Pharmacy Podcast Network

This episode of FrameworkFocus™ comes live from SoftWriters' inaugural AI Mastermind Cohort in Pittsburgh. Hear interviews with industry leaders on the transformative power of AI in pharmacy operations. Discover current applications, future innovations, and the overall impact of AI on the pharmacy industry. We invite you to dive into these thought-provoking discussions on all things AI in long-term care pharmacy.

The age-old Hippocratic saying that all disease begins in the gut is proven time and time again in practice. It is one of the greatest legacies that he bestowed upon the medical field, along with the Hippocratic oath to “do no harm.” So today, my guest and I will explore how the gut can have a hand in every disease state, and also can be a therapeutic target to promote health. Dr. Inna Melamed is a Doctor of Pharmacy, a functional medicine practitioner, an expert in gut and hormone health, and a Crohn’s patient in remission. Her career started as a traditional pharmacist and her mission later became to heal herself and help others with chronic gut and hormone problems. She became certified in functional medicine clinical training with Dr. Daniel Kalish. In December of 2017 she earned her PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree from one of the top pharmacy schools in the U.S., University of Florida, graduating cum laude, to broaden her clinical knowledge and incorporate that into her functional medicine practice. Since opening her practice, Real Health Solutions, she has helped thousands of clients with their IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), digestive problems, hormone imbalances, and other chronic conditions that could not have been resolved by traditional medicine alone. Dr. Inna successfully incorporates her extensive knowledge of functional medicine into every case that comes into her practice. She is the creator of the signature Digestive Reset program and the Digestive Reset supplement line, which has helped numerous clients virtually and in person. She lives with three sons in Manalapan, New Jersey. Connect with Dr. Inna Melamed via: Email: inna@realhealthsolutionsllc.com  Website: Digestive Reset FB: Digestive Reset IG:@digestivereset Linked In: Dr. Inna Melamed Free Books Available on My Website.

What is the pathophysiology of obesity? What roles do appetite hormones in the gut-brain axis play in energy metabolism and eating behavior? Join experts in obesity, Robert Kushner, MD (Professor of Medicine at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago), Leigh Perreault, MD (Endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado), and Robert Busch, MD (Endocrinologist and Director of Clinical Research at the Community Endocrine Group, Albany Medical College), as they discuss the pathophysiology of obesity, with a focus on how dysfunctional adipose tissue may lead to metabolic complications, as well as a discussion on the role of the gut-brain axis in regulating appetite and eating behavior.   This program is intended for clinicians. The information presented is aligned with the views and opinions of the speakers and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk. This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.

Gus Bassani is a pharmacist on a mission.  As the Chief Scientif Officer for PCCA he gets involved in government and regulatory affairs, helps insure products are pure and with helping to ward-off intrusive efforts by the FDA and big pharma.  With more than 20 years at PCCA he is well-known, highly respected and totally committed to help pharmacists practice the art and science of compounding to help people and pets get the care they need.    PCCA --> https://www.pccarx.com/AboutUs/WhoisPCCA

Part one, we talk with two inovators in Pharmacy Workforce and Workflow: The integration of workflow and workforce technology holds immense potential for revolutionizing pharmacy operations. By automating routine tasks, streamlining processes, and empowering pharmacy teams, these innovations enable pharmacies to operate more efficiently, reduce errors, and deliver a superior level of patient care. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, training, and ongoing optimization. Pharmacies must invest in robust technology solutions, provide adequate training to their staff, and continuously evaluate and refine their processes to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately, by embracing workflow and workforce technology, pharmacies can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, driving improved outcomes for both patients and providers alike. Introducing Rxchitect Health with Dr. Lucas Shumaker, PharmD.  https://rxchitecthealth.com/  Part two, Todd Eury talks with Planetary Health First Mars Next podcaster, Michael Mann | https://planetaryhealthfirstmarsnext.substack.com  Michael has a big vision to Reimagine Healthcare Together. There is lots of work to do to make healthcare work for everyone on this planet and Michael's trajectory is promising for all HCPs and patients invovled!

During this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with Jeffrey S. Baird, JD, Chairman of the Health Care Group at Brown & Fortunato. Health care providers, including pharmacies, must play by a set of rules that non-health  care providers do not have to follow. A principal reason for this is that a large portion of payments to providers comes from government programs (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, etc.). Because tax dollars are involved, pharmacies must comply with an array of  federal and state fraud laws. These laws come into play when pharmacies work with referral sources such as physicians, hospitals, home health agencies and labs. Sheila and Jeffery discuss important federal laws such as the anti-kickback statute, physician  self-referral statute (“Stark”), beneficiary inducement statute, and False Claims Act. They also discuss examples of similar state laws, types of arrangements pharmacies can legally enter into with referral sources…and the types of arrangements that should  be avoided.

Special Guests:  Shanon Schmidtknecht & Loretta Boesing  Cole Schmidtknecht was a 22-year-old young man living in Appleton, Wisconsin who loved video games and sports. His parents Bil and Shanon described him as an inspirational free spirit with a love for being heard. Cole was diagnosed with severe asthma at only a year old. He had just recently moved out on his own with opportunities to chase his dreams, until his life was cut short earlier this year. “January 10th,, he went to the pharmacy to get his prescription and was told it was no longer covered by his insurance,” said Shanon.  He was told there was no alternative option and no generic drug would be covered. Cole didn’t know how to respond and couldn’t cover the extreme out-of-pocket cost of his Advair inhaler on a $19/hour income. An inhaler-dependent patient left the Walgreens Pharmacy with no medication. Five days later he suffered an extreme asthma attack and was taken to the hospital. He arrived at the Emergency Room lifeless and spent the next six days in the ICU on a ventilator.   “We were told he’s never going to wake up again,” said Bil.    A generic version of Advair only costs $15-$20. What happened to Cole is happening all over the country, according to Hometown Pharmacy co-founder Dan Strause. “Unfortunately, we see even the state plan now no longer will allow for the generic, they force people into the brand. Why? It’s not hard to figure out it must be about the profit margin. Unfortunately, they’re making people decide between life-saving medicine [and paying bills, even though] the cost of the actual item is so low,” said Strause. “We find this absolutely wrong, its infuriating we should all be angry, and we hope you tell your legislators this needs to be addressed sooner than later,” said Strause. Hometown Pharmacy had to close a location in St. Germain partially due to the influence of PBMs. A pharmacy benefit manager acts as a middleman between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. In the last state legislative session, the pharmacy benefit manager regulation bill wasn’t brought to a vote. The bill was designed to create transparency in the system and prohibit the PBMs’ control over the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. “We’re very frustrated that it never got a chance to be voted upon,” said Strause. Strause said there is a lot of speculation as to why the bill didn’t make it to the floor. “In politics, there’s a lot of moving parts and we believe that the recent vote for Wisconsin mapping is part of it, because there’s a lot of energy and focus with what the next election is going to be and of course elections are very expensive, and you have to fund those elections. Strause believes that money from lobbying groups associated with PBMs have a strong influence on lawmakers. “Unfortunately, it means that money and influence is a significant factor in us passing bills especially ones that affect all of our lively hoods and our health,” said Strause. Bil and Shanon said after learning of PBMs and the tactics that cost them their son they were angry and decided it was time to speak up. “I don’t want you to ever have to imagine, I don’t want anyone to ever have to experience this,” said Shanon. Their goal is to share Cole’s story and raise awareness.   “We just kind of feel like this is now our fight to fight for him. If we can prevent it for one other person just that alone would be a little solace or a little something I know we can never have our son back, he’s gone,” said Bil. Cole’s situation is not the only one, and this could happen anyone. Everyday life saving medications are becoming inaccessible to patients who need them. “We need our senators and our congressmen to help this process that’s why they’re there in office for our complaints, our concerns our needs and the games that are played are just costing lives,” said Bil.     From Shauna Johnson on Mar 11, 2024 via wjfw.com 3217 County G Rhinelander, WI 54501 Reference Webiste:  https://patientprotector.us/home

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria comprises medications older adults should either avoid or use cautiously. It aims to guide healthcare providers in safe prescription practices for those aged 65 and above.  Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Michael Steinman, a board member and expert in geriatric medicine, who was essential in updating these guidelines. We'll delve into areas of the Beers Criteria that commonly raise questions regarding patient care and medications contained in this list. Dr. Michael Steinman:  linkedin.com/in/mike-steinman-50ba117 Dr. Scott Stewart:  linkedin.com/in/scott-stewart-34973870   Dr. Tamara Ruggles:  linkedin.com/in/tamara-ruggles-491882251 US Deprescribing Research Network:  https://deprescribingresearch.org/ 2023 AGS Beers Criteria: https://sbgg.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-American-Geriatrics-Society-2023.pdf

On “This Week in Pharmacy” hashtag#TWIRx, two dedicated hashtag#pharmacists, Shawn Nairn, RPh and Jesse McCullough, stand out as innovators and visionaries. As the founder of ACORx Pharmacy from Cannonsburg, Shawn Nairn has spearheaded a transformative approach by providing healthcare services to individuals in their homes, echoing the ethos of LTC at Home. His commitment to serving the local community has redefined the role of pharmacists as healthcare providers and advocates for patient well-being. On the second part of the show, hailing from Cochranton, Pennsylvania, Jesse McCullough has emerged as a key figure in advancing leadership skills among pharmacists and technicians within pharmacy care. Through the creation of pioneering courses, Jesse empowers his peers to enhance their effectiveness by implementing simple yet powerful leadership techniques, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion in patient care. hashtag#TogetheRx, Shawn and Jesse exemplify the essence of leadership in pharmacy, driving positive change and improving healthcare outcomes for the communities they serve in Pennsylvania.

Welcome back to the show everyone! I’m so excited to talk to you today about a very hot topic right now in both the pharmaceutical and wellness spaces. My guest today will be discussing the hemp/CBD industry by sharing his company’s expertise and experience as licensed hemp cultivators and premium CBD product distributors. Datron Branch manages all aspects of diapedic’s from soil-to-shelf business model; including field and processing operations, product development, marketing, and supply chain and distribution channel strategies. In the spirit of true entrepreneurship, Datron is applying and leveraging his more than 25 years of sales and account management experience as well as tapping into his engineering and manufacturing background, to help elevate the diapedic brand in the CBD industry. A Monticello, Arkansas native, Datron earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. An active community volunteer with various nonprofit and civic organizations, Datron resides in Allen, TX with his wife Carmen. Connect with Datron Branch: Website: Diapedic  FB: Diapedic  IG: @diapedic, @datron branch LI: diapedic, Datron Branch 15% off for purchases by using the discount Code: “holisticpharmacypodcast” on anything in the Diapedic Shop