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Matt Lambert has become one of the quiet legends of the Auburn trail community, not because of race results, but because of the joy, generosity, and gratitude he brings to every run. Although he's a seven-time Western States finisher, Matt rarely talks about racing. Instead, he shares how growing up on the Western States Trail taught him that running is about adventure, friendship, and discovering the "pharmacy in your head," where movement naturally brings peace, perspective, and emotional healing. The conversation explores how our relationship with the trail evolves over time, why Matt intentionally stepped away from racing before it stopped bringing him joy, and how balancing running with other activities has allowed him to stay healthy for decades. Along the way, Don, Scott, and Matt reflect on why trail running creates deeper friendships than almost any other activity and how time on the trail often provides clarity that's difficult to find anywhere else. It's an inspiring reminder that the greatest reward isn't another buckle. It's becoming the kind of person who still can't wait to head into the woods after forty years. EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses! ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach: Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 00:00 | Why Matt Lambert Inspires So Many Runners Scott introduces "Lamb Chops," whose love for the trail has made him one of Auburn's most beloved ambassadors despite rarely talking about his impressive race resume. 09:30 | Adventure, Friendship, and Growing Up on the Trails Matt shares how exploring the Auburn canyons as a kid and meeting influential mentors shaped his lifelong love of trail running. 20:40 | The "Pharmacy in Your Head" Matt explains why running became his healthiest source of joy and why nature has always been his most powerful medicine. 30:00 | The Trail as a Place of Healing The conversation turns to mental health, finding perspective, and why a run has always been Matt's path back from life's hardest moments. 41:15 | Why Longevity Beats Mileage Drawing from decades as chiropractors, Matt and Don discuss avoiding overtraining, embracing cross training, and staying healthy enough to enjoy the trails for life. 50:00 | Knowing When to Let Racing Go Matt reflects on finishing Western States seven times, recognizing when the suffering outweighed the joy, and redefining his relationship with running. 1:03:00 | What Really Matters After Decades on the Trail Scott shares how Matt influenced his own evolution as a runner, leading to a heartfelt conversation about purpose, perspective, and loving the trail long after racing fades. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Do you worry that your hair is thinning? You may wonder what treatments could make a real difference. After all, you wouldn't want to spend money on something that has no chance of helping. Many people also have concerns about their nails. Perhaps they are ridged, or loose, or too thick. Could that be due to nail fungus, or might it have another cause? Most importantly, what could you do about it? In this episode, you'll get a dermatologist's guide to what actually works. 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, September 19, 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 Sept. 21, 2026. What Actually Works for Hair and Nail Problems Dr. Chris Adigun practices both general and cosmetic dermatology. We wanted to ask her about nail problems in particular because they are very common and she maintains a specialty in treating them. We asked her about the most common nail problems she sees, and she named simple onycholysis (pronounced Oh-nick-oh-LYE-sis). In this condition, the nail begins to lift away from the nail bed. You can identify it because the white area at the fingertip becomes much more extensive than usual. Usually, this is due to exposure to acids such as citrus juices or cleaning solutions. Having your hands in and out of irritants or even water (with or without soap) could lead to onycholysis. An overactive thyroid gland could also lead to onycholysis. To prevent it, try to avoid putting your hands into that sort of liquid. If you must do so, use gloves. And of course, a good hand cream to bolster the skin barrier is a very good idea. If these approaches don't do the trick, especially if there are other symptoms, the doctor may want to test for thyroid function. Another common problem is allergic contact dermatitis. This could be caused by some of the same irritating substances responsible for onycholysis, but cosmetics are common culprits here. Nail polish and remover, especially nail polish remover, can cause nail problems for some people. If you are one of them, what actually works best might mean finding a less irritating product or, even better, leaving the nails unadorned. White Spots on Nails Many people have noticed white spots on their nails. We asked Dr. Adigun what causes these, and she replied that usually they are not worrisome. If you bang your fingertip, as you might if you slammed it in a door or a drawer, the trauma may show up several weeks later as a white spot. (More serious trauma could show up as a dark spot due to blood pooling under the nail; we discussed that with podiatrist Jane Anderson here, but not with Dr. Adigun.) What About Ridges on the Nails? Nail ridges are very common, and the ones that run lengthwise along the same axis as the finger are due to aging. Just as our skin develops wrinkles, so do our nails. Consequently, there are no effective treatments. Nail ridges in children are a different story. They might show up as nails having the texture of sandpaper, or they could be horizontal ridges. Such nails should be seen by a physician, as they could signal an inflammatory condition called lichen planus or even an early sign of psoriasis. While we don't have cures for these conditions, there are effective medications to manage them. Hangnails and Cuticle Problems Are you surprised that dermatologists have a fancy term to describe cuticle problems and other trouble affecting the skin around the nail? They call it paronychia (PEAR-oh-nick-ee-ya). If it is caused by an infection, it might be treated with an antimicrobial compound. The best preventative is not to pull, bite or clip off hangnails or rough spots in the cuticles, the skin near the nails. Instead, moisturize and possibly cover the spot with a bandage to remove the temptation while it softens and heals. Instant glue is another simple remedy that really works for hangnails. Treating Nail Fungus When the nails are thick, ugly and hard to trim, often people blame nail fungus. But surprisingly, it isn't always the culprit. Mechanical trauma can also create thick nails that are hard to cut. If the nail is thick because it is on a hammer toe so it bumps against the insole of the shoe, antifungal treatment won't help. If a healthcare professional addresses it when it first appears, it may be treatable, but once the body has grown accustomed to producing that thick nail, there may be no effective treatment. Some nail infections are bacterial as well as fungal. Both may show up together, or the infection may be one or the other. A dermatologist has techniques for diagnosing whether the problem is due to a fungus or to bacteria such as Corynebacterium. Different types of antimicrobial medicines are effective for these infections. Athlete's foot also needs a real diagnosis, since it too might be bacterial rather than fungal in nature. OTC athlete's foot medicines target fungal infections. Handling Hair Loss Both men and women experience hair thinning, and no one is pleased about it. The patterns differ, with men noticing a receding hairline and less hair on their temples. Women's hair loss tends to form a Christmas-tree pattern, with the tip of the tree right behind the hairline and the base spreading out over the crown of the head. Women are also prone to hair loss after giving birth to a baby. However, while that may be alarming in the moment, it often corrects itself without treatment over the following months. Hormonal Treatments for Hair Loss With men, scientists have identified testosterone metabolites as contributing factors. Drugs such as finasteride (Propecia) or dutasteride block those metabolites and help men regrow hair. Dr. Adigun has begun using these compounds in women who are beyond childbearing. (They are off limits for a person who might become pregnant because they could interfere with the normal development of genitals in a fetus.) A different hormonal treatment for hair loss is spironolactone. Dermatologists have long used it to treat female pattern hair loss. A review found that spironolactone is an effective and safe treatment option for hair loss” (Cureus, Aug. 16, 2023). Besides boosting scalp hair growth, however, it can also cause itchy scalp, facial hair growth and menstrual problems. Another approach that actually works for hair loss is minoxidil (Rogaine). Most people are familiar with this as a topical product to be applied twice daily. That might get old after a while. Also, some people react to the product with contact dermatitis, irritation or itching. Low-dose oral minoxidil seems to work as well as topical minoxidil without the irritation. Another possible option which is better than placebo but not as potent as full strength topical minoxidil is rosemary oil. It is less likely to cause itching, however. This Week’s Guest Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the President and Medical Director of the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill, which she founded in 2016. Dr. Adigun practices both general and cosmetic dermatology, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive treatments that deliver natural, impactful results. She has devoted much of her career to increasing public awareness of skin cancer and the harmful effects of UV exposure—both medical and cosmetic—and maintains an academic specialty in nail disorders. Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD, Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, September 21, 2026, after broadcast on Sept. 19. You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free. This week's episode contains additional information on hair loss due to chemotherapy and why it may grow back with a different color or texture. We also discuss red light therapy for hair growth, along with biotin supplements. Those call for caution, as they can interfere with the results on tests for thyroid function. Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
This week on TWIRx, we're looking at the expanding role of pharmacists in public health, value-based care, artificial intelligence, medication intelligence, and the technology infrastructure supporting independent community pharmacy. We begin with a special conversation featuring Alex J. Adams, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Pennsylvania pharmacy leader Robert “Rob” Maher, PharmD, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN). Dr. Adams brings a pharmacist's perspective to federal health and human services leadership, while Maher leads a statewide clinically integrated pharmacy network focused on measurable patient outcomes. Together, we discuss how pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in public health initiatives and how organizations such as PPCN are helping demonstrate the value of pharmacist-provided care through value-based models in Pennsylvania. Next, we continue our countdown to NASP inSPire 2026 with one of PPN's Podcast Press Sponsors, Hendren AI. John Boos, PharmD, MBA, Founder and CEO of Hendren AI, joins us to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in specialty pharmacy and rare disease management. We discuss how AI-enabled tools can support pharmacists by processing complex information, improving workflow efficiency, automating administrative processes, and helping pharmacy teams devote more time to clinical care and patient engagement. Our 3rd segement on today's TWIRx, we catch up with Vince Costanzo of RxBLU for an important discussion about the rapidly changing pharmacy technology landscape. Pharmacy software today is about far more than features and functionality. For an independent pharmacy, its technology platform can sit at the center of dispensing, claims, inventory, patient communication, workflow, and business continuity. We discuss why pharmacies should evaluate not only the technology they purchase, but also the stability, accessibility, support structure, and long-term strategy of the company behind it. As consolidation continues throughout healthcare technology, independent pharmacy owners need to understand what a potential acquisition, ownership change, or shift in corporate priorities could mean for the software platforms their operations depend upon. Our featured Podcast Press Sponsor is First Databank — FDB. David Delaney, MD, President of FDB, joins TWIRx to discuss the company's newly announced FDB Script Agent™, an AI-powered prescribing agent designed to move ambient listening beyond clinical documentation. FDB Script Agent converts patient-clinician dialogue into structured prescriptions ready for clinician review, using FDB medication intelligence to provide clinical grounding and codification rather than relying on simple natural-language processing alone. We explore what this next generation of ambient AI could mean for prescribing workflows, medication safety, clinicians, and ultimately the pharmacies receiving those prescriptions. It's another packed edition of This Week in Pharmacy — connecting pharmacy leadership, public health, specialty pharmacy, artificial intelligence and the technology shaping the future of the profession. This is TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy, from the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
Bethany Children's Health Center is a private, nonprofit pediatric hospital and rehabilitation center in Bethany, Oklahoma, west of Oklahoma City. It specializes in caring for children with serious medical conditions, disabilities, injuries, and complex rehabilitation needs.What makes it unusual is that it is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma.It began in 1898 as an orphanage, founded by Mattie Mallory. It evolved over more than a century into a specialized children's hospital and was known for many years as The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital. In 2022, it adopted the name Bethany Children's Health Center.Albert Gray is Executive Director, Chairman of the Board of The Bethany Health Center. Hired originally to close the Center due to its poor financial performance, Gray instead turned the organization around, leading it to become one of Oklahoma's foremost healthcare providers for children with disabilities.Its mission emphasizes that every child has equal worth and should be helped to reach his or her greatest potential.Listen to Albert Gray talk about the children who benefit from the health center and a major donation on the podcast and website VoicesOfOklahoma.com.
**What if your pharmacy could recover money from claims that were reimbursed below your cost? Heather sits down with Kris from Pharmacy Marketplace to explain payment-floor laws, underwater claims, and how pharmacies can challenge PBM underpayments. Learn how the process works, why many pharmacies are still leaving money on the table, and how technology can make filing and tracking appeals far easier.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Addressing Underpaid Claims** [4:12] 3. **The Pharmacy Marketplace Solution** [7:49] 4. **Onboarding and Implementation Process** [10:45] 5. **Subscription Model and ROI** [14:57] 6. **Data as a Tool for Advocacy** [16:43] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
**I'm talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see independent pharmacy owners make: chasing 10% optimizations instead of 10X results. In this video, Dr. Lisa Faast explains why pharmacy owners should stop chasing small 10% improvements and start looking for opportunities that can create 10X results. From bookkeeping and vial costs to payroll, revenue opportunities, peptides, OTC, and compounding, Lisa shares how to identify the areas that have the potential to make the biggest financial impact on your pharmacy. This is my free coaching session to you: stop spending your limited time, money, and energy on micro-optimizations before you've tackled the big wins. If you want help figuring out what your 10X opportunities are, that's exactly what I do.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Optimizing Pharmacy Business** [0:10] 3. **When Good KPIs Become Emotional Distractions** [1:52] 4. ** Time vs Savings Analysis** [4:33] 5. ** The Importance of Prioritizing Optimizations** [5:41] 6. ** Peptides, Compounding, and New Revenue** [6:37] 7. ** The Role of Coaching and Training in Optimization** [7:53] 8. ** Focusing on Big Impact Areas** [8:08] 9. ** The Benefits of a Structured Approach to Optimization** [8:43] 10. ** The Role of Emotional Attachment in Optimization** [9:16] 11. **The Importance of Perspective in Optimization** [9:35] 12. **The Role of AI and Technology in Optimization** [9:48] 13. ** The Benefits of a Supportive Community** [10:01] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
**Could your pharmacy be leaving thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars on the table? Heather sits down with Don from Quartermaster Tax Management to break down the R&D tax credit, why compounding pharmacies may qualify, recent tax law changes, and the important deadlines pharmacy owners need to know. If your pharmacy compounds or customizes medications, this is an episode you don't want to miss.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Recent Legislative Changes** [3:54] 3. **Qualifying Criteria and Benefits** [7:06] 4. **Next Steps for Pharmacy Owners** [9:53] 5. **Expertise and Audit Protection** [16:52] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
**Your payment processor could be costing your pharmacy more than you realize. Heather sits down with Chris Flores from USA Payments to talk about hidden processing fees, card-not-present transactions, online sales, and why some pharmacies are paying far more than they should. Learn what to look for on your statements and how the right payment setup can help lower expenses while giving your pharmacy the flexibility to grow.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Challenges with Legacy Payment Processors** [2:38] 3. **The Shift Toward Online Pharmacy Sales** [4:38] 4. **Optimizing Card Not Present Transactions** [8:18] 5. **Getting Started with USA Payments** [12:53] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
**In Session 5 of the Ahead of the Curve – Summer Webinar Series, Heather sits down with Vince Costanzo and Ronald Collins of RxBLU to talk about the Pharmacy Operating Platform, or POP™, and why this approach could change the way independent pharmacies think about their technology.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **RX Blue Product Overview** [4:18] 3. **Workflow and Customization** [9:04] 4. **Cloud Security and Connectivity** [15:13] 5. **Ownership and Onboarding** [21:07] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
In this episode of Psychiatric Pharmacy Pulse, host Megan Maroney, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP, speaks with Danielle Stutzman, PharmD, BCPP, clinical assistant professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and assistant adjunct professor at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and member of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists Board of Directors, about where centanafadine (Simtriyo; Otsuka Pharmaceutical) fits into attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacotherapy. Centanafadine received FDA approval in July 2026 as a norepinephrine-dopamine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NDSRI) for ADHD in both pediatric and adult patients, with DEA scheduling still pending. Maroney and Stutzman note its mechanism is not entirely novel, drawing comparisons to tricyclic antidepressants, atomoxetine (Eli Lilly), and viloxazine (Qelbree; Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc). A pooled meta-analysis of 4 phase 3 trials plus a phase 2b crossover study found a Hedges' g effect size of about 0.37 for overall symptom severity versus placebo, a modest result that falls short of typical stimulant effect sizes of 0.8 to 1.0, though executive functioning outcomes on caregiver-rated scales appeared more promising.Safety data showed a nonsignificant increase in adverse effects (AEs) overall (pooled risk ratio, 1.29), with appetite suppression, nausea, and rash among the most common issues. Rash was the leading cause of study discontinuation in the youngest age group. Indirect comparisons suggested centanafadine may carry a lower risk of insomnia than methylphenidate and fewer AEs than atomoxetine and viloxazine, though lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse; Takeda Pharmaceuticals) remained more effective. A boxed warning for suicidal ideation applies, which is consistent with other ADHD medications.Practical advantages discussed include a lack of reliance on cytochrome P450 metabolism, lower drug interaction risk than atomoxetine or viloxazine, and capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, yogurt, or orange juice. Centanafadine did increase caffeine exposure roughly 2-fold, warranting patient counseling. Both Maroney and Stutzman positioned the drug as a potential second-line option for patients who are not candidates for stimulants or who have not tolerated or responded to first-line therapies.To provide feedback or suggest topics of discussion for Psychiatric Pharmacy Pulse, please reach out to Gillian McGovern, Editor (gmcgovern@pharmacytimes.com).REFERENCES1. Mattingly GW, Turkoglu O, Chang D, Ward C, Skubiak T, Zhang Z, Cutler AJ. 52-week open-label safety and tolerability study of centanafadine sustained release in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2025;45(5):454-462. doi:10.1097/JCP.00000000000020202. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. Otsuka receives FDA approval for first-in-class SIMTRIYO (centanafadine) for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Otsuka US. July 24, 2026. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.otsuka-us.com/otsuka-shares-fda-review-update-for-centanafadine3. Adler LA, Adams J, Madera-McDonough J, et al. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine sustained-release tablets in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results of 2 phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trials. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2022;42(5):429-439. doi:10.1097/JCP.00000000000015754. Muneer MA, Naveed M, Amjad M, et al. Efficacy and safety of centanafadine in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2026;56(3):47-65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42267239/5. Schein J, Cloutier M, Gauthier-Loiselle M, et al. Assessment of centanafadine in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a matching-adjusted indirect comparison vs lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, atomoxetine hydrochloride, and viloxazine extended-release. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2024;30(6):528-540. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2024.30.6.5286. Stein MA. Editorial: centanafadine for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: is a broader mechanism of action better? J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026;65(6):764-765. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2025.10.0207. Ward CL, Childress AC, Jin N, et al. Centanafadine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026;65(6):805-817. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2025.06.023
The NACDS Total Store Expo was in Boston, MA from August 15-17! Pharmacy owners, pharmacy students, and pharmacists gathered for forward thinking conversations and innovation to create more profit and better outcomes in their pharmacies. The NACDS TOTAL STORE EXPO is the largest gathering of retailers and suppliers in the health and wellness industry. Discover new and innovative products, technology and services and find the partners you need to thrive in an unpredictable consumer environment. In this "on the street" style of interviews, our host Todd Eury, CEO and Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network connects with: Stephen Beckman - YARAL Pharma Marzio Pozzuoli - NuraLogix Rob Headman - First Data Bank Justin Hammerling - Infinitrak Matt Gilbert - Medsense Anthony Dragisics - ELOS Thermal Richard Voskoboynikov - Wolters Kluwer Chris Krese - NACDS
Monique Burke buys more stop-loss than almost anyone in this business, and the rate is the last thing she looks at.She built OneDigital's stop-loss center of excellence starting with a spreadsheet, an offshore data team, and one other person. It's doubled year over year since. Now it covers everything from marketing a case through claims reimbursement, plus TPA and captive selection, because every time they solved one problem another piece of the stack turned out to be broken.We get into what she checks first on every quote and why, the non-negotiables she won't place a policy without, and why a panel needs roughly ten carriers to function. Monique also explains why a carrier quoting 10% of what you send them is normal, what happens when an employer keeps a sick employee on the plan out of loyalty and finds out too late they weren't eligible, and what her underwriter and nurse are seeing right now in the claims data.If you've ever put a stop-loss spreadsheet in front of a client, this one will change how you read it. Tune in.“We look at what are the contingencies, what are the exclusions. Those are the two things I will always go to first, because that's going to make or break the policy or the decision. I don't care what your rate is." - Monique Burke, OneDigitalThank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Building a Stop-Loss Center of Excellence(00:05:00) Why the TPA Choice Makes or Breaks the Plan(00:10:25) If You Want Change, You Have to Make Changes(00:16:00) Meet Monique Burke(00:20:00) Tell Me the Problem, Not the Solution(00:24:00) Building the Panel From Scratch(00:26:00) Why You Need Ten Carriers(00:28:00) They Quoted 48 Out of 412(00:34:00) Pharmacy and the Claims Nobody Caught(00:38:30) What the Claims Data Looks Like Right Now(00:43:00) The Two Things She Checks First(00:46:30) The Non-Negotiables(00:48:30) The Eligibility Trap(00:55:00) Inside OneDigital(01:05:00) When a Captive Beats Going It Alone(01:13:00) Closing ThoughtsKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
Monique Burke buys more stop-loss than almost anyone in this business, and the rate is the last thing she looks at.She built OneDigital's stop-loss center of excellence starting with a spreadsheet, an offshore data team, and one other person. It's doubled year over year since. Now it covers everything from marketing a case through claims reimbursement, plus TPA and captive selection, because every time they solved one problem another piece of the stack turned out to be broken.We get into what she checks first on every quote and why, the non-negotiables she won't place a policy without, and why a panel needs roughly ten carriers to function. Monique also explains why a carrier quoting 10% of what you send them is normal, what happens when an employer keeps a sick employee on the plan out of loyalty and finds out too late they weren't eligible, and what her underwriter and nurse are seeing right now in the claims data.If you've ever put a stop-loss spreadsheet in front of a client, this one will change how you read it. Tune in.“We look at what are the contingencies, what are the exclusions. Those are the two things I will always go to first, because that's going to make or break the policy or the decision. I don't care what your rate is." - Monique Burke, OneDigitalThank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Building a Stop-Loss Center of Excellence(00:05:00) Why the TPA Choice Makes or Breaks the Plan(00:10:25) If You Want Change, You Have to Make Changes(00:16:00) Meet Monique Burke(00:20:00) Tell Me the Problem, Not the Solution(00:24:00) Building the Panel From Scratch(00:26:00) Why You Need Ten Carriers(00:28:00) They Quoted 48 Out of 412(00:34:00) Pharmacy and the Claims Nobody Caught(00:38:30) What the Claims Data Looks Like Right Now(00:43:00) The Two Things She Checks First(00:46:30) The Non-Negotiables(00:48:30) The Eligibility Trap(00:55:00) Inside OneDigital(01:05:00) When a Captive Beats Going It Alone(01:13:00) Closing ThoughtsKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
A new study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry analyzed electronic health records from 2,086 individuals with bipolar disorder in Hong Kong treated between 2004 and 2023. While long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) are already widely recognized for treating schizophrenia, robust comparative guidance for bipolar disorder has historically been limited. The researchers found that patients receiving LAIAs had a significantly lower risk of psychiatric hospitalization compared to those on traditional oral antipsychotics. In addition, the injectable treatments were tied to a reduced recurrence rate of manic and mixed episodes, offering compelling evidence for their expanded clinical role.
**Can your pharmacy run smoothly without you being there every single day? Summer's coming, and if you're wondering how to keep your pharmacy running while you're out, this video is for you! I'm sharing one of my favorite employee management tools: the Controlling Calendar. It's not a traditional calendar, it's a position-based task tracker that gives your team complete clarity on what needs to get done daily, weekly, monthly, and more, so they can self-manage without you micromanaging.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Using the Controlling Calendar for Your Pharmacy** [0:10] 3. **Understanding the Controlling Calendar** [2:19] 4. **Implementing the Controlling Calendar** [3:30] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
Specialty Pharmacy Access, Innovation & Independent Pharmacy Growth This Week in Pharmacy, we explore specialty pharmacy, pharmacy innovation, emerging career opportunities, and new business models for independent community pharmacy. Today's episode is sponsored by Clearway Health, Value Drug Company, and FDB (First Databank, Inc.) First, Allison Arant of Clearway Health joins us to discuss the next phase of specialty pharmacy within hospitals and health systems. As rare disease and specialty therapies become more complex, health systems are looking for better ways to improve medication access, strengthen continuity of care, and keep patients connected to trusted clinical teams. Todd and Allison discuss how health-system specialty pharmacy can expand community access and improve management of complex and rare disease treatments. Learn more: https://www.clearwayhealth.com/ National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) #inSPire2026 Next, we preview inSPire 2026, taking place September 22–25, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The specialty pharmacy community will come together to discuss medication access, emerging therapies, technology, patient services, clinical care, and the continued evolution of specialty pharmacy. The Next Dose Summit Then we welcome Jordan Smith, PharmD, AAHIVP, CPGx, and Melinda Fowler, RPh, ABAAHP, FAAFM to preview The Next Dose Summit, happening October 14–15, 2026. RxPR and the Pharmacy Podcast Network are proud press and media partners. The event focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, emerging career pathways, and new opportunities for pharmacists looking beyond traditional roles. It is designed for pharmacists, students, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders asking one important question: What's next for pharmacy — and what's next for me? Register here: https://www.jscommunitycare.org/store/p/2026-the-next-dose-summit-registration Expanding Independent Pharmacy Finally, Rick Seipp, PharmD, President and CEO of Value Drug Company, returns to discuss creative strategies for expanding independent community pharmacy. Todd and Rick explore cash-based pharmacy, transparent pricing, clinical services, new revenue streams, and other non-PBM-dependent models that can help independent pharmacies diversify and grow. The conversation focuses on how community pharmacies can strengthen their businesses while continuing to serve as trusted healthcare destinations. Learn more: https://www.valuedrugco.com/ Sponsored By Clearway Health https://www.clearwayhealth.com/ Value Drug Company https://www.valuedrugco.com/ First Databank — FDB https://www.fdbhealth.com/ TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy is hosted by Todd S. Eury and produced by the Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacists & Our Profession.
This episode reviews the development and sustainability of a system-wide, pharmacy-led assessment of risk process for investigational products. The conversation highlights lessons learned from building a multidisciplinary governance model, applying toxicologic and biosafety criteria, and translating USP requirements into practical workflows for research pharmacy practice. The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.
**I walk you through the exact steps to optimize the foundation of your pharmacy's online presence starting with Google My Business. When planning how to market your pharmacy, I share why you should set up your Facebook page the same way before spending a single dollar on paid ads. If you want more patients to find your pharmacy and the services you actually offer, this is where to start.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Why Google Optimization Matters** [0:10] 3. ** Claiming Your Google My Business Profile** [1:02] 4. **Setting Up Google My Business for Your Pharmacy** [2:10] 5. **Getting Google Reviews for Your Pharmacy** [4:11] 6. **Keeping Your Profile Active** [5:20] 7. **Optimizing Your Facebook Business Page** [6:18] 8. **Final Tips for Pharmacy Owners** [7:05] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
For years, anyone who sprained an ankle or twisted a knee got some standard advice: ice it, rest it, wrap it with compression tape and keep it elevated. The acronym for Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate is RICE. New research shows that following this advice alleviates the pain from the injury in the short term, but it may actually slow healing. What can help you in healing faster from this type of problem? You can hear it directly from a scientist applying cutting-edge research with tendons and rats to getting NBA players back on the court sooner. 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, September 12, 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 audio stream on this post starting on Sept. 14, 2026. We will also be putting up a YouTube video podcast so you can watch our guest do some demonstrating. Healing Faster from Injuries Sports medicine expert Dr. Gabe Mirkin coined the acronym RICE in the 1970s. At the time, many physicians and physical therapists embraced this approach to treating injuries. It helped reduce the pain in the immediate term, and it doesn't seem to do any harm over the longer term. It can take quite a while to heal damaged tendons and ligaments, however. Sometimes, that takes even longer than for broken bones to knit. Eventually, Dr. Mirkin reversed his RICE recommendation. But very few professionals took note. Is there a happy medium between applying RICE and toughing it out by trying to walk a sprained ankle off? Our guest on this episode has been studying the topic of healing faster from injuries and has some concrete advice to offer. Trying to Fool Mother Nature Many of the precautions that amateur athletes take are designed to undermine the body's inflammatory response. Yet acute inflammation is exactly how the body tries to heal itself from injury. Ice and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory, so taking ibuprofen before exercise or icing a sore knee afterwards might be counterproductive. What Is a Better Approach to Healing Faster? According to Dr. Keith Baar, immobilizing a joint (“rest”) leads quickly to loss of muscle and force. When he put rats on bed rest (listen to learn how), they lost strength rapidly. On the other hand, moving a joint gently helps to reduce swelling by pumping fluid out. This, in turn, is an early step in healing faster. How do you move a joint gently? Dr. Baar has developed his own acronym: 3LD isometrics. How Do You Practice 3LD Isometrics? First of all, what does 3LD even mean? It stands for low-load, long-duration isometrics. During isometric exercise, instead of moving a muscle quickly, you hold it in position until it fatigues. Physical therapists recommend isometrics, such as planks or wall squats, to strengthen the muscles around joints. In low-load long-duration exercises, you provide some support so you are not putting your entire body weight on the joint. In other words, you lessen the load. Rather than moving quickly through the motion, you find the point at which you can feel the tension in the muscle but it doesn't actually hurt. Dr. Baar describes this as ooh instead of ouch. Then you hold that position (with the support, remember) for 30 seconds or so. This is a relatively long duration. Healing Faster from Sports Injuries Dr. Baar describes how he helped his nephew, a college-team football linebacker, heal an injured shoulder. Sports injuries are not the only joint problems that could benefit from healing faster with 3LD isometrics. Other common complaints are carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist or plantar fasciitis in the foot. Changing the Culture of Treating Injury Dr. Baar describes his work with a rugby player who injured his hamstring tendon and was able to resume playing much earlier than the surgeon initially anticipated. Baar's team has also worked with a basketball player who ruptured an Achilles tendon last year. Healing faster with 3LD isometric work got him back on the court last year–the only NBA player with such an injury to manage that. As elite athletes learn the advantages of 3LD isometrics, physical therapists will begin offering it to ordinary people who simply want to resume their usual activities sooner. This Week’s Guest Keith Baar, PhD, is a professor of molecular exercise physiology at the University of California, Davis who leads the Functional Molecular Biology Laboratory. Dr. Baar is a leading expert in musculoskeletal health, studying how muscles, tendons, and ligaments respond to mechanical loading and nutrition. His websites are https://biology.ucdavis.edu/people/keith-baar and https://health.ucdavis.edu/basic-sciences/physiology/team/faculty/baar Keith Baar Headshot Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, September 14, 2026, after broadcast on Sept. 12. You can stream the show from this site and download the podcast for free. And we are hoping to get the video podcast up on YouTube. Just search for People’s Pharmacy next time you go to YouTube. Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
A strong online reputation starts with meaningful patient experiences. Join us as we explore how pharmacies can build trust, engage with their communities online, and manage their digital presence. Featuring special guest and trusted partner FlavoRx, who shares industry insights on creating positive patient experiences that inspire lasting loyalty—both in the pharmacy and online.
There is a lot of conflicting information online about progesterone right now, particularly around whether women need to take it continuously, whether cycling is necessary, and whether progesterone can somehow interfere with estrogen or increase dementia risk. In this conversation, Dr. Phyllis Bronson, Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP, and Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN, discuss some of the biggest claims circulating about progesterone and hormone therapy. The conversation explores the importance of progesterone, how different delivery methods can affect the way it works in the body, and why dose and individual response matter. They also discuss oral, topical and vaginal progesterone, the role of allopregnanolone, estriol and Bi-Est, and why measuring hormones in the blood doesn't always tell the full story of what is happening at the tissue level. They also tackle one of the biggest current controversies: the idea that continuous progesterone may increase dementia risk. The group discusses the evidence and theories behind this claim, the importance of balancing estradiol with progesterone, and why women need to be cautious about making hormone decisions based on simplified social media messaging. This is a wide-ranging conversation designed to give you more context, more questions to ask, and a deeper understanding of the ongoing debate around women's hormones. In this episode: The truth about continuous vs. cycling progesterone How progesterone works with estrogen in the body Oral, vaginal and transdermal progesterone: what's the difference? The controversy around progesterone and dementia risk Why hormone therapy needs to be individualized based on dose, delivery method and your unique response About Phyllis Bronson, PhD Phyllis Bronson, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in biochemistry. Her ongoing research involves studying the biological impact of molecules on mood and emotion. Dr. Bronson works with women who have hormone-based mood disorders, utilizing her original research on human identical hormones. She lives in Aspen, Colorado, and is President of Biochemical Consulting and The Biochemical Research Foundation. Dr. Bronson is the author of Moods, Emotions, and Aging: Hormones and the Mind-Body Connection,and has authored many articles, which can be found here. In the Aspen area? On July 27th, the Jewish Community Center in Aspen will be hosting The Great Hormone Conversation with Phyllis and Dr. Alan Altman. For more info or tickets,click here. About Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. Her passion for optimizing health and commitment to compounding is evident in her involvement with organizations including the International College of Integrated Medicine and the American College of Apothecaries, the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), American Pharmacists Association and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. She was also the founder and first chair for the Compounding Special Interest Group with the American Pharmacists Association. She chairs the Integrated Medicine Consortium, an umbrella group for complementary medicine organizations. She cohosts a radio program, "Take Charge of Your Health," in the greater New York area. She is on the Medical Advisory Boards for the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR.ca) and the Institute for Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM.org). She also writes and edits for A4M's website www.worldhealth.net and is a co-producer of "Immortality Now" podcasts. Carol offers personal consultations at www.thewellnessbydesignproject.com. About Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN Jill Chmielewski, a Registered Nurse, Certified Health Coach, Menopause Educator, and Women's Health Advocate with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. Most recently, Jill joined the Balance App team as the U.S. expert. Balance was founded by Dr. Louise Newson and is dedicated to educating and empowering women around the world with evidence-based information, helping them better understand their hormone health and make informed choices for their bodies.
**The DSCSA compliance deadline is coming… again.
**In this episode, I break down everything independent pharmacy owners need to know about Change of Ownership (CHOW) one of the topics I get asked about most this year. Whether it's a divorce, a partnership breakup, adding a new partner, or restructuring your entity, not every change of ownership is handled the same way.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Change of Ownership (CHOW) in Pharmacies** [0:10] 3. ** How to Value a Pharmacy: Private vs. Third-Party Transactions** [5:19] 4. **Legal and Administrative Steps in CHOW** [5:33] 5. **Managing Logistics and Bank Accounts** [7:26] 6. **Final Tips and Resources** [9:24] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
Thank you First Data Bank (FDB) for sponsoring this episode's coverage of the NACDS Total Store Expo! The NACDS Total Store Expo was in Boston, MA from August 15-17! Pharmacy owners, pharmacy students, and pharmacists gathered for forward thinking conversations and innovation to create more profit and better outcomes in their pharmacies. The NACDS TOTAL STORE EXPO is the largest gathering of retailers and suppliers in the health and wellness industry. Discover new and innovative products, technology and services and find the partners you need to thrive in an unpredictable consumer environment. In this "on the street" style of interviews, our host Todd Eury, CEO and Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network connects with: Mike Plinski - FDB (First Data Bank) Amantha Bagdon - RxPost Kris Rhea - Pharmacy Marketplace EJ George - Pharmacy Student Christopher Thomsen - CAPSA Healthcare Heather Haro - DiversifyRx Daniel Heusmann - Eyecon RxSafe
In anticipation of the 2026 ASHP Conference for Pharmacy Leaders, ASHP is hosting a series of podcast episodes. Join our host, Cynthia Von Heeringen, senior education director at ASHP, as she interviews Jennifer Sternbach, assistant vice president of clinical pharmacy services at RWJBarnabas Health, to discuss her upcoming session: Data with a Dose of Insight: Predictive Analytics in Health-System Pharmacy. The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.
**One of my favorite supplement companies, Vinco, and their brand-new Liposomal NAD product — the exact product I featured at my recent Pharmacy Profit Summit as an example of how you can generate over six figures from a single product with minimal effort. If your patients are searching for NAD (and trust me, they are), I want you to be their trusted local source. Whether you're just getting started with supplements or looking to level up your front-end sales, this video will show you how simple it can be.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Why Independent Pharmacies Should Sell More Supplements** [0:10] 3. ** Increase Independent Pharmacy Supplement Sales ** [3:10] 4. ** OTC Sales for Independent Pharmacies ** [5:00] 5. **Vinco & Their Liposomal Line** [6:30] 6. ** The NAD Opportunity for Independent Pharmacies** [8:00] 7. **How to Market Supplements In Your Pharmacy ** [10:15] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
Pharmacy Radio 122 September 2026 Welcome to episode 122 of Pharmacy Radio. I have a fantastic episode for you this month featuring a guest mix from new Pharmacy artist, Fallen Angel, with the debut of their amazing new release titled Transcending. Fallen Angel have a great melodic techno and underground trance sound that you are really going to like. In the first hour I've got a proper dog's breakfast of a mix. Every month I go through the promos that I have been sent and do my shopping on Beatport to find new tracks for the show. The tracks I find can be from a variety of genres and my job is to put them together into a mix. And, as most of you know, just because a track sounds good on it's own, getting it to fit in the mix is a whole other problem especially when the mix goes from 127bpm to 139bpm in just one hour. This month was a struggle but the glue that stuck everything together was the grooves of the tracks. All of them have really good grooves that lead from one track to the next especially the tracks from Carbon, Oriss, Roman Adam, Sian and Liquid Soul! First Hour: Christopher Lawrence Enai, Bittermind - RAYLINE - ERRORR GUYCO - Some Eco - Polarity Underground Monococ - Frozen Moment - Joker Black Label Carbon - Heat - PLAY IT Alesso - Smoke Machine - Tomorrowland Music ORISS - Andeeper - Astral Records Roman Adam - Good Old Days - Alula Tunes Sian - Controlling Me (PETER PAHN Remix) - Octopus Recordings PAGANO - Discombobulated - KISM Recordings Devid Dega - Break - Terminal M Liquid Soul - I Believe in Dragons - Iboga Records Barbatuques - Baianá (IKØN remix) - Iboga Records Electric Universe - Mystical Experiences (GMS Remix) - Dacru Sonic Species, Yushi - Digital Reality - Shamanic Tales Guest Mix: Fallen Angel Fallen Angel – Transcending Mariano Ballegos - Catamarca Breger – Garstic (David Phoenix Remix) Chakra & Edi Mis - X-Files (Ruback & Mariz Extended Remix) Rad.Lez - Kraken Surivan - Ganvra (Fallen Angel Remix) Sabura, MAWU - Dark Desires nilsix & Adara - Falls Apart (Fallen Angel Remix) Umek - Vibrancy (Kos:mo Remix) Hrsch - Dancing With Tentacles Teenage Mutants – Conflicted Mind Kaufmann (De) - Mother (Tao Andra Remix) Shadowmaw, Mindslash - What We Say The YellowHeads - Planet XX Spiral Of Change - Arhetip
**In this video, Dr. Lisa Faast breaks down: ✔️ What pharmacies can legally do with peptides ✔️ Why injectable “research peptides” create major risk ✔️ The OTC peptide opportunity most owners are missing ✔️ How oral dissolving peptide films work ✔️ Why patients are actively looking for trusted pharmacy sources ✔️ How pharmacies are creating NEW cash-pay revenue streams with peptides Because let's be honest… Patients are buying peptides whether pharmacies participate or not.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. ** Peptide** [0:10] 3. **Other Options for Pharmacy Participation** [0:54] 4. ** OTC Peptides ** [2:05] 5. **What Are Peptides** [2:44] 6. ** Oral Dissolving Films** [4:49] 7. ** Glow Product: Skin Repair and Injury Recovery ** [5:47] 8. **CJC Ipamorelin: Muscle Mass and Visceral Fat Reduction** [6:05] 9. **BPC Experience: Personal Hip Rehab** [6:19] 10. **NAD** [6:50] 11. **Glutathione: Detox and Antioxidant Properties** [7:16] 12. **Peptide Business Models** [7:30] 13. **Legal Participation: Helping Pharmacies Join Peptide Market Safely** [8:20] 14. **Getting Started with Peptides in Your Pharmacy** [8:50] 15. **Patient Demand for Peptides** [9:16] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
This week, host John Beckner and guest Ed Cohen, COO of PharmTeam Associates, explore the critical differences between retail and community pharmacy practices. They share insights on the evolving expectations of patients after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunity community pharmacy has to exceed those expectations through branding, mentorship, and personalized patient care. But it's not just a job for pharmacists, as Cohen emphasizes the role pharmacy schools and associations like NCPA must play in differentiating retail from community practice. This episode provides a fresh blueprint on how to set you and your pharmacy apart from the big chain down the street.
Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities. One of those volunteers is Tina Boyle. Originally from Buckinghamshire in Southeast England, Tina moved to Corofin in 2007 to take up a role as Supervising Pharmacist with Rochford's Pharmacy. Having no previous ties to Ireland, other than an interest through genealogy, she gave herself six months to see if life in North Clare would suit her. Rochford's Pharmacy is at the heart of the community in Corofin and supports events held by the school and other organisations in the village. Through her employment Tina soon found herself building community connections. When the inaugural meeting of Corofin Tourism and Traders association was held in 2012, Tina attended and became involved with promoting Corofin as a tourist destination before becoming part of the Festival of Finn committee. This annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage, named after the legendary warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and brings the village together through music, talks, walks and family fun events. Volunteering has helped Tina grow as a person, sparking her creativity and nudging her beyond her comfort zone – from dressing up as Fionn Mac Cumhaill to visit local schools to coordinating the much-loved Lark on the Lake with help from other committee members. Through her role as treasurer, she has gained experience in new areas such as writing grant applications. Over time, she has become deeply woven into the fabric of village life, building lasting friendships and developing a true love for the place she now calls home. For Tina, volunteering isn't just about giving back, it's about belonging and being part of something bigger – her community. The Festival of Finn is a long-running annual celebration held in Corofin, County Clare, honouring the legendary Irish hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool). Rooted in local folklore and community pride, the festival takes place over a weekend in early summer and features a lively mix of music, dance, parades, family fun, sports competitions and heritage events. Organised by a team of dedicated local volunteers, the Festival of Finn brings the whole community together and attracts visitors from across Clare and beyond. It highlights Corofin's strong tradition of hospitality, creativity and local involvement, while also supporting local businesses and cultural groups. Photo (c) Clare FM
Children are at increased risk for medication-related harm because of developmental differences, frequent off-label medication use, and unique adverse effect profiles. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association's updated KIDs List identifies medications and excipients that should be avoided or used with caution in pediatric patients, providing pharmacists with an evidence-based tool to support safer prescribing and medication use. This course reviews key updates from the 2025 KIDs List and discusses practical strategies pharmacists can use to identify risks, recommend safer alternatives, and improve medication safety for pediatric patients. HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTRachel Meyers, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPSClinical Professor / Pediatric Clinical PharmacistErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University /Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Pharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by enrolling in the course. Click here to enroll!CPE INFORMATION Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe key medications and excipients included in the 2025 KIDs List and the pediatric safety concerns associated with their use.2. Identify opportunities for pharmacists to apply KIDs List recommendations when evaluating medication therapy and counseling caregivers of pediatric patients.Rachel Meyers is a Consultant for Wolters Kluwer. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. 0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-316-H01-PInitial release date: 9/7/2026Expiration date: 9/7/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.
Children are at increased risk for medication-related harm because of developmental differences, frequent off-label medication use, and unique adverse effect profiles. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association's updated KIDs List identifies medications and excipients that should be avoided or used with caution in pediatric patients, providing pharmacists with an evidence-based tool to support safer prescribing and medication use. This course reviews key updates from the 2025 KIDs List and discusses practical strategies pharmacists can use to identify risks, recommend safer alternatives, and improve medication safety for pediatric patients.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Lead, Clinical & Partnership Education, CEimpactGUESTRachel Meyers, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPSClinical Professor / Pediatric Clinical PharmacistErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University /Cooperman Barnabas Medical CenterGET CE FOR LISTENING!Stay Compliant. Grow Clinically. Practice with Confidence. Pharmacist CE Subscription: All your CE in one convenient subscription.All episodes, CE, and Practice Resources for the GameChangers Clinical Update is included with your Pharmacist CE Subscription. But wait…there's even more!The Pharmacist CE Subscription includes: - Compliance and licensure CE - GameChangers Clinical Updates- Practical continuing education across patient care topics *The subscription does not include microcredentials or certificates, which are available separately for pharmacists seeking specialized service training. Purchase Now!PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by purchasing the Pharmacist CE Subscription. CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation to claim credit:If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase the Pharmacist CE Subscription and claim your CPE credit, click here or to purchase this course individually, click here. CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe key medications and excipients included in the 2025 KIDs List and the pediatric safety concerns associated with their use.2. Identify opportunities for pharmacists to apply KIDs List recommendations when evaluating medication therapy and counseling caregivers of pediatric patients.Rachel Meyers is a Consultant for Wolters Kluwer. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. 0.075 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-316-H01-PInitial release date: 9/7/2026Expiration date: 9/7/2029Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram
**If you're thinking about buying a pharmacy in 2026… this video could save you a LOT of money, stress, and regret. Here's everything you need to consider before buying an existing pharmacy, whether it's your first location or you're growing your portfolio. I share why buying an existing pharmacy can be easier than starting from scratch (though both have their challenges), and the three key factors I always evaluate. I also talk about how I approach new employees when taking over a pharmacy, why slashing staff is never the answer, and how strong purchasing contracts can immediately improve your margins by 4–5%. If you're thinking about buying a pharmacy, this video will help you go in ready.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. ** Buying an Existing Pharmacy or Starting a Pharamcy** [0:10] 3. **Evaluating the Value of a Pharmacy** [1:35] 4. **Pharmacy Fixed Operational Costs and Rent ** [2:52] 5. **Pharmacy Employee Evaluation and Integration** [4:29] 6. **Developing a Plan for Pharmacy Improvement ** [5:51] 7. ** The Importance of a Comprehensive Plan ** [8:15] 8. **Final Thoughts and Encouragement** [9:25] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
TWIRx NEWS 1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status. The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors. Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems. Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream. Read the Fierce Healthcare report Read the HHS-OIG audit 2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand. While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity. Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives. Read the Reuters report Read the FDA update 3. New RSV and COVID-19 Guidance Released The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season. Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility. Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical. Read the Pharmacy Times report SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUTCOMES A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes. Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team. The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care. Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley Lester September 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET Register here FEATURED CONVERSATION Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health. HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access. Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information. That makes today's discussion particularly timely. THE MEDICARE GLP-1 BRIDGE CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, to provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to selected GLP-1 medications for weight management. The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027. Eligible beneficiaries pay $50 for a monthly supply, while the program operates outside the traditional Part D payment flow through centralized prior authorization, claims adjudication and pharmacy payment. Eligible therapies currently include: Foundayo® Wegovy® Zepbound® The bigger issue is not simply GLP-1 coverage. It is how healthcare connects eligibility, affordability, prior authorization, pharmacy workflow and patient access. The central question for today's discussion: Can we create a medication-access system where patients know whether they can obtain and afford their therapy before they reach the pharmacy counter? CLOSING THOUGHT The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is more than another federal drug program. It is a real-world test of how healthcare can better connect coverage, affordability, prior authorization and pharmacy fulfillment around high-demand therapies. Pharmacists remain at the center of that process. The opportunity is to use technology to move more complexity upstream—allowing pharmacists to spend less time troubleshooting prescriptions and more time caring for patients. Our thanks to HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health, for joining us on This Week in Pharmacy. Learn more about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Learn more about Buzz Health TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy Pharmacy Podcast Network Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.
Send us Fan MailGuest Bio Dr. Robert Hall | Medical Director, Optum Workers' Comp and Auto No-Fault12 years leading medical direction and formulary oversight at OptumPhysical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist maintaining active clinical practice one day per week with injured workersStrategic voice on PBM industry trends, emerging drug therapies, and AI's role in claims prioritizationOur Conversation We explore pharmacy spending trends, compensability questions around new medications like GLP-1s and migraine medications, and how AI can help claims professionals prioritize without replacing judgment. Our conversation builds on CompPharma's 20th Annual Survey released earlier this year. Dr. Hall provided context from his unique PBM perspective.See the CompPharma 2025 Prescription Drug Management in Workers' Compensation SurveyKey Discussion PointsScript Volume Down, Per-Script Costs Up Prescriptions filled decreased 4%, yet per-script costs rose over 4%. Fewer generic opioids are available, causing providers to transition patients to more expensive alternatives. When lower-cost options aren't working, switching to higher-cost versions becomes the default.Opioid Decline Slowing Opioid spend dropped 7%—slower than the 13% annual declines of prior years. While fewer people are on opioids overall, those taking them can face additional complications such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia, where the pain medication itself makes pain worse. Providers unknowingly increase doses thinking pain is worsening, creating a spiral that drives costs and complexity.Efficiency Remains the Industry's Biggest Gap According to Dr. Hall, despite much progress, feedback from injured workers and treating providers is consistent: speed remains a big issue. Authorization turnarounds, surgery approvals, and medication approvals all lag. Efficiency directly impacts outcomes.GLP-1s: Compensability Questions Without Clear Answers GLP-1 medications (weight loss drugs) are appropriate when weight loss is necessary for surgery or when catastrophic injuries cause weight gain. But with 30-40% of adults overweight or obese, there's a strong incentive to route these expensive drugs through workers' comp claims instead of out-of-pocket. The core tension: just because a drug is medically effective doesn't make it work-related. Clear frameworks are needed to distinguish compensable uses from general health expenses.A parallel exists with migraine medications—highly effective for a common condition (10% of the population), creating similar pressure to tie them to workers' comp when they may not be compensable.Important caveat: GLP-1s carry real risks. Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and hospitalizations have occurred. When complications arise, they become part of the claim, adding complexity and cost.PBMs Score Highest on Customer Service PBMs earned their strongest-ever customer service grades in this year's CompPharma survey. Relationships matter as much as technology. Speed, communication, and partnership mindset drive loyalty.AI Adoption Rising—But De-skilling Risk Is Real About one-third of respondents now use AI tools. The cautionary tale: radiologists improved cancer detection with AI, but their standalone diagnostic ability declined after using it. For workers' comp, AI's highest value is prioritization—flagging the 2 catastrophic claims out of 100 that need immediate attention. The goal is to free human judgment for complex decisions, not replace it. We need to keep using and challenging our brains. Early Identification of Catastrophic Claims AI could synthesize accident type, injury location, physician findings, diagnostic studies, and functional capacity to identify claims spiraling toward permanent total or catastrophic status before they explode in cost. Early intervention changes trajectory.The risk: "creeping catastrophic" claims. Injuries that seem manageable but don't close gradually become complex and expensive. Opioid dosing spirals, high-cost alternatives accumulate, and routine claims become catastrophic without anyone realizing when the shift happened.State Variations as a Learning OpportunityFor folks newer to workers' comp, Dr. Hall suggests the 50 different state regulatory frameworks aren't just learning obstacles—they're live experiments in how to approach injury treatment. Professionals entering the industry should embrace this complexity and diversity to build deeper medical and operational knowledge.The Motorcycle Pivot Dr. Hall learned to ride a motorcycle last year after walking away from the idea a decade ago (when a bike cost as much as new kitchen cabinets). He's now ridden 1,000 miles on quiet Sunday afternoons. ¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp
In anticipation of the 2026 ASHP Conference for Pharmacy Leaders, ASHP is hosting a series of podcast episodes. Join our host, Cynthia Von Heeringen, senior education director at ASHP, as she interviews Jennifer Lara, the Tig H. Krekel founding director of the Center for Coaching and Mentoring at the United States Naval Academy. She'll be discussing her upcoming session, Coaching - Forward Leadership: Focus on the Pharmacy Team. The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.
**In this video, Dr. Lisa Faast gives you a quick look at her Jinfiniti NAD testing journey and why she's excited about combining testing, functional medicine, wellness, and longevity. As an advocate for data-driven wellness, Lisa shares what makes the Jinfiniti NAD Test different, what the testing kit includes, and the other markers being evaluated beyond NAD. She also talks about why this type of testing may be especially interesting for independent pharmacies exploring the functional medicine and wellness space.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Jinfiniti NAD Test** [0:22] 3. **What's in the Jinfiniti NAD Test Kit** [1:37] 4. **What's Being Tested Beyond NAD** [2:26] 5. **Selling Jinfiniti Products in Your Pharmacy** [4:05] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
In this episode of the Gladden Longevity Podcast, Dr. Gladden hosts Joshua Fritzler, President of Olympia Pharmaceuticals, and Nicole Snow to discuss the intricacies of compounding pharmacies, focusing on the differences between 503A and 503B pharmacies, the role of compounding in personalized medicine, and the current landscape of peptides and FDA oversight. The conversation highlights the importance of safety, regulation, and quality assurance in compounded medications, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how these pharmacies operate and their significance in modern healthcare. For Audience Join the other 20,000+ high-performers getting weekly insights on biological reversal, exponential strategies, and Life Energy optimization→ https://start.gladdenlongevity.com/subscribe If you're ready to measure your 60+ biological ages and build a personalized reversal plan, apply for a discovery call here → https://start.gladdenlongevity.com/apply-now Use code 'Podcast10' to get 10% OFF on any of our supplements at https://gladdenlongevityshop.com/! Takeaways · Compounding pharmacies create personalized medications not commercially available. · 503A pharmacies serve individual patients with specific prescriptions. · 503B pharmacies produce larger batches for clinics and have stricter regulations. · Compounded medications can be tailored to avoid allergens or intolerances. · FDA does not approve compounded medications, but regulates the pharmacies. · Safety profiles of compounded medications are generally high when produced correctly. · Patients can request specific formulations that are not available commercially. · Compounding pharmacies must comply with state and federal regulations. · Quality assurance is critical in compounding, including testing for potency. · Understanding the differences between compounding pharmacies is essential for patients. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Compounding Pharmacies 02:55 Understanding 503A and 503B Pharmacies 05:56 The Role of Compounding in Personalized Medicine 08:52 Safety and Regulation of Compounded Medications 11:54 Differences Between 503A and 503B Pharmacies 14:52 Navigating Prescription and State Regulations 17:50 The Current Landscape of Peptides and FDA Oversight 24:03 Quality Assurance in Compounding Pharmacies 27:55 Conclusion and Future Directions 55:52 A Call for a Manhattan Project in Chronic Disease Research To learn more about Joshua: Email: olympia@moburst.com Website: http://olympiapharmacy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuafritzler/ Reach out to us at: Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_q8nexY4K5ilgFnKm7naw
Send us Fan MailSchedule an Rx AssessmentYour infusion pharmacy is scaling fast, but is your legal foundation keeping up? On this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, we sit down with Chris Pucillo and Patrick Carpenter of Boesen & Snow Law to break down:Why home infusion pharmacies are consolidating in 2026, and what's driving itThe state-by-state licensing patchwork that trips up new infusion clinicsWhat regulatory and financial due diligence actually looks like when buying or selling an infusion pharmacyWhere anti-kickback risk hides in doctor detailing and cash-pay pricingAnd more!Stay connected with Patrick Carpenter, Chris Pucillo and Boesen & Snow Law:Patrick Carpenter LinkedInChris Pucillo LinkedInBoesen & Snow WebsiteBoesen & Snow LinkedInBoesen & Snow FacebookStay connected with us:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA TwitterMore resources on this topic:Podcast - Peptides, Policy, and PBMs: 2026 Quarter 3 Pharmacy UpdatePodcast – Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 with Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24Podcast – The Bottom Line Catch Up | Ep. 3 | R&D Tax Credit, Trump Accounts, Taylor Swift's Wedding
**In Session 4 of the Ahead of the Curve Summer Webinar Series, Daniel East, CSO of Crystal Health Solutions, shares a scalable model designed to help independent pharmacies generate additional revenue without taking on the traditional costs of patient acquisition. If your pharmacy is looking for ways to diversify beyond traditional PBM-dependent revenue, improve cash flow, and build new patient volume without funding the entire acquisition process yourself, this session is worth watching.** **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Pharmacy Profit Matrix and Daniel's Role** [3:44] 3. **Daniel's Introduction and Crystal Health Solutions** [6:59] 4. **Marketing and Telehealth Strategy** [9:51] 5. **Operational Details and State-Specific Considerations** [16:40] 6. **Onboarding Process and Next Steps** [24:31] 7. **Q&A and Additional Information** [33:54] ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be a part of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**
On this episode of The Vitamin Professor Podcast, Professor Gene Bruno talks to Pharmacist and Media Natural Health Expert David Foreman.David Foreman, “The Herbal Pharmacist®,” is a pharmacist, author, speaker, and media personality with expertise in pharmacy and natural medicine. A graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, he consults with ingredient suppliers and translates clinical research into papers, webinars, seminars, books, publications, and trade-event content.This podcast is brought to you in partnership with VRM Media and Nutraland USA, Inc. For more information about our host and guest, please see the below information.https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbalpharmacist/linkedin.com/in/gene-bruno-ms-mhs-rh-ahg-2ab0508/https://www.vrmmedia.com@hnvirtual, #hnvirtual, #theherbalpharmacist, #genebruno, #thevitaminprofessorFind our podcast on your favorite platform:podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vitamin-professor-podcast/id1746137375youtube.com/channel/UCxeQ-IuqCRmq0YLc7jQNMKAmusic.amazon.com/podcasts/a8a96593-b93c-48cf-9fe9-2891c4035dad/the-vitamin-professor-podcastiheart.com/podcast/269-the-vitamin-professor-podc-175888136/
Featured Guest: Bhuren Patel, CEO, PelMeds Presented by: SuiteRx Pharmacy Technology Platforms Episode Focus This episode will explore how PelMeds has developed a closed-door, full-service pharmacy model centered on medication management, specialized packaging, compounding, specialty products, and coordinated delivery. PelMeds serves residential schools, group homes, hospice and palliative care organizations, assisted living residents, individual patients, and veterinary clients. Discussion Topics 1. The PelMeds Growth Story Bhuren's pharmacy leadership journey and how PelMeds evolved to meet increasingly complex medication needs. 2. Serving Diverse Care Environments The operational differences involved in supporting group homes, assisted living communities, residential programs, hospice care, individual patients, and veterinary practices. 3. Medication Management and Specialized Packaging How adherence packaging, refill coordination, delivery, and proactive communication improve safety, efficiency, and continuity of care. 4. Technology Behind the Workflow How pharmacy technology can connect dispensing, packaging, documentation, communication, delivery, and customer service. 5. Balancing Personal Service with Scale Maintaining a high-touch pharmacy experience while expanding operations, services, and customer relationships. Key Takeaway Successful pharmacy growth increasingly depends on combining technology, medication-management expertise, dependable delivery, and personalized service—not simply filling prescriptions.
A key dimension to navigating 340B involves data, because the way hospitals and their pharmacies crunch numbers can be key to avoiding compliance issues and finding new opportunities to improve savings and patient access to care. Saint Francis Health System's 340B Program Manager Ted Houston tells us how his health system is getting the most value out of all the data.Compliance and Savings OpportunitiesHouston says his health system has put in a lot of work with its enterprise and data analytics team to align what the electronic health record system is exporting to what drug companies are demanding in order to improve compliance. But he said improving reports also led to additional savings for his system, as some claims were miscategorized within third-party administrator systems. Data Consolidation, Better WorkflowsHouston said health systems can improve their data monitoring by reducing individual data sources — for example, by using a standardized data extract from a third-party administrator and using tools to scan for certain types of claims. Saint Francis found success with improving oncology medication workflows, finding tens of thousands of dollars' worth of eligible savings on certain oncology medicines.Investing in Better Data Quality, Not VolumeTo improve data collection, Houston said self-education — both about different analytical resources and what use cases would have the biggest impact — is critical to optimizing data. Those tools may cost money, but it is important to concisely communicate the value proposition for compliance or savings when investing in new tools to improve how hospitals gather and process data.Resources:Episode 140: What Illinois 340B Advocates Did To Succeed on 340B ProtectionsIllinois Governor Signs 340B Contract Pharmacy Protections as Drugmakers File Lawsuits
What if your garden could double as a living pharmacy? In this episode, I'm talking to gardener, chef and herbalism practitioner Vanessa Minton about growing medicinal herbs, using them in everyday life, and understanding both the benefits and limitations of herbal remedies. Benny's Insect of the Week: Toadflax Brocade Moth Links From The Garden – Linktree How to Grow Medicinal Herbs: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Making Herbal Remedies at Home - Vanessa Minton Please support the podcast on Patreon As featured in the Feedspot Top 100 Horticulture Podcasts And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall If you enjoyed this week's episode with Vanessa, you might also enjoy these episodes from the archives: Episode 270: Herbology This episode explores the long history of using plants to make remedies and therapeutic preparations, and the growing interest in reconnecting with traditional herbal knowledge. It's a natural companion to Vanessa's discussion of medicinal herbs and the garden as a source of plant medicine. Episode 96: Sensory Herbalism with Karen Lawton Karen Lawton talks about developing a deeper connection with medicinal plants through observation, sensory awareness and herbal practice. It's a lovely companion to Vanessa's discussion of bringing herbs into everyday life and getting to know the plants we grow.
Schedule an Rx Assessment Welcome everyone to the Bottom Line Rewind, your monthly recap of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast. This month, we feature interviews on topics about Inventory, AI and Automation, the Peptide PCAC meeting, R&D Tax Credits, and Basis when buying a pharmacy. Click below to check out the full episodes: Episode 1: Inventory Management in 2026 with Jared Barton, CEO of Inventory IQ Episode 2: Inside a Pharmacy AI Bot with Ross Miller, VP of Sales at TJM Labs Episode 3: R&D Tax Credit, Trump Accounts, Taylor Swift's Wedding Episode 4: Peptides, Policy, and PBMs with Dr. Anne West, Clinical Pharmacist at Atrium24, Dae Y. Lee, PBM & Pharmacy Practice Group Co-Chair at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C. Episode 5: Understanding Basis When Buying a Pharmacy with Ollin Sykes, CPA, CMA, CITP Stay connected with us: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Blog
Today's episode of This Week in Pharmacy — #TWIRx is sponsored by Value Drug Company and explores two major forces reshaping pharmacy: the evolution of the community pharmacy business model and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in medication optimization and value-based care. PART ONE: The Impact of the Cash-based Community Pharmacy Special Guest: Rick Seipp, PharmD President, Value Drug Company Community pharmacy is entering a new era. In Part One, Todd Eury sits down with Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the continued evolution and expansion of independent community pharmacy and the many different business models emerging across the profession. Independent pharmacy owners are increasingly evaluating new ways to build sustainable businesses while creating greater professional freedom for pharmacists. One of the most interesting developments is the growth of cash-based and cost-plus pharmacy models that reduce or eliminate dependence on traditional insurance reimbursement and PBM-controlled prescription economics. These models can give pharmacy owners greater control over pricing, patient relationships, clinical services and the overall direction of their businesses — while allowing pharmacists to practice with significantly less interference from insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers. Two pharmacies in the Pittsburgh region are demonstrating how powerful this model can become: Blueberry Pharmacy — Kyle McCormick, PharmD has built Blueberry Pharmacy around a transparent, cash-based model designed to simplify prescription pricing and create a more direct relationship between the pharmacist and patient. Forward Rx Pharmacy — Brandon Antinopoulos, PharmD is another emerging example of how pharmacists can create innovative pharmacy businesses built around transparency, accessibility and freedom from many of the traditional constraints of third-party reimbursement. Todd and Rick discuss what these models mean for the broader independent pharmacy marketplace and why community pharmacy may be moving toward a much more diversified future. Sponsored by Value Drug Company, a pharmacist-led wholesale distribution partner committed to supporting the continued growth and independence of community pharmacy. https://lnkd.in/ehf76qUs PART TWO: AI-Powered Medication Optimization Special Guests: Yoona Kim, PharmD, PhD Co-Founder & CEO, Arine Jenny Behan, PharmD Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Arine In Part Two, #TWIRx shifts from pharmacy business innovation to one of the most important developments occurring in clinical pharmacy: the use of artificial intelligence to optimize medication therapy at scale. Arine is an AI-powered medication optimization platform designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by helping ensure patients receive the most effective and appropriate medications. Listen to This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.
A new school year is about to start in many parts of the country. Going back to school can be exciting, but some students may dread it. Perhaps they are struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, abbreviated ADHD. How can you recognize the symptoms of this problem? What are the most common misconceptions? In short, what are we still getting wrong about ADHD? When we talk about distractibility, trouble missing deadlines, forgetting where you left your keys, it is easy to relate. Likewise, when we look at kids with wiggles and short attention spans, do we see a child with ADHD or just a normal youngster? What constitutes ADHD? Does everyone have it, or is it an all-or-nothing condition? Expert John Mitchell explains that many people have some symptoms from time to time, but once a person is suffering from enough that it is affecting their ability to function, that is when a yes-or-no ADHD diagnosis is made. 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 29, 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 31, 2026. What We Get Wrong About ADHD One of the most common misconceptions about ADHD is that it primarily affects little boys who can't sit still. While hyperactivity can certainly make a parent or a teacher uncomfortable, the inattention aspect of ADHD could be more disabling in many instances. Moreover, girls too may suffer with ADHD. Though they are less likely to be hyperactive, they can often have difficulty focusing. Another popular myth about ADHD is that it is a pediatric condition. People think kids grow out of it. What we are beginning to see with more research into ADHD is that some people learn effective coping skills they can use as adults. Nonetheless, many older people who were not recognized as having ADHD when they were children may discover that their impulsivity and lack of follow-through, accompanied by anxiety, depression or migraines perhaps, could be a manifestation of this disorder. Failing to recognize the suffering of neurodivergent adults is another thing we get wrong about ADHD. How Do You Treat ADHD? A third misunderstanding about ADHD is that prescribing a stimulant medication is the only treatment necessary. While drugs such as methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or mixed amphetamines (Adderall) can be really helpful, there is a saying in the ADHD community: the pills don't teach skills. They do allow a person to focus well enough to learn some new skills they will need. Nonpharmacological approaches are important in conjunction with prescription medicine. However, adolescents with ADHD are much less likely to turn to drugs of abuse if they are taking properly prescribed stimulant medicines in the context of a thoughtful treatment plan. What Is the Role of Emotional Regulation in ADHD? Pediatric ADHD expert Paul Rosen describes another assumption that we can get wrong about ADHD. A child may appear to be doing fine, bringing home As, getting along well in school. But he describes “duck syndrome,” in which you see a duck gliding along the surface of the water. The motion looks effortless, but the duck is paddling like crazy. If it gets into an eddy or a current that's too strong, it can't keep up. These students are working much harder than is apparent and at some point, they encounter demands they can't meet. How will they respond to that frustration? Trouble with emotional regulation is not always part of the ADHD picture, but it isn't unusual, either. Some kids with ADHD respond pretty much as other youngsters do, but some seem like a super bouncy ball. Their emotions go very high and very low quickly, but they bounce back quickly as well. Still other children may be more like volcanoes. When faced with frustration, they explode, and it may take them many hours to return to baseline. Focusing on Warm and Fuzzies Parents sometimes assume that impulsive or explosive behavior is willful, but that is another thing we often get wrong about ADHD. Most of the time, such behavior is emotional. The child wants to be a “good kid” but may not know how to deal with these extreme emotions. Dr. Rosen recommends unconditional positive attention. He suggests that when parents tuck their ADHD children into bed at night, they appreciate one thing the child has done that day and one aspect of the child, separate from the behavior, that is wonderful. This kind of affirmation can help a youngster keep striving for the skills they will need. (In fact, it sounds like a helpful idea for any parent and child, regardless of whether either of them has ADHD.) This Week’s Guests John T. Mitchell, PhD Dr. John Mitchell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University. His research and clinical work are focused on ADHD across the lifespan. He has published peer-reviewed articles and chapters on longitudinal outcomes and the treatment of ADHD, as well as recently co-authoring Mindfulness for Adult ADHD: A Clinician’s Guide. 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. Paul Rosen Dr. Paul Rosen is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, affiliated with Norton Children's Medical Group. He currently serves as the Director of the ADHD Evaluation Services in the Division of Behavioral and Mental Health with Norton Children's Medical Group. Listen to the Podcast The podcast of this program will be available Monday, August 31, 2026, after broadcast on Aug. 29. In this week's podcast, Dr. Mitchell explains why people without ADHD react so differently to stimulant medication. He also describes the multimodal treatment ADHD study for which he served as investigator. What kind of career counseling could help young people find a good fit with the way their brains work? We also discuss the benefits and the challenges of mindfulness as a complementary approach to ADHD treatment. 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.
Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature | Bioneers Radio Series
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 ===