Pharmacy Podcast Network

In this special 3-part podcast series, the Pharmacy Podcast Network dives deep into the event's highlights, bringing you firsthand insights from industry leaders, innovators, and attendees who are shaping the future of community pharmacy. From groundbreaking ideas to actionable strategies, we’ve got it all covered!

This is part one of three all about Growth, Performance and Success in 2025. 

State Representative Jake Auchincloss – Congressman from Massachusetts’ Fourth District


Greg Reybold – Vice President of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel, American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.

The "Pharmacists Fight Back Act" (HB 9096):


Legislation Overview:


The bill proposes a transparent pharmacy reimbursement model based on:




Market-based pricing benchmarked to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) plus a dispensing fee equivalent to each state’s Medicaid reimbursement or the lesser of 2% or $25.



Eliminating PBMs’ ability to restrict patient choice through network exclusions.


Ensuring rebate pass-throughs to patients directly at the pharmacy counter.


Prohibiting PBM practices that steer patients toward PBM-owned pharmacies, protecting community pharmacists and preserving patient choice.





Guest insights on how HB 9096 seeks to end exploitative PBM tactics and its potential impact on independent pharmacies nationwide.





The "Patients Before Monopolies Act":


Bipartisan Efforts:


Introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) to dismantle PBMs’ monopoly power.


Co-sponsored by Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN).




Key Goals:


Break up PBM ownership structures that lead to conflicts of interest.
Ensure fair reimbursement practices for all pharmacies, reducing patient drug costs and increasing healthcare access.



Discussion on the broader implications for federal programs and the pharmacy industry at large.





PBMs and Their Role in Driving Up Drug Costs:


Exploring how PBMs contribute to higher drug prices and diminished patient choice.
The detrimental effects of PBM practices on independent community pharmacies and patients enrolled in federal healthcare plans.

Contact your legislators to express support for the Pharmacists Fight Back Act (HB 9096) and the Patients Before Monopolies Act.
Share this episode to spread awareness of the critical need for PBM reform.

Learn more about HB 9096 and its provisions: 


https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9096 



Support the Patients Before Monopolies Act: 


https://www.drugtopics.com/view/long-awaited-pbm-reform-included-in-congress-end-of-year-spending-package 





References: 
Intro piece: "Senators Warren and Hawley introduce a bipartisan bill to break up pharmacy-benefit managers" via CNBC Television 

Hey everyone, I hope you all have been enjoying the fall weather and the start of the fall holidays. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome a guest who brings a unique and empowering perspective to health and wellness. A self-proclaimed ‘rebel’ in the wellness space, her goal is to inspire us all to become our own health advocates.

Jen Yundt Coles is an AFMC Certified Functional & Integrative Medicine Health Coach and a Certified Acupressure Practitioner. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve optimal wellness by promoting positive food and lifestyle changes. With over a decade on her own healing journey, Jen has personally faced gluten intolerance, intense abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, SIBO, Candida, and chronic stress. Her experiences have given her a deep sense of empathy and expertise, making her especially adept at helping creatives and high-achievers improve digestive health and manage the mood imbalances that often come with it.

As both a former patient and a health coach, Jen truly understands the impact that digestive dysfunction can have on self-esteem, relationships, and the ability to live fully. She’s been there, and her mission is to empower others to break free from frustrating, often embarrassing symptoms that hold them back.

Through virtual sessions, Jen provides customized support for clients, integrating dietary adjustments, functional lab testing, and targeted supplement recommendations. She believes that meaningful change happens through partnership, empathy, and genuine connection. Jen also recognizes that conditions like IBS, SIBO, IMO, and anxiety are often rooted in "Primary Foods"—the aspects of life beyond our plates—and she offers guidance on addressing these core factors. With a deep commitment to personalization, she seeks unique approaches for each client, understanding that one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work.

Connect with Jen Yundt Coles via:
Email: jen@thesibocoach.com 
Website: The SIBO Coach
FB: @thesibocoach
IG: @the.sibo.coach
Linked In: Jen Yundt Coles, AFMC, INHC

Free Guide=>If you’re struggling to find answers for seemingly unexplained gas, bloating, indigestion, or irritable bowels, then this is a great place to begin. https://thesibocoach.com/free-mindful-eating-guide

This Week in Pharmacy – December 13, 2024

Digital Health & Community Pharmacy: Best Buy Health’s Three-Pronged Strategy | TWIRx 

Join us for another exciting episode of This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) with host Todd Eury, featuring insightful discussions on the latest trends shaping pharmacy and healthcare. Special Guests: Brian Urban – Director of Strategy at Best Buy Health Ashton S. Maaraba, J.D. – President of Digital Health, iCare+

Topics Discussed: The Future of Digital Health & Community Pharmacy Best Buy Health’s Three-Pronged Strategy:

Consumer Health Products: Empowering healthier lifestyles through innovative devices. Emergency Response Services: Device-based solutions for active aging adults, ensuring safety and independence. Virtual Care Offerings: Connecting patients and physicians for seamless healthcare experiences.

Ashton S. Maaraba shares insights on digital transformation in pharmacy, the integration of health tech, and how iCare+ is redefining patient engagement and care delivery.

TWIRx News with Special Co-Host Dr. Ryan Paul Legislative Updates: U.S. Senators and State Representatives propose a bill to ban joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies.

What does this mean for the pharmacy landscape?

Todd and Dr. Ryan Paul discuss the implications and potential impact on healthcare access and pricing. Pharmacogenomics in Specialty Pharmacy: Exploring the rise of pharmacogenomics and how it is reshaping personalized medicine.

Opportunities for independent community pharmacies to offer cash-based pharmacogenomics services as a new revenue stream. Sponsors: IPC (Independent Pharmacy Cooperative):

Empowering independent pharmacies with solutions to enhance profitability and patient care. Happier at Home: Supporting pharmacists in delivering home-based healthcare services for seniors and disabled individuals.

Call to Action: Subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more industry insights. Learn more about Best Buy Health’s innovative approach to digital health and iCare+’s initiatives at their respective websites.

Stay informed and inspired with This Week in Pharmacy!

Follow the Pharmacy Podcast Network:

Website: PharmacyPodcast.com

Twitter: @PharmacyPodcast

LinkedIn: Pharmacy Podcast Network

#PharmacyPodcast #DigitalHealth #CommunityPharmacy #Pharmacogenomics #PBMReform

In this exciting episode of the Pediatric Pharmacist Review Podcast, we’re diving into the fascinating world of pharmacogenomics and its transformative impact on pediatric care. Our special guest is Dr. Kelly E. Caudle, Pharm.D., Ph.D., FCCP, an Associate Member in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dr. Caudle brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion, with over a decade of experience in pharmacogenomics implementation. As the Director of the NIH-funded Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), she oversees groundbreaking work in translating genetic test results into actionable prescribing decisions. With CPIC publishing 28 gene-based clinical guidelines covering 29 genes and over 150 drugs, Dr. Caudle's leadership is reshaping personalized medicine for children worldwide.

Tune in as we explore how pharmacogenomics is enabling tailored treatments for pediatric patients, improving medication efficacy, and minimizing adverse effects. Dr. Caudle also shares insights into her work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and offers a glimpse into the future of personalized pediatric care.

Key Takeaways:

What pharmacogenomics is and why it matters for pediatric medicine.
How CPIC guidelines are helping clinicians make data-driven prescribing decisions.
The role of genetic testing in improving medication safety and outcomes for children.
Dr. Caudle’s journey in leading pharmacogenomics research and clinical implementation.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Kelly E. Caudle is a leading expert in pharmacogenomics, with over 100 publications and abstracts to her name. Her work has advanced the clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and beyond. As a passionate researcher and educator, she has inspired countless professionals through her national and international presentations.

As an official press support sponsor for HLTH, the Pharmacy Podcast Network had the privilege of capturing insights and conversations from key participants, including Kate Helf with IPC iCare+, Debra Harris with ixlayer, Dr Kristin Begley, PharmD with CapitalRx, and more! The series aims to empower pharmacists by illuminating the vital role of digital health in shaping the future of pharmacy care.

Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) played a significant role at HLTH as the only technology platform and trade group representing Independent Community Pharmacy. Present at innovation booth number 4240, IPC showcased its iCare+ digital health platform, designed specifically for independent community pharmacies. With approximately 18,000 independently owned pharmacies operating across the U.S., IPC is committed to enhancing public health, especially amid the ongoing pharmacy desert crisis.

“Community pharmacies are critical healthcare access points for many Americans, and it is essential that we equip them with the digital tools they need to thrive in today's evolving healthcare landscape,” said [IPC Representative's Name], [Title] at IPC. “Through our presence at HLTH and the insights shared in this podcast series, we hope to inspire pharmacists to embrace digital health solutions and advocate for their pivotal role in patient care.”

The three-part podcast series will delve into the innovative ideas presented at the conference, emphasizing the intersection of technology and pharmacy practice. Listeners can expect to gain valuable perspectives on how digital health is transforming pharmacy services and enhancing patient care.

The Pharmacy Podcast Network invites pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and all interested parties to tune in to this enlightening series, which underscores the importance of embracing change and innovation within the pharmacy sector. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for pharmacy care in the U.S.

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About Pharmacy Podcast Network:
The Pharmacy Podcast Network is a leading resource for pharmacy professionals, providing a platform for sharing insights, trends, and innovations in the pharmacy industry. Through engaging podcasts and expert discussions, the network aims to educate and empower pharmacists to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

About Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC):
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) is dedicated to supporting independent pharmacies with innovative solutions and advocacy. IPC empowers pharmacists through technology, collaboration, and education, ensuring they remain vital players in public health and patient care.

In this episode of FrameworkFocus, host Patrick Hussey sits down with Eric Weast, Owner of ECW Network and IT Solutions, and Robbie Macdonald, Director of Client Enablement, to explore the critical role of technology in long-term care pharmacies. They discuss the opportunities and risks of AI, strategies to combat cybersecurity threats, and the importance of a robust technology roadmap. Gain insights from industry experts on how to future-proof your pharmacy with the right tools and planning.

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Precision Health and PGX Podcast as Dr. Becky Winslow, Dr. Behnaz Sarrami, and Dr. Jeremy Stuart, Chief Scientific Officer and laboratory director for Precision Genetics, discuss pharmacists value as employees in clinical pharmacogenomics testing laboratories. Having employed pharmacists in his laboratories, Dr. Stuart will provide his first-hand examples to illustrate how pharmacists have benefited his laboratories. Dr. Winslow and Dr. Sarrami will also share their real-world experiences working for clinical pharmacogenomics laboratories to help the laboratory achieve its goals.
This episode is a must listen for laboratories who are vested in their pharmacogenomics testing's financial success. 

After listening to this episode, the learner will be able to describe responsibilities and roles in pharmacogenomics pharmacists fulfill in clinical labs, name specific real-world examples that illustrate pharmacists’ contributions to pharmacogenomics in the clinical laboratory, and name education, training, and work experiences that prepare pharmacists to assume advanced practice roles in clinical laboratories.
 
Dr. Jeremy Stuart has extensive experience in the life science industry. He specializes in commercial operations, technology development and transfer, manufacturing design, and validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs). He currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer for Precision Genetics and serves as their Laboratory Director.  Dr. Stuart was part of the senior management team that completed a management buyout of Lab21 Inc. to form Selah Genomics and the subsequent sale of Selah to EKF. Dr. Stuart led the development and validation of all of Selah’s molecular assays and oversaw their clinical studies. Dr. Stuart was also a member of the Agencourt Personal Genomics team, where he co-developed the SOLiD next-generation sequencing technology that was subsequently acquired by Applied Biosystems.   Before entering industry, Dr. Stuart completed his postdoctoral work at the the Harvard School of Public Health, earned his master’s degree in Toxicology from the University of Minnesota, and his doctorate in Genetics & Complex Diseases from Harvard University. 

As the CEO of inGENEious RX Incorporated and pharmacogenomics subject matter expert, Dr. Becky Winslow has dedicated over a decade to providing innovative solutions for pharmacogenomics stakeholders. Her extensive experience also includes directing pharmacy operations and medication safety programs across diverse clinical settings, spanning retail, hospital, long-term care, and public health. Dr. Winslow is a passionate educator, training Doctors of Clinical Pharmacy to work with molecular testing stakeholders and serving as an advanced pharmacy practice preceptor for Manchester University’s Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics Program. She hosts an evidence-based educational podcast, The Precision Health and PGx Podcast, which Welp Magazine recognized as the ninth most listened to genetics podcast globally. Her involvement with prominent organizations like the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) PGx Task Force speaks to her expertise and commitment. Dr. Winslow frequently presents at national conferences such as The Association for Molecular Pathology and holds degrees from Campbell University. 

Behnaz Sarrami, PharmD, MS, is a leading expert in pharmacogenomics and a dedicated Medical Science Liaison (MSL). She is named American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) "50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy" and Medika's "Top 30 Women Transforming Healthcare". Behnaz is passionate about advancing personalized medicine to optimize treatments and improve patient outcomes, especially in underserved populations. She supports healthcare professionals through scientific training and presentations. As the host of the "Precision Health and PGx" podcast, she mentors pharmacists transitioning into MSL roles and those launching pharmacogenomics consulting careers. She earned her Master’s in Biochemistry from Georgetown University and her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Creighton University. With significant contributions to research and education, she continues to drive innovation in pharmacogenomics through her work with healthcare professionals and community outreach programs.