Pharmacy Podcast Network

Visual design plays a crucial role in establishing a community pharmacy as a trusted and credible healthcare destination. A well-thought-out visual design can significantly impact the perception of the pharmacy and attract customers. On this episode of 'This Week in Pharmacy' we talk with award winning Pharmacy Designer Fiona Sartetto Verna and veteran pharmacy busienss marketing leader Nicolle McClure - CEO of Finch Marketing.  Here's a short summary of how visual design and marketing content can influence a community pharmacy: Professional Image: Visual design can create a professional and welcoming atmosphere in the pharmacy. This includes well-designed signage, a clean and organized interior layout, and aesthetically pleasing branding. A pharmacy that looks clean and organized is more likely to be perceived as reliable and trustworthy. Branding: Consistent and appealing branding through logos, color schemes, and signage helps in building a strong brand identity. A visually appealing logo and color palette can make the pharmacy memorable and easily recognizable in the community. Information Accessibility: Visual design can aid in making essential health information easily accessible. This includes clear labeling of medication shelves, informative pamphlets, and user-friendly prescription instructions. When customers can find the information they need effortlessly, it enhances their trust in the pharmacy's expertise. Marketing Content: Solid marketing content is essential to inform the community about the pharmacy's services and products. This content can include brochures, flyers, and online materials that highlight the pharmacy's offerings, such as prescription services, over-the-counter medications, health screenings, and wellness programs. Online Presence: In today's digital age, having a visually appealing and user-friendly website and social media presence is crucial. These platforms should showcase the pharmacy's services, staff credentials, customer reviews, and health-related articles. It allows the community to engage with the pharmacy online and reinforces its credibility. Customer Engagement: Visual design also plays a role in customer engagement. Pharmacies can use visually appealing displays and promotions to capture customers' attention and encourage them to explore the products and services offered. Engaging visuals can create a sense of community involvement. Trust and Credibility: Ultimately, a well-designed community pharmacy exudes trust and credibility. Patients are more likely to choose a pharmacy that appears professional, organized, and knowledgeable about their healthcare needs. Solid marketing content reinforces this image. In conclusion, visual design and marketing content are essential tools for community pharmacies to establish themselves as trusted and credible healthcare destinations. A well-designed pharmacy with informative and visually appealing materials can attract and retain customers, fostering a strong sense of trust within the community.

Dr. Karen Switkowski is an epidemiologist with training in nutrition and public health. She is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and a Principal Associate at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Switkowski works with Project Viva, an ongoing longitudinal study following a cohort of mother-child pairs from pregnancy through young adulthood. Her research is focused on prenatal and childhood nutrition, and she is particularly interested in the complementary feeding period and the impact of early feeding behaviors and nutritional exposures on later diet quality and health outcomes, including food allergies. She also writes a newsletter, Just One Bite (https://justonebite.substack.com/)

Late in 2023 the FDA put a hold on the enforcement of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.  Unfortunately, too many pharmacy owners thought that meant they could relax.  Not so according to two industry experts.  In this podcast they explain the delay in enforcement was necessary because too many companies were not ready to comply.  Now, with more time to prepare it is hoped pharmacies will work with their suppliers and get ready to meet the requirement's.  In this podcast information is shared as to what that means.  And, remember, the clock is still ticking to Nov. 2024.     This episode is brought to you by The Healthcare Distribution Alliance,  sometimes better knows and, HDA.  This organization helps serve the needs of distributors, and wholesalers, who supply medications and healthcare products.  HDA works closely with government agencies and their corporate members to  ensure products are safely stored and distributed.  They are intimately involved with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, or DSCSA.  For more information on what this law means to you as a pharmacy owner, manager or vendor check out; DSCSA.Pharmacy

Respiratory illness cases rapidly growing. Nasal congestion – many factors cause inflammation and result in mucus formation, bacteria, viruses. The nose is a filter – doing a huge job. This is why cleaning and moisturizing the nose is so important. Pharmacists are leading healthcare – educating patients and being a resource for the communities they serve. Pharmacists are working with their communities to educate patients so that they can take hold of their self care. Physician and pharmacists perspective on what self care looks like and how important it is to maintain a base line of health to help prevent serious illness and disease from arising. The FDA’s recent decision to pull oral phenylephrine from shelves will have a big impact, however, opens up the discussion of treating locally through nasal sprays to treat local symptoms.

From DIR fees, hangovers and lawsuits, to “delinking” legislation, state-level victories, and federal agency scorecards - join co-hosts Monique Whitney and Lauren Young as they break down PBM reform in the new year, how it can affect independent pharmacies, and how it would benefit everyone.   Special Guests: Greg Reybold, General Counsel, APCI & Steve Moore, Owner, Condo Pharmacy

In this episode, host Dr. Danielle Plummer, PharmD, engages in an enlightening discussion with Dr. Nadia Archambault, a pharmacist and certified sex therapist. Together, they demystify crucial aspects of maternal sexual health, including intimacy during pregnancy, regaining physical connection with a partner after pregnancy and finding confidence in your postpartum body. Dr. Archambault addresses common concerns regarding low libido and emphasizes seeking professional help when necessary. Dr. Archambault answers the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about orgasms, sex toys and vaginal lubricants while emphasizing the importance of overcoming shyness or embarrassment to have these necessary conversations, whether a patient or provider. Additionally, they explore the ways pharmacies can actively support sexual health through medications and readily available over-the-counter products. This episode serves as a valuable resource for expectant and new mothers, partners and healthcare professionals, offering guidance on nurturing healthy relationships and addressing sexual health concerns during the transformative journey of motherhood. Dr. Nadia Archambault received her Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island. With a passion for women’s sexual health and wellness, Nadia became a certified sex therapist with the Sex Therapy Institute of West Palm Beach, Florida. Nadia combined her extensive pharmacy background with this training and now serves as a Sexual Health Coach. She specializes in hormone replacement therapy, peri/post-menopause, endometriosis, and medications for low libido. Nadia’s goal is to educate and help people gain clarity on their sex life, overcome barriers and improve self-confidence https://www.drnadia.org/ Instagram: dr_a_pharmd_cst https://www.youtube.com/@drnadiaarchambault6138 drnadiapharmd@gmail.com

An Exclusive Series on COVID-19 (Part 2)  Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, an Infectious Disease pharmacist and Epidemiologist, spoke with Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) founder and CEO, Todd Eury, about the importance of remaining vigilant against COVID-19 and staying up to date with vaccinations. Dr. Kullar specifically touched on anti-microbial resistance, which arises from an overutilization of antibiotics and inappropriate dosing. She also stressed to pharmacists that even post-pandemic it is important to vaccinate everyone, not only against COVID-19, but also against influenza, pneumonia, and RSV. Though a healthy immune system does a terrific job of fighting these viruses, as Dr. Kullar noted, vaccines are essential in providing our systems with the extra boost they need, particularly in those who are immunocompromised. Dr. Ravina Kullar is a pioneer in studying and combating antibiotic resistance–one of the greatest threats to global health. As one of the foremost global experts on infectious diseases, Dr. Kullar has published over 30 research papers on antibiotic resistance, and she strives to empower everyone in the world to be part of the solution.

Dr. Karen Switkowski is an epidemiologist with training in nutrition and public health. She is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and a Principal Associate at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Switkowski works with Project Viva, an ongoing longitudinal study following a cohort of mother-child pairs from pregnancy through young adulthood. Her research is focused on prenatal and childhood nutrition, and she is particularly interested in the complementary feeding period and the impact of early feeding behaviors and nutritional exposures on later diet quality and health outcomes, including food allergies. She also writes a newsletter, Just One Bite (https://justonebite.substack.com/) New boost

Ibogaine References: Alper K, et al. Ibogaine: Scientific Literature Overview. International Center for Ethnobotanical Education. 2012. Available at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.iceers.org/Documents_ICEERS_site/Scientific_Papers/ibogaine/ICEERS2012_Ibogaine_literature_compilation.pdf Corkery JM. Ibogaine as a Treatment for Substance Misuse: Potential Benefits and Practical Dangers. Progress in Brain Research. 2018(242); 217-257. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612318300979?via%3Dihub Dalton C. A Detox Drug Promises Miracles if it Doesn’t Kill You First. Wired. 15 Sept 2019. https://www.wired.com/story/a-detox-drug-promises-miraclesif-it-doesnt-kill-you-first/ Davis AK, et al. Subjective Effectiveness of Ibogaine Treatment for Problematic Opioid Consumption: Short and Long Term Outcomes and Current Psychological Functioning. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. 2017. https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/1/2/article-p65.xml Kock P, et al. A Systematic Literature Review of Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Applications of Ibogaine. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 2022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547221004438 Mash D. Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Use Disorder. Multi-Disciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies convention. Presented 22 June 2023. Accessed 17 Dec 2023. Mash D, et al. Ibogaine Detoxification Transitions Opioid and Cocaine Users between Dependence and Abstinence: Clinical Observations and Treatment Outcomes. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00529/full Mash D and Luz M. Evaluating the toxicity and therapeutic potential of ibogaine in the treatment of chronic opioid abuse. Drug Metabolism and Toxicology. 2021. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17425255.2021.1944099 Oaklander M. Inside Ibogaine: One of the most Promising and Perilous Psychedelics for Addiction. Time Magazine. 5 April 2021. https://time.com/5951772/ibogaine-drug-treatment-addiction/ Popik P, et al. Pharmacology of Ibogaine and Ibogaine Related Alkaloids. Progress in Brain Research. 2018. Siebert A. Kentucky Summit to Explore Ibogaine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. Forbes. 17 Nov 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandasiebert/2023/11/17/kentucky-summit-to-explore-ibogaine-treatment-for-opioid-use-disorder/ GLP-1 references (discussed in intro): Could Obesity Drugs Take a Bite out of the Food Industry? Morgan Stanley. 5 Sept 2023. https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/obesity-drugs-food-industry Lilly’s Zepbound Achieved Additional 6.7% Weight Loss….[press release]. Associated Press. 11 Dec 2023. Thompson D. The Weight Loss Drug Revolution Part 1. Plain English [podcast], The Ringer podcast network. Aired 12 Dec 2023. Colby Burns, PharmD, MBA Chris Toney, PharmD

Let’s clear the smoke on Cannabis, all things Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Time for a higher education! On this episode of the Pain Pod, Mark “Pain Guy” Garofoli will cover the history, botancy, regulations, pharmacology, and clinical utilizations of Cannabis, THC, and CBD.  You’re not going to want to miss this one! Come one, come all, to the Pain Pod!!! Pain Guy • www.painguy.us Cannabis History • Russo EB. History of cannabis and its preparations in saga, science, and sobriquet. Chem Biodivers. 2007 Aug;4(8):1614-48. Cannabis Taxes • https://learnaboutsam.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/15Jan2019-v3-Revenues-vs-Reality-1.pdf  Consumer Reports Shopping for CBD Recommendations • https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/cannabis-and-cbd-guide/ www.consumerreports.org/marijuana/hot-to-shop-for-cbd/  2020 AHA Cannabis/Cannabinoid Clinical Utilization Review • Robert L. Page. Circulation. Medical Marijuana, Recreational Cannabis, and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association, Volume: 142, Issue: 10, Pages: e131-e152 Mark "Pain Guy" Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE, CTTS