shouldn't ever take such pain relievers, but perhaps we should try not to make it a habit. When we asked about other medicines that might be tough on the kidneys, he mentioned PPIs. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or esomeprazole (Nexium) are often used to treat heartburn or other digestive symptoms. Regular use can put a strain on the kidneys, although the gastroenterologist recommending the medicine might not warn you of that side effect. We asked about environmental toxins and learned that heavy metals such as lead or arsenic can harm the kidneys along with other organs. We should make sure that the food we eat and the water we drink are not contaminated with such compounds. The Possible Benefits of Vitamin B Dr. Parikh has been studying how the kidneys respond to the B vitamin nicotinamide. The preliminary work he and his colleagues have done so far is promising. However, they have not conducted clinical trials to find out whether the vitamin could help people with early kidney disease. Because kidneys work so hard, they need a lot of energy to be produced by the mitochondria in their cells. Those mitochondria need NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to function at their best. Providing additional nicotinamide appears to help (Nature Reviews. Nephrology, Feb. 2020).  One to three grams a day appears to be safe and may be beneficial. Medications That Can Promote Kidney Health Some medicines initially developed for other conditions are proving to be helpful in treating kidney disease. In particular, these include diabetes drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors like dapagliflozin (Farxiga) or empagliflozin (Jardiance). They help slow the decline of kidney function (New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 4, 2022). GLP-1 agonists may also be familiar because they too are used to treat diabetes. Medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have made headlines as weight loss and diabetes meds, but they also can reduce the risk of kidney failure and other bad outcomes (Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology, Jan. 2025). The benefits of these types of drugs should give us hope that we can go from slowing the progression of kidney disease to stopping it in its tracks Taking Care of Your Kidneys We asked Dr. Parikh what we should be doing to care for our kidneys and keep them healthy. He urged us once again to know our numbers: most importantly, the numbers from the two tests we discussed, blood creatinine and urine protein. Other numbers that are important for kidney are our blood pressure and, for those with diabetes, HbA1c. In addition to paying attention to all those numbers, we need to embrace a lifestyle that will help keep them where they belong. That means following a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active and getting adequate sleep. This Week’s Guest Samir M. Parikh, M.D., FASN, is Professor of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology and Chair of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern. He holds the Donald W. Seldin Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine and the Ruth W. and Milton P. Levy, Sr., Chair in Molecular Nephrology. Dr. Samir Parikh, University of Texas Southwestern Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, August 10, 2026, after broadcast on Aug. 8. This week's podcast has additional information on a possible role for sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for kidney function. We also discussed medical silos, and how that leads to gastroenterologists overlooking the kidney risks from PPIs. Also, what should prospective kidney donors consider? You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free. Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

What happens when patients living with chronic pain do not have a pain pharmacist on their healthcare team? In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we explore the hidden clinical, emotional, and financial costs of managing pain without a pharmacist trained in pain management. These pharmacists do far more than review medications—they serve as accessible patient advocates, medication experts, care coordinators, and trusted partners for people navigating the complexities of chronic pain. Segment One: Pharmacists Are the Secret Weapon in Pain Management Special guest host Dr. Sing Ping Chow, PharmD, BCPMP, is joined by Dr. Matthew Hermenau, PharmD, BCPMP, CPh, NBC-HWC, CPT, for an important discussion about pharmacist-led pain management. Together, they examine how pain pharmacists can: Identify medication-related risks and opportunities to improve therapy Help patients balance pain relief, function, safety, and quality of life Collaborate with prescribers and other members of the healthcare team Support individualized, evidence-informed treatment plans Educate and empower patients living with chronic pain Advocate for patients whose concerns may otherwise go unheard Address the whole person—not simply a diagnosis or pain score The conversation reinforces a powerful message: pharmacists are one of healthcare's most underused resources in chronic pain care. When a pain pharmacist is part of the team, patients gain a knowledgeable advocate who understands medications, listens to their lived experiences, and helps them pursue safer and more effective care. Remembering Dr. Jeffrey Fudin This episode includes a special tribute to the late Dr. Jeffrey Fudin, PharmD, widely regarded as pharmacy's godfather of pharmacist-led pain management. Dr. Fudin was a pioneering clinician, educator, author, mentor, and tireless advocate for the meaningful inclusion of pharmacists in pain care. His work challenged conventional thinking, elevated the role of the pharmacist, and helped build a path for future generations of pain-management specialists. His influence continues through the pharmacists he mentored, the patients he championed, and the profession he inspired. We honor Dr. Fudin's legacy and his unwavering belief that people living with pain deserve informed, compassionate, and individualized care. Segment Two: The Nation's Best Hospital Systems In the second segment, we welcome Chelsey Wen, Senior Health Data Analyst with U.S. News & World Report, to discuss the newly released 2026–2027 Best Hospitals rankings. Chelsey explains how U.S. News evaluates hospital performance and how patients and families can use the findings when making healthcare decisions. The latest assessment evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. It places increased emphasis on patient outcomes and introduces regional specialty rankings designed to help patients locate complex care closer to home. Explore the 2026–2027 Best Hospitals announcement. link: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals Topics include: What it means for a hospital to be nationally ranked or rated “High Performing” The clinical data and patient outcomes considered in the evaluation Changes to the 2026–2027 rankings and methodology The importance of regional rankings and access to specialized care How patients should interpret hospital rankings when choosing where to receive care Sponsored By Today's episode of This Week in Pharmacy is brought to you by First Databank and Outcomes, pharmacy-technology organizations supporting safer, smarter, and more connected healthcare.

Picking up where we left off on Wednesday, Darcy explains the allure of the Dominican Friar's pharmacy near Santa Maria Novella—including perfumes made from ancient recipes that can still be purchased—as Nathaniel offers two museums that might not have made it to the top of your "must see" list: the zoological "La Specola" and the suspended-in-time Palazzo Davanzati. Keep an eye on the weather and stay cool this week! Below are links to the places we talk about in this episode: Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy: called the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella is the oldest continuous pharmacy in Italy - free to visitLa Specola: Science Museum of taxidermy animals, wax figures, and skeletons €10 per person*Palazzo Davanzati: Restored 14th century home stuck in time €8-€12 per person**Prices as of August 2026If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for fellow listeners, you can join our chat on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free or contact us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠onlyabag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to support the podcast? You can join our Patreon! Check out all of our tiers—free and paid—here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/cw/theitalytravelpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For articles written by us about Italy, check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠onlyabag.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you'd like to support us by using affiliate links, but don't have the time to hunt them down, we have put them all in one place! Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onlyabag.com/affiliate-links⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can see all of the companies we have partnerships with and you can use them to support Only A Bag (which we deeply appreciate). Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel

Send us Fan MailSchedule an Rx AssessmentWhat if your pharmacy's biggest cash flow drain is sitting right there on the shelf?On this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, we sit down with Jared Barton of Inventory IQ to break down:What "perpetual inventory" actually means and why most pharmacies aren't as dialed in as they thinkHow AI is helping inventory teams find outliers, clean data, and speed up analysisWhy chasing the industry average on inventory turns can put you out of businessHow to identify your top items by cost and set reorder points that free up real cash flowWhat a solid cycle count process looks like and how often you should be doing itAnd more!Stay connected with Jared Barton: Jared Barton LinkedInInventory IQ WebsiteInventory IQ FacebookInventory IQ Twitter (X) Inventory IQ LinkedIn Inventory IQ Instagram Inventory IQ YouTube Stay connected with us:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA TwitterMore resources on this topic: Podcast - Becoming a Pharmacy GladiatorPodcast – Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 with Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24Podcast – 2026 Quarter 2 Pharmacy UpdatePodcast – America 250, The history of Pharmacy, Q&A

Recently, at 95, Ruby Hill spends time reflecting on her life. Two principles stand out: “I cared deeply about the needs of others, and the results were better than I could have imagined.” She also believes that much of her life was shaped by others, beginning with her father's decision that pharmacy should be her career. Ruby married the young man who sat behind her in Dr. Paytash's Chemistry 101 class, when classroom seats were assigned and attendance was taken by name. A year after earning her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and passing the State Board exam, they married. By the end of that decade, they were raising three thriving children. Decades later, inspired by the values of a small Unitarian Universalist congregation, Ruby responded to George Floyd's murder by helping launch a STEM initiative for Black girls that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with self-care, leadership, and community care. "Beginning with love for ourselves and each other, we can keep learning, know that we all belong, and create hope for future generations." - Ruby HillConnect with RubyEmail: hoopbab@hotmail.comThanks to our Platinum Sponsor AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

In this episode of Insights Beyond the Counter, hosts Shane Hallengren and Amit Patel unpack the rapidly evolving world of health risk assessments (HRAs) and social determinants of health (SDOH) across Medicaid and Medicare. Fresh off the Medicaid Innovations Forum, Amit shares insights from health plan leaders navigating a post–Public Health Emergency landscape defined by redeterminations, workforce shortages, and persistent challenges with member contactability. Shane reflects on his years supporting Medicare performance programs and draws parallels between the two sectors—especially around how HRAs have shifted from simple “check‑the‑box” tasks to powerful tools that uncover transportation barriers, food insecurity, medication access challenges, utility instability, and more. Together, they explore: Why SDOH data is only valuable when it leads to meaningful action How community pharmacies—as trusted, accessible care touchpoints—are uniquely positioned to conduct sensitive assessments The growing importance of rural health transformation and how pharmacies can close engagement and adherence gaps How Outcomes is supporting pharmacies with technology, workflows, and scalable programs that enable efficient, person-to-person care What the future may hold as Medicaid and Medicare strategies continue to evolve If you're passionate about healthcare innovation, population health, or the expanding role of pharmacy, this conversation is packed with real-world insights you won't want to miss.

Across South Carolina, thousands of uninsured residents are managing chronic conditions and recovering from hospital stays without the safety net most people take for granted. For many, the gap between needing medication and being able to afford it can mean the difference between stability and crisis. In this episode, Dr. Huntley sits down with Kahlia Aposhian and Jessica Gaines of Welvista. They talk about a resource that has been quietly serving this exact gap for years, a free statewide mail-order pharmacy most people have never heard of, even though it might be saving lives in their own community. Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting  

The ALL ME® Podcast Peptides: What You Need to Know About This Growing Trend – Dr. Brandon Welch In this episode, Dr. Brandon Welch discusses the complex world of peptides, their uses, risks, and the regulatory landscape, providing valuable insights for athletes, parents, and young enthusiasts. Takeaways: What are peptides and how do they work? Regulatory status of peptides: FDA approval and bans Risks and side effects of peptide use Sources and quality concerns of online peptides The rise of peptides in social media and biohacking Clinical trials and safety data for peptides Legal considerations for prescribing and dispensing Impact of peptides on health and performance Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Peptides and Their Importance 03:02 Dr. Brandon Welch's Journey into Pharmacy 05:40 Understanding Peptides: The Basics 08:52 Peptides: Legal Status and Safety Concerns 11:26 Research-Only Peptides: Risks and Regulations 14:22 The Role of Influencers in Peptide Popularity 17:19 The Surge of Peptides in Recent Years 20:05 Popular Peptides: Reta TrueTide and BPC157 34:12 Injectable Drugs and Athletic Recovery 37:49 The Risks of Peptides and Tumor Growth 38:40 CJC-1295: Benefits and Risks 42:57 Ipamorelin: Understanding Its Use and Risks 46:03 Dependency on Growth Hormones 48:27 TB500: Potential and Limitations 50:09 The Push for FDA Approval of Peptides 56:06 Advice for Young Athletes on Peptide Use Resources: · https://sportsrxnetwork.com/ · https://www.usada.org/ · https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information · https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Follow Us: Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Contact Us: Twitter: @theTHF Instagram: @theTHF Facebook: Taylor Hooton Foundation #ALLMEPEDFREE Email: info@taylorhooton.org Phone: 214-449-1990 ALL ME Assembly Programs: http://taylorhooton.org/education-resources/face-to-face-programs/

FDA Advisory Panel Backs Six Peptides for Compounding Pharmacies Phil kicks things off with an update on the torn upper horn of his lateral meniscus, sustained just before a meet he ran anyway (600 lb squat, 600 lb deadlift) rather than sit out with his son. From there the hosts pivot to a Verywell Health piece by Amber Raiken on the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee recommending looser restrictions on six peptides — BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, Selank, and Epitalon — while rejecting a seventh, Emoxypine, over weak human results. Mike, drawing on a recent conversation with attorney Rick Collins, explains the split between FDA researchers (mostly opposed) and the non-physician advisory panel (mostly in favor), and why compounding-pharmacy oversight could at least guarantee sterile, accurately-dosed product versus the unregulated grey market. The group works through the thin evidence base for BPC-157 — including a sham-surgery knee trial showing a large placebo effect — alongside real anecdotes, including Phil's own faster recovery after hip surgery. They also cover the money and politics behind the FDA's shift, the rise of pre-loaded peptide pens mirroring GLP-1 marketing, sermorelin's prior FDA history, grey-market use of unapproved compounds like retatrutide, and how peptides moved from underground research-chemical circles in the '90s to today's mainstream, driven largely by biohacker influencers and the normalization of GLP-1 injections — now increasingly popular with women as well as men. They close by comparing peptide-assisted recovery in elite athletes (citing Patrick Mahomes) to the old anabolic-era "impossible" recovery stories, and debate what a sane regulatory and tracking system for peptides could look like. 00:00 Welcome and Hosts 00:20 Phil's Meniscus Tear and Meet Recovery 05:02 Transition to Peptide Regulatory News 06:18 FDA Advisory Panel and the Six Peptides 12:11 BPC-157 History and Anecdotal Evidence 17:02 Network Announcements and Newsletter 19:58 FDA Politics and Compounding Pharmacy Incentives 30:07 Six Peptides List and Emoxypine Rejection 34:59 A Proposal for Peptide Regulation and Tracking 37:28 How Peptides Reached the General Public 46:48 Elite Athletes and Faster Recovery Anecdotes 50:06 Wrap and Disclaimer Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com Thank you!Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

The Purple Stuff Podcast kicks off the spooky season with a long look at an ancient pharmacy's Sunday newspaper ad from the 1990 Halloween season! This baby is loaded with haunted nostalgia, covering everything from pumpkin leaf bags to that old ghost-shaped Snickers candy pail! We've also uploaded the gorgeous circular, if you wanna follow along: https://imgur.com/a/TkfBXy9 PS: If this sort of episode is up your alley, we also just covered the *1989* version of this Halloween ad on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/purplestuff Enjoy, everyone!

PBM Reform Podcast Sponsored by American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) Host: Greg Reybold Special Guest: Ben Mudd, PharmD, Executive Director, Kentucky Pharmacists Association   Momentum for meaningful pharmacy benefit manager reform is building in Washington.   In this episode of the PBM Reform Podcast, host Greg Reybold welcomes Dr. Ben Mudd, Executive Director of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association, to examine the bipartisan Pharmacists Fight Back Act, H.R. 6610, and what its advancement could mean for patients, pharmacists, employers, and the future of independent pharmacy.   On July 22, 2026, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform reported the legislation favorably following a committee markup. Introduced by Chairman James Comer of Kentucky and Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, the bill would establish new requirements for pharmacy benefit managers participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.   The proposed reforms would require participating PBMs to provide fair pharmacy reimbursement, apply manufacturer rebates toward reducing beneficiaries' prescription drug costs, prohibit patient steering to PBM-affiliated pharmacies, increase transparency, and establish penalties for noncompliance.   Greg and Ben discuss why the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program could become an important proving ground for broader PBM accountability and how federal action may influence commercial plans, state legislation, and future healthcare policy.   Episode Discussion   The conversation explores:   Why H.R. 6610 has attracted bipartisan support How PBM reimbursement practices threaten independent pharmacy sustainability The impact of patient steering and PBM-affiliated pharmacy networks Why manufacturer rebates should directly reduce patients' prescription costs What “fair reimbursement” must include to protect pharmacy access How enforcement provisions and financial penalties could improve accountability Kentucky's role in advancing pharmacy and PBM reform The connection between federal legislation and state-level advocacy What pharmacists should communicate to legislators and patients The remaining steps required before H.R. 6610 can become law   Dr. Mudd brings the perspective of a practicing community pharmacist and association executive who has worked extensively in pharmacy advocacy. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, he practiced in both chain and independent pharmacy settings before assuming leadership of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association.   Ben is running for Kentucky State Senate position this November. Lear more about his platform and issues most important: https://www.votemudd.com/meet-ben   Key Takeaway   PBM reform is no longer simply an industry debate. It is a patient-access, healthcare-affordability, pharmacy-choice, and community-infrastructure issue.   The Pharmacists Fight Back Act represents a significant federal effort to separate PBM compensation from practices that may increase drug costs, restrict patient choice, and financially disadvantage independent pharmacies. The legislation's advancement is an important milestone—but pharmacists must remain informed, engaged, and vocal as the bill moves through the legislative process.   Subscribe to the PBM Reform Podcast for continuing coverage of legislation, regulation, litigation, and advocacy shaping the future of pharmacy benefit management and community pharmacy.   The PBM Reform Podcast is sponsored by American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc., supporting independent pharmacies and advocating for a more transparent, competitive, and patient-centered prescription drug marketplace.

Send us Fan MailSchedule an Rx AssessmentLive at McKesson Ideashare 2026, this episode features Ollin Sykes in conversation with Todd Eury on the Pharmacy Podcast Network. Ollin covers:The importance of monthly adjustments for receivables, inventory, and payablesThe risks of commingling multiple pharmacy entities on one balance sheet or P&LWhat pharmacy owners considering expansion, file purchases, or long-term care/home expansion need to have in place firstStay connected with us:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA TwitterMore resources on this topic: Podcast - Becoming a Pharmacy GladiatorPodcast – Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 with Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24Podcast – 2026 Quarter 2 Pharmacy UpdatePodcast – America 250, The history of Pharmacy, Q&A

In this episode of The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast, I talk with Ohio pharmacist Dan Krinsky about writing, co-authoring, and editing. This is Episode 22 in the Pharmacist Authors Series. Unlike most episodes in the series, our conversation does not focus on one specific book. Dan has written and edited many types of professional content, including continuing education and journal articles, newsletters, patient education materials, business proposals, and pharmacy reference resources. Dan first appeared on the podcast in Episode 133, when we discussed his pharmacy career and pharmacogenomics. This time, writing gets the spotlight. Dan shares practical advice for pharmacists, pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy professors who want to begin writing or expand their writing experience. Dan's contact information, website, and social media links  Dan Krinsky BS, MS, RPh, FAPhA on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-krinsky-bs-ms-rph-fapha-a8537a/  Dan's email dkrinsky@educare-4u.com  EduCare4U, LLC website https://www.educare-4u.com  PGx101, LLC on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/pgx101  The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 133 featuring Dan Krinsky About Dan Krinsky B.S., M.S., R.Ph., FAPhA (July 2026) Dan is business owner, educator, entrepreneur and pharmacist who is passionate about advancing patient care and the pharmacy profession.  He owns 2 businesses:  EduCare4U, LLC, (focused on education and patient care) and PGx101, LLC (focused on pharmacogenomics education and practice implementation).  Mr. Krinsky is currently a Professor at the LECOM School of Pharmacy, serving as a lecturer, committee member, and student advisor.  He is a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association and an active member of the Medication Management Special Interest Group.  Other ventures include working with providers to optimize patients' drug therapy; professional writing; creation of certificate training programs, and new business development.  Mr. Krinsky is Editor-in-Chief and Section Editor for the American Pharmacists Association publication 'Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs:  An Interactive Approach to Self-Care.' Mr. Krinsky's areas of expertise include community pharmacy practice, drug information, patient counseling and education, OTCs, natural products, pharmacogenomics, and developing and implementing medication therapy and disease state management programs.  His primary professional goal is to 'pay it forward', finding ways to make the profession better for the next generation of pharmacists.     Questions and abbreviated answers from our conversation How did writing become part of your professional life? Dan's first major writing project was his master's thesis in pharmacokinetics. Writing did not come naturally at first, but he discovered that he enjoyed gathering information and turning it into something useful for an audience. How can someone decide whether writing is right for them? Start with a topic you care about. Identify the audience, look for gaps in available information, and find a mentor or support network. You do not need to work alone. Should new writers start small or go directly to writing a book? Dan recommends beginning with an article, newsletter, or another smaller project when possible. Smaller projects provide quicker feedback and help writers build skills and confidence. Someone who wants to start with a book should narrow the topic, identify the audience, create an outline, set deadlines, and seek feedback early. What has Dan written? His work includes newsletters, business proposals, patient advisory leaflets, consumer health information, journal and continuing education articles, and two co-authored point-of-care resources: the Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide and the Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook. He has also contributed to multiple editions of APhA's Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs as an author and editor. How are writing, co-authoring, and editing different? An author creates the content. Co-authors share responsibility and need clear roles, flexibility, and communication. An editor improves accuracy, organization, clarity, and usefulness while protecting the author's voice. When should an author involve an editor? As early as possible. An editor can help shape the audience, scope, outline, organization, and flow before the author invests months in the wrong direction. Early feedback is usually easier to handle than dozens of changes at the end. How can someone find a useful topic? Pay attention to recurring patient questions, conversations, media claims, and gaps in health information. The final product does not need to be a book. It could be an article, handout, script, social media post, or educational program. What keeps people from starting? Dan identifies three common barriers: waiting to become "the expert," fear of criticism, and lack of structure. Know what you know, recognize what you do not know, and build a network that can help fill the gaps. How can pharmacists develop a writing habit? Schedule writing time, set specific goals, work backward from deadlines, and use an accountability partner. A detailed outline makes a large project feel more manageable. Where can beginners find legitimate writing opportunities? Consider professional associations, colleges of pharmacy, health systems, community pharmacies, continuing education companies, consumer health websites, and digital health companies. Build a portfolio with writing samples, areas of expertise, testimonials, and other communication experience. How long should someone give writing before deciding it is not for them? There is no single timeline. A newsletter article may take a month; a book may take 12 to 18 months. Set realistic deadlines for each project, start small, and give yourself time to learn. What is Dan's final advice for aspiring authors? Find a mentor, be patient, expect revisions, learn from feedback, and enjoy the process. Writing may not be the right path for everyone, but it can be a meaningful way to educate patients, serve the profession, and create new opportunities. Pharmacist Authors Series Episode List 2025 Pharmacist Authors Series Part 1 of 3 (June) Episode 336 with Jerry Levin, PhD, LMT - Affirm Yourself: 15 Principles to Retrain the Voice in Your Head. Part 2 of 3 (July) Episode 340 with Ashley Walker, PharmD - Expanding Your Brilliance: Creating Effortless Abundance while Navigating Business and Motherhood https://amzn.to/418hdwx Part 3 of 3 (October) Episode 353 with Sandra O. Onye, PharmD - Winning Is in My DNA: 15 Minutes of Self-Reflection https://amzn.to/48KTtn3 2024 Pharmacist Authors Series Part 1 of 3 (June) Episode 282 with Steve Leuck, PharmD - A Pharmacist's Story An Authentic Tale of True Love, Family, Addiction, and the Practice of Pharmacy Part 2 of 3 (July) Episode 288 Helen Sairany, PharmD - The We You Don't See:  Understanding the Long Shadows of Trauma Part 3 of 3 (August) Episode 293 Kim Newlove with Publishing in Doses Co-Founders Janan Sarwar, PharmD and Theary Chhim, PharmD plus audio engineer, Julie Walthers. = 2023 Pharmacist Authors Series (Part 1 of 15) June 5, Introduction to the Pharmacist Authors Series (Episode 220) (Part 2 of 15) June 9, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 221:  Interview with Salam Kabbani, PharmD about her book: COVID Long-Hauler:  My Life Since COVID (Part 3 of 15) June 12, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 222:  Interview with audio engineer Julie Walthers from Whole Story Studio: https://www.wholestorystudio.com/  (Part 4 of 15) June 16, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 223 Interview with Erin L. Albert, PharmD on her book The Life Science Lawyer Part 5 of 15) June 19, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 224 Interview with Sue Ojageer, PharmD on her children's book The Pharma Heroes:  The Power of Precision Medicine (Part 6 of 15) June 23, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 225: Interview with Tony Guerra, PharmD about his Pharmacist Residency and Career Series (8 books) (Part 7 of 15) June 26, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 226:  Interview with Christina Fontana, PharmD about her book Moving Beyond the Counter:  Elevating into Heart-Centered Health Care through Entrepreneurship (Part 8 of 15) June 30, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 227: Interview with Jade L. Ranger, PharmD, about her book Mustard Seed Mentality: Unscripted Pearls of Wisdom from a Wife, Mother, and Entrepreneur (Part 9 of 15) July 7, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 229: Interview with RDML Pam Schweitzer, PharmD and her daughter Amy Graves about their children's book Alice and Jack Hike the Grand Canyon (Part 10 of 15) July 10, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 230: Interview with Cory Jenks, PharmD about his book Permission to Care:  Building a Healthcare Culture That Thrives in Chaos (Part 11 of 15) July 14, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 231: Interview with Donna Bartlett, PharmD about her book MedStrong:  Shed Your Meds for a Better, Healthier You - Aging Well Through Deprescribing  (Part 12 of 15) July 17, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 232:  Interview with Frieda Wiley, PharmD about her book Telecommuting Psychosis:  From Surviving to Thriving While Working in Your Pajama Pants.  Plus, we touch on her 3 children's books in development. (Part 13 of 15) July 21, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 233:  Interview with Tim Ulbrich, PharmD about his book Seven Figure Pharmacist:  How to Maximize Your Income, Eliminate Debt, and Create Wealth  (Part 14 of 15) July 24, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 234:  Interview with LaQuoia Johnson, PharmD about her book How Rxacism Manifests Inside the Small World of Pharmacy (Part 15 of 15) July 28, The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast Episode 235:  Pharmacist Authors Series wrap-up (solo show) Kim's websites and social media links ✅ Monthly email newsletter sign-up link https://bit.ly/3AHJIaF  ✅ LinkedIn Newsletter link https://bit.ly/40VmV5B ✅ Business website https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com ✅ Buy my book on amazon.com https://amzn.to/4iAKNBs   ✅ The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast ✅ Drug pronunciation course https://www.kimnewlove.com ✅ A Behind-the-scenes look at The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast © Online Course https://www.kimnewlove.com  ✅ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnewlove  ✅ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kim.newlove.96  ✅ Twitter https://twitter.com/KimNewloveVO ✅ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kimnewlovevo/ ✅ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3UyhNBi9CCqIMP8t1wRZQ ✅ ACX (Audiobook Narrator Profile) https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A10FSORRTANJ4Z ✅ Start a podcast with my coach, Dave Jackson from The School of Podcasting! Click my affiliate link: https://community.schoolofpodcasting.com/invitation?code=G43D3G  *New 12-4-25*   Thank you for listening to episode 372 of The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast. If you know someone who would like this episode, please share it with them!

Millions of people suffer with foot trouble. Some have heel pain when they first get out of bed. Others complain of flat feet or bunions. Athlete's foot is very common, though it doesn't always respond as expected to antifungal medications. Speaking of fungus, toenail fungus can be extremely stubborn. What are your feet trying to tell you about what they need? How can you keep them healthy, especially in the summertime? At The People's Pharmacy, we strive to bring you up to date, rigorously researched insights and conversations about health, medicine, wellness and health policies and health systems. While these conversations intend to offer insight and perspective, the content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical care or treatment. How You Can Listen You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EST on Saturday, August 1, 2026, through your computer or smart phone (wunc.org).  Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can't listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on August 3, 2026. What Are Your Feet Trying to Tell You? Most everyone looks forward to summer vacation, but that special time away from the usual routine may pose challenges for your feet. Whether you are hiking in the mountains or running on the beach, you may need to pay attention to your tootsies. Time at the Beach Beach time can inspire long walks on the sand, but soft sand could really put a strain on foot muscles that aren't accustomed to it. Our expert guest, podiatrist Jane Andersen DPM, recommends wearing good running shoes for walking long distances on sand. Choosing to walk where the sand is hard-packed when the tide is low can also be helpful. Possibly the most important but easily overlooked step to protect feet at the beach is to apply sunscreen. The tops of the feet are easily overlooked, but they can burn pretty readily. And if you are planning to spend time sunbathing prone, you might even want to apply sunscreen to the bottoms of your feet. They never see the sun, and walking on sunburned soles could be quite painful. Protecting Bare Feet Another consideration at the beach is how you will get from the parking lot or boardwalk to the water. How hot is the sand? If it is hot enough to burn the soles of your feet, you might consider using water sandals. In general, going barefoot can be risky. Whether you're at the beach, at a campground, in your own backyard or even inside your home, there are potential hazards underfoot. Bits of glass shards, little pieces of wire, tiny pebbles or nails could all cause havoc if they end up embedded in a sole. Protecting your soles by wearing good flip-flops makes a lot of sense. To find a list of flip-flops that provide appropriate arch support as well as sole protection, consult apma.org. Treating Black Toenails During this episode, Joe describes a trip to the beach with a long walk. By the time he removed his shoes, his longest toe had a black toenail that was rather painful. Although the pain faded before too long, it took about a year for the dark color to disappear from the nail. Dr. Andersen suggests that it often takes at least nine months to regrow a toenail. She emphasizes that if the nail turns black due to sudden trauma (like dropping something heavy on the toe), a podiatrist should check it out. Sometimes there is a fracture under that discolored nail that requires medical attention for proper healing. What Is the Story on Flat Feet? Joe has always had flat feet. Perhaps your feet are flat, too. The condition is pretty common. If Joe gets out of a bathtub or swimming pool and leaves footprints, they are almost oval. There is very little indentation in the center. Other people with higher arches may leave footprints that are nearly C-shaped. Flat feet can benefit from arch support such as orthotic inserts for shoes. High arches can also cause trouble, especially if they are linked to a genetic condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth. It is a nerve disorder that can also lead to muscle weakness. Consequently, people with high arches may also need podiatric care for their feet to stay comfortable and healthy. Plantar Fasciitis Is a Pain The bottoms of your feet have thick connective tissue called fascia that run from the heel to the ball of the foot. Inflammation of this tissue causes pain, typically at the heel but sometimes along the arch. Often, more supportive footgear or special orthotics can help. Getting a shoe with the correct heel drop is important. That is the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and at the toe. A podiatrist can recommend the most appropriate heel drop for your feet. Stretching is also useful, particularly pulling the toes toward the knee or stretching the calf in a runner's stretch pose and holding for 30 seconds or so. Rolling the bottom of the foot on a frozen water bottle helps with the stretch at the same time that the cold eases the inflammation. Plantar fasciitis is common and treatable. If left untreated, it may last a long time. What Can You Do About Stinky Feet? A couple of listeners shared their experiences with smelly feet, and we asked Dr. Andersen for her opinion. Jan described using a topical erythromycin antibiotic prescription that came as a roll-on. She also got rid of all her stinky shoes and is careful to wear socks that will wick sweat away. Dr. Andersen noted that erythromycin is very effective against a bacterial infection with Corynebacterium minutissimum. This organism glows coral under ultraviolet light and can definitely raise a stink. Sophia wrote about developing smelly feet after walking around in wet shoes. She finally solved the problem by treating her feet with rubbing alcohol. Dr. Andersen agreed that rubbing alcohol could be helpful. So can soaking the feet in a strong solution of tea. Other tips include cleaning the floor of the shower stall frequently and always wearing socks that wick–not cotton, which absorbs sweat but traps the moisture. Acrylic or wool work better. Another tactic is to alternate shoes; don't wear the same shoes day after day but give them at least a day to dry out. How Should You Treat a Sprained Ankle? There has been controversy lately about the standard RICE protocol for a sprain: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Some experts now recommend warmth instead of ice and gentle motion rather than rest immediately after a sprain. Of course, the first step is to ascertain that it is really a sprain and not a fracture. The treatment for those two injuries is completely different and the person suffering the problem may not be able to tell just from the way it feels. An X-ray is prudent. Bunions and Hammer Toes If you don't suffer from bunions, you might not know what they are. In a bunion, the bone that supports the big toe (the metatarsal) moves out of alignment and starts to point more towards the midline of the body. To compensate, the rest of the big toe ends up pointing back toward the rest of the foot. This creates a bump on the edge of the foot that might be painful. There doesn't seem to be any clear correlation between the size of the bump and the amount of pain it causes. Bunions seem to be hereditary, at least to some extent. Conservative management entails choosing footwear with a roomy toe box, not pointy-toed shoes. Podiatrists also correct bunions surgically. They can choose from a wide range of surgical approaches. In hammer toes, one of the toes (typically the second toe) curls over so that the end that would normally face forward points downward. This too can be corrected surgically, but the recovery can be pretty lengthy. A roomy toe box is also a good bet for living with hammer toe. Taking Care of Your Feet We asked Dr. Andersen for general advice, and she suggested that one very important consideration is to buy your athletic shoes in person, preferably at a store that caters to athletes. Buy the proper shoes for your activity; in other words, don't try to play pickleball in running shoes. One nationwide chain that does a good job fitting the shoe to the athlete is Fleet Feet. Locally, she recommends Bull City Running. This Week’s Guest Dr. Jane Andersen, Board Certified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, is in practice at Chapel Hill Foot and Ankle, part of FASMA, Foot and Ankle specialists of the Mid Atlantic, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Andersen specializes in Foot and ankle care for Children, Adults, Athletes and Geriatric Patients including surgery and conservative care. She is a Trustee of the American Podiatric Medical Association. January 18, 2025, Jane Andersen, DPM, was awarded the Edwin B. Martin, Jr., Award for Podiatrist of the Year. https://www.chapelhillfootandankle.com/dr-jane-andersen Jane Andersen, DPM, Chapel HIll Foot and Ankle Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, August 3, 2026, after broadcast on Aug. 1. This week's podcast has additional information on smelly feet as well as foot and nail fungus. What remedies or medications work best? How long does it take for nail to grow out? What are the best toenail clippers? (Miltex) You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free.

Earlier this month, the Pharmacy Foundation of Oregon announced it was awarded more than $5 million from the Oregon Health Authority to expand pharmacy access in rural and frontier communities.     The need is particularly acute in Oregon. According to an analysis by AP in 2024 using data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, Oregon has the second fewest retail pharmacies per capita in the nation. Pharmacy closures can be particularly hard for patients in rural areas who may have to drive hours to the next available pharmacy to fill their prescriptions.    To help this population, PFO will use the OHA funds to install secure lockers in Burns, Baker City, Gold Beach and other locations for patients to pick up their prescriptions. The nonprofit will also roll out a prescription delivery service staffed with a community health worker who is also a bilingual pharmacy technician to serve customers in Heppner, John Day, La Grande and other locations. PFO is also hoping to launch a telepharmacy service where a pharmacist would be available for video consultations with patients and would be able to remotely supervise a technician as medications are dispensed.   Brian Mayo is the executive director of the Oregon State Pharmacy Association and the Pharmacy Foundation of Oregon. Ann Murray is a pharmacist and the co-owner of Murray’s Drug, an independent, family-owned pharmacy with locations in Heppner, Condon and Boardman. Murray and Mayo join us to discuss the OHA grant and the challenges facing pharmacies and the rural communities they serve.  

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Zac Hanson, vice president of growth at RxPreferred, to discuss why pharmacy benefits remain one of the least transparent areas of healthcare spending—and what benefits advisors can do about it. Zac explains the factors driving pharmacy costs, including specialty medications and plan design, while exploring the importance of data transparency, proactive pharmacy management, and asking the right questions of PBMs. He also shares practical strategies to help advisors better understand their clients' pharmacy spend and make more informed recommendations that improve outcomes and control costs.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit features Dr. Janjri Desai, Interim VP, Pharmacy Services, Stanford Health Care and Dr. Seth Hartman, VP, Clinical Applications and Chief Pharmacy Information Officer, UChicago Medicine. They discuss how AI is streamlining administrative workflows, enabling more advanced clinical decision support, and reshaping pharmacy roles to improve patient care, workforce efficiency, and long-term health system sustainability.This episode is sponsored by Omnicell.

Prosecutors are building the case one ordinary moment at a time. Today, that meant two witnesses in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy — the Duxbury, Massachusetts mother accused of strangling her three children, Cora (5), Dawson (3), and Callan (7 months), with exercise resistance bands inside the family's Summer Street home on January 24, 2023. Clancy faces three counts of murder and three counts of strangulation, has pleaded not guilty, and is pursuing an insanity defense through attorney Kevin Reddington centered on severe postpartum psychosis and psychiatric overmedication.Angela Krause, general manager of the CVS in Kingston, testified that Clancy called the pharmacy directly to ask about a specific medication. Investigators separately requested surveillance footage from the day Patrick Clancy came in to pick that prescription up — a detail the jury now has, with no explanation yet of what it's meant to show.Then Saria Sweeney Shelgren, a hostess at ThreeV restaurant in Plymouth, testified she took an order from Clancy that same night. Her voice, Shelgren said, wasn't slurred or impaired. A man picked the food up. It's not a dramatic detail on its own, but it's exactly the kind of thing the state wants on record when the defense is arguing psychiatric breakdown.That's the pattern with this stretch of testimony: timeline, timeline, timeline. Prosecutors are stacking small, verifiable facts to account for every hour before three children were killed. Afterward, Clancy allegedly attempted suicide by jumping from a second-story window and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Her husband, Patrick, was out running errands at the time and has since relocated to Manhattan. The trial continues in Plymouth Superior Court.Links:Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodDisclaimer:This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.Hashtags: #LindsayClancy #DuxburyTragedy #PostpartumPsychosis #TrueCrime #PlymouthCounty #CoraDawsonCallan #InsanityDefense #KevinReddington #TrueCrimeToday #Breaking

Two witnesses with nothing in common except the same case took the stand today in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Duxbury, Massachusetts mother accused of strangling her three children — 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 7-month-old Callan — with exercise resistance bands inside the family's Summer Street home on January 24, 2023. Clancy faces three counts of murder and three counts of strangulation. She's pleaded not guilty, and attorney Kevin Reddington is mounting an insanity defense built on severe postpartum psychosis and psychiatric overmedication.First up was Angela Krause, general manager of the CVS in Kingston. She testified Clancy called the pharmacy herself asking about a specific medication. Investigators later came back with a separate request — surveillance footage from the day Patrick Clancy picked that same prescription up. Two visits, two different things police wanted to see.Then came Saria Sweeney Shelgren, a hostess at ThreeV restaurant in Plymouth, who was working the night of the killings. She testified Clancy called in an order and that her voice wasn't slurred or impaired. A man came in to collect it. Small detail, deliberate purpose — prosecutors are spending their time building an hour-by-hour account of that evening, and a clear-headed phone order doesn't leave much room for a narrative of total collapse.After the killings, Clancy allegedly attempted suicide by jumping from a second-story window and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Her husband, Patrick, was out running errands at the time and has since relocated to Manhattan. The trial continues in Plymouth Superior Court and is expected to run several weeks.Links:Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodDisclaimer:This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.Hashtags: #LindsayClancy #DuxburyTragedy #PostpartumPsychosis #TrueCrime #PlymouthCounty #CoraDawsonCallan #InsanityDefense #KevinReddington #HiddenKillers #Breaking

Ask Me Anything: How Does GoodRx Actually Make Money, and Who Really Pays for the Discount?. Episode 522. A listener asked Stacey Richter a deceptively simple question: how exactly does GoodRx make money? To answer it, this AMA episode revisits a 2021 conversation with Ge Bai, PhD, CPA, professor of accounting at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and of health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, recently nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Ge Bai lays out exactly how GoodRx turns pharmacy-PBM contract dysfunction into a business, and Stacey updates listeners on what's changed—and what hasn't—in the years since. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✅ Why GoodRx is purely a pricing platform with no pharmacy of its own—unlike Amazon, which operates its own pharmacy ✅ How PBM contracts requiring pharmacies to offer insurers their "best price" force cash list prices artificially high, the exact dysfunction GoodRx monetizes ✅ How GoodRx's network of contracted PBMs—including Express Scripts and OptumRx—collects a per-dispense fee every time a patient uses a GoodRx card ✅ Why pharmacies lose out twice: they never collect their high list price, and they still owe a fee to the PBM that "referred" the cash-pay patient to them ✅ What's changed since 2021: a wave of new cash-pay competitors like Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, GLP-1-driven cash-pay behavior, and proposed legislation targeting "Most Favored Nation" (lesser-of) clauses in PBM contracts ✅ Ge Bai's recent nomination to Assistant Secretary at HHS, building on research she has used to testify before Congress and shape healthcare policy WHY THIS MATTERS GoodRx's entire business model runs on a single structural quirk: PBM contracts require pharmacies to keep their list price higher than any insurer's negotiated rate, which pushes cash prices artificially high for anyone without a coupon. As Stacey Richter puts it, this dysfunction "is sadly pretty much the same" today as when Ge Bai first explained it in 2021, even as new cash-pay entrants and proposed "Most Favored Nation" contract restrictions start to reshape the landscape. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE EP520 with Stacey: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP517 with Stacey: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP516 with Ophelia Johnson: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps EP439 with Luke Slindee, PharmD: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Apps === LINKS ===

The Independent Pharmacy Cooperative is partnering with Fullscript to help independent pharmacies expand their wellness offerings without adding inventory, storage costs, or fulfillment responsibilities.   Through the partnership, IPC members receive free access to Fullscript's digital platform, featuring more than 375 trusted supplement brands. Pharmacies can recommend personalized wellness protocols, earn approximately 35% margins on online sales, and benefit from direct-to-patient shipping, automated refill reminders, and optional auto-ship services.   Fullscript manages product inventory, payment processing, and delivery, giving independent pharmacies a practical way to generate recurring revenue while supporting patient adherence and long-term wellness goals.   Guests:   Kelli - IPC Christopher - FullScript Shannon - IPC Andrea - Pharmacy Owner Emlah Tubuo - Pharmacy Owner

Matt Jarvis is the SVP of Strategy in Lockton's national pharmacy practice. He has a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and has worked in both retail and consulting pharmacy roles. Matt is a subject matter expert in understanding current pharmacy market pricing, supply chain, and medication delivery to the consumer. He leads the development and implementation of innovative clinical solutions that drive optimal management in specialty drugs for Lockton clients. Mentioned on the ShowConnect with Matt Jarvis, PharmD on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjarvispharmdWould you like O'Brien or Matt to discuss your company's pharmacy benefit plan? Reach out here: Contact O'BrienMatt and O'Brien discussed alternatives like Amazon Pharmacy and Mark Cuban's venture, Cost Plus Drugs. Timestamps(00:00:00) – Matt Jarvis, PharmD joins his colleague O'Brien McMahon on the People Business Podcast(00:03:48) – What is the structure of a pharmacy plan and how does it differ from the medical plan? What are the common misconceptions?(00:05:43) – What a PBM is and why does it exist? Why isn't pharmacy handled through the regular health plan?(00:08:12) – Why don't drug manufacturers sell directly to health plans and what the steps are from drug creation to pharmacy purchase?(00:09:44) – What is a formulary?(00:13:09) – Why is there is a disconnect between doctors prescribing medications and what's actually covered by a plan?(00:14:37) – What is the role of drug reps in the overall pharmacy system?(00:18:43) – Is AI influencing how doctors prescribe medications?(00:19:54) – What role does the pharmacist plays in the current system? (00:21:18) – Do pharmacists have any ability to intervene or help patients navigate the formulary, or do they just dispense whatever is prescribe?(00:23:30) – What is prior authorization, and is it driven by clinical or financial outcomes?(00:27:36) – What are the different drug tiers and what qualifies a drug for each tier?(00:28:48) – What qualifies as a specialty drug?(00:30:20) – What is the difference is between prior authorization and step therapy?(00:31:40) – What role do generics in the current pharm landscape?(00:40:16) – Step therapy and biosimilars: how they each work(00:42:38) – Where does mail order fit into the pharmacy system?(00:48:00) – Rebates: the complicated and confusing system of paying for drugs(00:56:21) – Emerging PBMs and when it makes sense for clients to switch(00:59:33) – How can employers vet new-model PBMs when traditional rebate-heavy models look better on a spreadsheet?(01:02:59) – Closing thoughts from Matt Jarvis

“Don't go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This was the sage advice shared by Dan Jenkins with the 10 teams participating in the grand finale of the 2026 Stella Zhang New Venture Competition, housed in UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business. The event is in its 22nd year, and Jenkins has been one of its co-chairs since 2014. He's also an honorary board member for UC Irvine's Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, whose faculty director, Imran Currim, offered this additional thought about the competition: “It takes a village.” That village is populated by many people, including myriad sponsors, volunteers who act as mentors and judges, and the contestants themselves: teams consisting of students, faculty, researchers, staff and community members who are enthused to launch a startup and turn their idea into a real business. We're shining a spotlight on the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition in this episode of The UC Irvine Podcast. We'll speak with Sakhi Patel, a graduate student in UC Irvine's School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, whose lived experiences inspired her team's business, CuraVoice. We'll also hear from Alicia Rantos and Ernie Rapp, two of the event's 160 volunteer coaches and judges. And we'll take listeners inside the Merage School's SB1 Auditorium on May 21, when the finalists presented their pitches to dazzle the panel and audience and win prize money that could help them achieve their goals. “Blazing Nights of Light,” the music featured throughout this episode, was provided by The Whole Other via the audio library in YouTube Studio.

Chris Antypas, PharmD and President of Asti's South Hills Pharmacy in Pittsburg, PA, along with his partners are launching Medesto Heath.  This totally new type of technology will allow pharmacist to combine prescription data, lab results, clinical notes and other health metrics and determine if the medications a patient is taking are actually working.  This is way more than adherence and MTM.  It is a totally new paradigm for pharmacy care.  Antypas is joined by Robyn Amberg who has known Antypas for several years and proposed this podcast.   

Pharmacy costs have an outsized impact on overall healthcare spend for employers. But much happens before a drug's price is...[…]

Independent pharmacies are facing growing reimbursement uncertainty, especially when dispensing high-cost brand medications such as GLP-1 therapies. In this exclusive Pharmacy Podcast Network special feature, we examine how GoodRx Community Link provides independent pharmacies with predictable pricing and favorable economics across both brand and generic medications, ultimately helping pharmacies remain solvent while providing consumers affordable prescription prices.   Todd Eury is joined by David Graziano, Head of Retail Network at GoodRx, and Tom DePietro, independent pharmacy owner at DePietro's Pharmacy, for a practical discussion about the pressures affecting independent pharmacy and the need for reimbursement models that support  pharmacy viability. The conversation explores how Community Link supports brand medications through manufacturer-funded savings that flow back to the pharmacy through GoodRx, while the manufacturer covers the administrative fee. For generic medications, the program uses a NADAC-based cost-plus model intended to provide clearer visibility into reimbursement. Listeners will also hear how independent pharmacies are impacted by rising deductibles, prior authorizations, narrow formularies, cash-pay growth, and increased competition. David and Tom discuss the importance of transparent pricing, digital engagement, streamlined fulfillment, personalized patient care, and sustainable economics for local pharmacies. Key discussion points include: The financial risk of dispensing high-cost brand medications like GLP-1s Predictable reimbursement for brands and generics The role of manufacturer-funded savings for brand medications NADAC-based cost-plus pricing for generics Pharmacy access to GLP-1 cash-pay programs Competing through service, technology, and patient relationships Protecting local healthcare access through independent pharmacy Explore how GoodRx Community Link can bring greater transparency and predictability to brand and generic dispensing, helping independent pharmacies serve patients sustainably and with confidence. Featured Guests: David Graziano — Head of Retail Network, GoodRx Tom DePietro — Independent Pharmacy Owner, DePietro's Pharmacy Host: Todd Eury — Founder, Pharmacy Podcast Network Visit goodrx.com/CommunityLink to learn more GoodRx is NOT insurance.