This Week in Pharmacy

Pharmacy Podcast Network
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Weekly Pharmacy News from the Insiders! This podcast is packed with updates about what’s happening in the Pharmacy Profession.

  1. 2D AGO

    The GCR Wake-Up Call: How Small Buying Decisions Are Crushing (or Saving) Pharmacy Margin | TWIRx

    Independent pharmacies are dispensing more prescriptions than ever—but too many are seeing their profits shrink month after month. In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, hosts Todd Eury and CEO of MatchRx Johny Kello sit down with Saeed Dinno Director of Pharmacy for a group of independent pharmacies in MI. For a practical, plain-English breakdown of one of the most overlooked metrics impacting pharmacy profitability: GCR, let's dive into this! This episode isn’t about policy debates, compliance theory, or vendor hype. It’s a real-world conversation designed to help pharmacy owners, managers, and buyers understand how everyday sourcing and dispensing behaviors directly influence margin—often without anyone realizing it. Saeed explains what GCR actually measures, what it does not measure, and why two pharmacies filling the exact same prescription can end up with completely different financial outcomes. From convenience buying and emergency orders that become routine, to default NDC selection and a disconnect between the buyer and the bench, the episode highlights the subtle habits that quietly erode profitability over time. More importantly, the conversation delivers actionable steps pharmacies can implement immediately. Saeed outlines the core disciplines that improve performance—smarter buying strategy, better alignment between purchasing and dispensing, and simple operational guardrails that don’t slow workflow. The focus is not on “working harder,” but on working differently. The episode closes with a clear, clip-worthy takeaway: one specific action pharmacy leaders can take this month to start moving the needle. If you’ve ever wondered why your pharmacy is busy but the numbers don’t reflect it, this is an episode you’ll want to listen to twice—and put into practice the very next day. Second segment of TWIRx is with Jonathan Adly, CEO of TJM Labs, to discuss his powerful new book, The Innovative Pharmacy: How to Build an 8-Figure Pharmacy One Idea at a Time. At a time when independent pharmacies are being squeezed by rising labor costs, shrinking reimbursements, and increasing operational complexity, Adly delivers a refreshing message: success is still possible—but it requires innovation, clarity, and execution. Jonathan shares why this book is not a “one-size-fits-all” business blueprint, but a collection of real-world frameworks inspired by hundreds of high-performing pharmacies across the U.S. and Canada. We explore the principles behind sustainable growth, including identifying your ideal customer, building scalable systems through automation, simplifying operations, and playing offense when the math works. This conversation is a call to action for pharmacy leaders ready to build smarter, faster, and stronger—one bold idea at a time. This episode of TWIRx is sponsored by MatchRx, TJM Labs, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Sykes & Company.

    1h 42m

  2. JAN 30

    Pharmacy Road-map for 2026 and New Opportunities for Growth | TWIRx

    TWIRx – January 30 | Special Guest: Marc Essensa, CEO of IPC On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Marc Essensa, President and CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), to discuss timely strategies and resources helping independent pharmacies strengthen their businesses in today’s challenging environment. Building Your Independent Pharmacy Business Marc shares insights on navigating reimbursement pressure, improving margins, and leveraging IPC’s purchasing power, data, and strategic tools to support long-term sustainability. The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide We break down IPC’s guidance on the Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, which may allow pharmacies that accepted Visa or Mastercard between 2004–2019 to recover funds. Marc explains eligibility, next steps, and how recovered dollars can support cash flow, staffing, technology, or inventory investments. IPC Member Support Services The conversation highlights IPC’s expanded member support offerings, including business consulting, strategic partnerships, wholesale access, and operational resources designed to help independents stay competitive. Legislative & Advocacy Updates Marc also provides updates on IPC’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, focused on protecting independent pharmacy interests and addressing ongoing policy and reimbursement challenges. 🔗 Resource Mentioned The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide – IPC https://www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-blog/news/the-payment-card-settlement-a-practical-guide/ Special guest:  Sakhi Gaurang Patel is a trailblazing PharmD candidate at the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and a co-founder of the startup CuraVoice. Recognized for her work in healthcare equity, mentorship, and educational technology, she focuses on improving patient communication and reducing health disparities. Featured Guest: Dr. Jenny Newlon, PharmD — Researcher and Pharmacist with Birth Control Pharmacist In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Newlon to explore how pharmacist consultants, health clinics, and independent pharmacies can build high-value contraception services that meet urgent community needs. We discuss practical strategies for delivering accessible birth control care—especially in areas that have lost Planned Parenthood centers—while creating new revenue models outside the constraints of traditional PBM reimbursement. Dr. Newlon breaks down: How pharmacies can implement contraception services—even with limited staff or clinical infrastructure Ways to deliver value to patients and communities through education, access, and continuity of care Forward-thinking business models that diversify revenue beyond dispensing Tune in to learn how independent pharmacy teams can lead with care, expand women’s health access, and strengthen their role as trusted healthcare providers. Today's "This Week in Pharmacy" is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)

    1h 36m
  3. Beyond Downloads: Pharmacists, Listener Metrics & AI’s Next Wave | TWIRx

    JAN 23

    Beyond Downloads: Pharmacists, Listener Metrics & AI’s Next Wave | TWIRx

    In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we explore how the Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) is deepening connections across healthcare by elevating pharmacists’ voices in the conversations that matter most. Inspired by the recent partnership between podcasting giant PodcastOne and the AI-driven analytics platform Listener, we highlight how PPN is using the same type of advanced engagement metrics—combining podcast listener data, social media signals, and network insights—to measure true influence, not just downloads.  With Listener’s powerful data, PPN can now identify where pharmacists are making the greatest impact and uncover new opportunities to expand pharmacist positioning with other providers, industry leaders, and the public. Plus, Todd sits down one-on-one with Kris Rhea of Pharmacy Market Place for an insightful conversation on AI in pharmacy—exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping workflow, clinical decision-making, business operations, and what pharmacists need to know to stay ahead in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

    54 min

  4. JAN 9

    Doing Things Differently: YARAL Pharma, Pennsylvania Policy, and the Birth Control Pharmacist | TWIRx

    🎙️ This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) — January 9, 2026 Welcome to TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy! I’m your host Todd Eury, and today’s episode is sponsored by YARAL Pharma, a generics company committed to “Doing Things Differently”—with a human-centered, untraditional approach that’s redefining relationships between industry and pharmacy practice.  ✅ Today’s Sponsor: YARAL Pharma YARAL Pharma is committed to innovation, partnership, and supporting pharmacists at the front lines—especially as healthcare continues to restructure and the role of the pharmacist becomes more essential than ever. Their mission to Do Things Differently is more than a slogan—it’s a commitment to reshaping what a generics company can stand for in today’s healthcare marketplace.  📰 This Week in Pharmacy — News 1) Amazon Pharmacy to Offer Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Pill Nationwide Amazon Pharmacy is now offering Novo Nordisk’s newly FDA-approved Wegovy pill, making the weight-loss medication available nationwide through both insurance coverage and cash-pay options. This move continues Amazon’s expansion into digital healthcare access—bringing blockbuster GLP-1 therapies directly to consumers and increasing competition among major pharmacy providers. https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/amazon-pharmacy-offer-novo-nordisks-wegovy-pill 2) Dr. David Pope: AI, Online Pharmacies, and Why the Neighborhood Pharmacist Still Wins Trust In a must-read guest column, Dr. David Pope argues that while AI and online pharmacy services are rapidly surging, the community pharmacist remains one of the most trusted healthcare professionals in America. He points to how pharmacy deserts, increasing reimbursement pressure, and policy reform will reshape pharmacy in 2026—and why the profession’s future will depend on protecting and empowering local pharmacy care. https://drugstorenews.com/ai-and-online-pharmacy-surge-neighborhood-pharmacist-remains-most-trusted  3) Pharmacist Leadership Spotlight: Illuminate Rx Names Ritu Malhotra, PharmD, as President Illuminate Rx announced the appointment of Ritu Malhotra, PharmD, as its new President, reinforcing the growing trend of pharmacists stepping into leadership roles across pharmacy benefits and PBM reform. With decades of experience modernizing healthcare and pharmacy benefit strategy, Malhotra’s appointment signals Illuminate Rx’s focus on improving transparency and clarity in pharmacy benefits management. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illuminate-rx-appoints-industry-veteran-ritu-malhotra-pharmd-as-president-to-advance-clarity-in-pharmacy-benefits-302657441.html 4) Viatris Exec David Marin Named New CEO of PCMA The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA)—the leading PBM trade group—has named David Marin, previously Head of Global Government Affairs & Public Policy at Viatris, as its next President and CEO effective January 30, 2026. His selection comes at a pivotal time as PBMs face rising scrutiny and intensifying policy pressure nationwide. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/pcma-names-new-ceo-david-marin/809158/  🎤 Interviews & Segments ⭐ Segment 1 — Special Sponsor Interview Stephen Beckman, CEO of YARAL Pharma We kick off TWIRx with a special conversation featuring Stephen Beckman, CEO of YARAL Pharma, exploring what 2026 has in store for pharmacy and healthcare. We discuss the Pharmacy 50 Awards, the importance of honoring leadership across the profession, and why supporting pharmacists right now—during one of the most fragile and transformative moments in U.S. healthcare—is absolutely critical. ⭐ Featured Interview — Pennsylvania State Representative Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa — 51st Legislative District Today’s featured interview is with State Representative Charity Grimm Krupa, who represents Pennsylvania’s 51st Legislative District in the House of Representatives. We discuss real healthcare issues impacting Pennsylvanians—including medical cannabis, small business healthcare benefit strategies, and why it’s essential for healthcare professionals to stay connected with their state lawmakers. Rep. Krupa also shares why every citizen should aim to communicate with their own representatives at least once per year. ⭐ Segment 2 — Clinical & Policy Spotlight Dr. Sally Rafie, PharmD — “The Birth Control Pharmacist” In our second segment, we welcome Dr. Sally Rafie, PharmD, nationally known as the “Birth Control Pharmacist.” Dr. Rafie is a clinical pharmacist specialist at UC San Diego Health and an assistant clinical professor at the UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy, widely recognized for advancing pharmacists’ role in reproductive health care. She is also the founder of Birth Control Pharmacist, an education and training company that equips pharmacists and healthcare teams to prescribe and deliver contraception care through evidence-based resources, clinical updates, and advocacy support—helping expand access to contraception through pharmacies nationwide. 🔔 Closing That wraps up this week’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy. Thanks for tuning in—and thank you again to YARAL Pharma for sponsoring today’s TWIRx. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please share it with a fellow pharmacist, leave a review, and stay connected as we continue to cover the stories shaping the pharmacy profession. See you next week on TWIRx when we celebrate the "50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy" Awards LIVE!!

    1h 37m

  5. JAN 3

    Happy New Year 2026 | TWIRx

    Happy New Year 2026 | TWIRx    Happy New Year to our listeners, our hosts, our sponsors, and all of our supporters, Happy New Year to a PROSPEROUS 2026. We're joined by CEO of YARAL Pharma, Stephen Beckman to talk about the coming challenges in pharmacy and how pharmaceutical manufacturing can become a stronger ally to the pharmacist and the pharmacy profession. New from Pharmacy Times, Tradipitant Becomes First Treatment Approved for Vomiting Due to Motion Sickness in 4 Decades. News from Drug Topics, Pharmacists Can Use Social Media for Professional, Educational Advancement News from Signal Akron, PPRx: A local pharmacy supporting reproductive health care in Ohio Check out GetPRISMRx.com for more information how to build your own contraception patient treatment program, with this new tech!!  #Pharmacy 50 Awards coming to TWIRx January 16th, 2PM LIVE

    45 min

  6. 2025-12-19

    The TrumpRx Playbook for Independent Pharmacies - with MatchRX | TWIRx

    Up first, Inspirogene-by-McKesson with Joe DePinto   InspiroGene" is a dedicated business unit launched by McKesson in October 2024, focused solely on supporting the commercialization of cell and gene therapies (CGTs). It leverages McKesson's expertise in supply chain, logistics, and specialty pharmacy to help manufacturers, payers, and providers navigate the complex CGT landscape. https://www.mckesson.com/business-solutions/our-businesses/inspirogene-by-mckesson/ Our featured interview: Sponsored by MatchRX The TrumpRx Playbook for Independent Pharmacies CEO of MatchRx Johny Kello co-hosts with Todd Eury featuring our guest speaker, Dae Lee, Pharm.D., Esq., CPBS. Dae is a pharmacist-attorney and a Shareholder in the FDA & Biotechnology practice at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. What makes Dae especially valuable for this conversation is that he’s not just reading policy from 30,000 feet — he represents pharmacies every day in high-stakes fights with PBMs, from audits and reimbursement disputes to network suspensions and terminations. So, when we talk about TrumpRx — how it works, what it could break, and what independents should do next — Dae can translate the legal and contracting reality into real-world consequences behind the counter. Connect with MatchRX: MatchRX.com Special Message from Greg Reybold with APCI, update of the "Pharmacists Fight Back Act" Connect with Greg: https://www.apcinet.com/ Next, we talk with Dr. Jessica Daley PharmD Fractional Supply Chain and Operations Executive, with Pharma Logistics, we dicuss drug shortages and strategies for 2026. Connect with Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaldaley/ Last interview, a suprise message from International Pharmacy 50 Pharmacist & Author Katrina Azer, announcing her new book  https://www.katrinaazer.com/#books

    1h 57m

  7. 2025-12-12

    Power, Policy, and Platforms: Inside the Forces Reshaping America’s Drug Supply Chain | TWIRx

    Segment 1: The Hidden Lender in America’s Drug Supply Chain Guests: Antonio Ciaccia, President, 3 Axis Advisors Alec Ginsberg, Founder, The Drugstore Cowboy Building on Alec Ginsberg’s investigative article, “The Hidden Lender in America’s Drug Supply Chain,” this discussion exposes how capital flows, credit structures, and opaque financial relationships influence pharmacy viability. Ciaccia and Ginsberg break down what independent pharmacists need to understand about who truly controls leverage in the system—and why transparency matters more than ever. Segment 2: How AI Is Transforming Pharmacy Operations Guests: Harry Travis, BS Pharm, MBA, President, The Travis Group Amanda Awe, PharmD, Clinical Product Consultant, Curatio Advisors Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical in pharmacy—it’s operational. This segment explores how AI is being deployed today to improve workflow efficiency, clinical decision-making, and patient engagement, while addressing the real-world challenges of adoption. Inside the Forces Reshaping America’s Drug Supply Chain | TWIRx    Thanks to NimbleRx, PRISM by OvaryIT, and Sykes & Company for sponsorsing today's show

    1h 17m

  8. 2025-12-05

    The New Pharmacy Playbook: Workforce Strength, AI Clarity, and 340B Reform | TWIRx

    This Week in Pharmacy – Friday, December 5th Strengthening the Pharmacy Workforce: A Conversation with Crystal Lennartz Cutting Through the AI Confusion: Shaun Jensen on Smarter Pharmacy Operations The New 340B Reality: Allison Arant on Navigating HRSA’s Rebate Model Welcome to another episode of This Week in Pharmacy, where we bring together the most important conversations, industry insights, and breaking pharmacy news shaping the future of healthcare. Today’s show features a powerhouse lineup of leaders driving innovation across retail pharmacy, technology, consulting, and 340B health-system strategy. 🟦 Segment 1 — Interview with Crystal Lennartz, President of Health Mart & Health Mart Atlas We open the show with a conversation with Crystal Lennartz, President of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas, about the evolving role of workforce management in independent pharmacies.  📰 TWIRx News — Friday, December 5th A fast roundup of the top stories impacting pharmacy this week: 👉 Humana Exploring Partnership with Mark Cuban Humana is reportedly in discussions with Mark Cuban to explore a potential pharmacy partnership that could disrupt traditional PBM and drug-supply models. The collaboration may reshape how medications are priced and accessed—another sign that alternative pharmacy models are gaining traction. 👉 New Migraine Therapy: Symbravo Pharmacists should be aware of Symbravo, a new dual-action migraine therapy combining meloxicam and rizatriptan. Importantly, the product is non-substitutable, meaning pharmacies must dispense exactly as written. The therapy adds a new tool for acute migraine care but requires careful patient counseling on cardiovascular risks, medication-overuse headaches, and NSAID interactions. 👉 Walgreens Expands Automated Fulfillment Centers Walgreens continues restructuring by expanding its automated micro-fulfillment pharmacy network. Robots are now filling a growing percentage of maintenance prescriptions, allowing pharmacists to refocus on clinical services. The move signals accelerating automation across retail pharmacy as chains seek cost savings and operational efficiency. 🟦 Segment 2 — Interview with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group Next, we speak with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group, about the rising confusion many pharmacy operators face around AI adoption. We discuss: Where AI adds true efficiency versus where it’s misunderstood Practical steps for pharmacy owners to implement AI tools How data-driven automation can improve workflow, inventory, prior authorizations, and patient communication The mindset shift required for pharmacies to thrive in an AI-supported future 🟦 Segment 3 — Interview with Allison Arant, SVP of Client Development & Marketing, Clearway Health Our final interview is with Allison Arant from Clearway Health, focusing on the new challenges hospital systems face as HRSA launches the 340B rebate model. Key discussion points: How the rebate model changes operational and financial dynamics for 340B hospitals Why safety-net hospitals caring for large uninsured and underinsured populations are feeling heightened pressure Strategies Clearway Health is deploying to help health systems navigate rising medication costs, compliance demands, and shrinking margins What health-system pharmacies must prepare for heading into 2026 This week’s conversations underscored a unifying theme: the pharmacy industry is entering a period of rapid transformation, driven by new reimbursement models, automation, innovation partnerships, and evolving expectations from both patients and payers. Independent pharmacies, health systems, and specialty operators all face challenges—but also significant opportunities for reinvention, collaboration, and leadership. Thank you for tuning in to This Week in Pharmacy. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep pushing our profession forward.   Walgreens doubles down on automation to reshape pharmacy operations. The retail pharmacy giant is dramatically expanding its network of robot-powered micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) — facilities that dispense maintenance medications for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The goal: serve 5,000+ stores by the end of the year, up from earlier coverage of around 4,800 stores. https://chainstoreage.com/news-briefs/2025-12-05?article=walgreens-expands-automated-pharmacy-fulfillment-network New migraine therapy raises key practice questions for pharmacists. Symbravo — a fixed-dose oral tablet combining meloxicam (an NSAID) and rizatriptan (a triptan) — has been approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura, offering a dual-mechanism option targeting both inflammation and serotonin-mediated pathways.  Pharmacists now play a critical role: they must identify patients at risk for medication-overuse headaches, screen for contraindications (e.g., cardiovascular disease, GI risk, or NSAID/triptan interactions), and advocate for comprehensive migraine management beyond just pain relief — including lifestyle adjustments and referrals when needed. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/what-pharmacists-should-know-about-symbravo-s-role-and-non-substitutability-in-migraine-care  Humana is reportedly working with Mark Cuban on a potential pharmacy partnership — a development that could shake up how prescriptions are delivered and disrupt traditional middle-man models.  The collaboration would leverage Cuban’s innovative approach to drug pricing and distribution, potentially creating a new channel for medication access that bypasses traditional pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and large-chain dispensaries. If executed, the partnership could increase competitive pressure on legacy players and reshape the pharmacy supply chain.  For independent pharmacies and pharmacy leaders, this signals a possible shift in how drugs are sourced, priced, and distributed — highlighting the growing influence of alternative pharmacy models and urging traditional pharmacies to adapt or risk being left behind. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-04/humana-working-with-mark-cuban-on-potential-pharmacy-partnership   Washington, DC there's a whole bunch of pharmacy people meeting up to rollout the Pharmacists Fight Back Act (PFBA)! If you want to go, LISTEN UP!! You’ll be joining pharmacists and pharmacy owners from more than 17 states, all calling for meaningful pharmacy reimbursement reform NOW. Your presence at the news conference will send a strong message to your Congressional Delegate: "we’re serious about passing legislation that protects and keeps pharmacies in business."  The news conference is scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 9:30 AM on the Capitol Hill lawn. Meet up with "Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency".   Check out TRUTH RX dot org. We put a link in today's show notes. Check it out or reach out to Todd on LinkedIn. TruthRx.org    The New Pharmacy Playbook: Workforce Strength, AI Clarity, and 340B Reform | TWIRx

    54 min
See All (100)

About

Weekly Pharmacy News from the Insiders! This podcast is packed with updates about what’s happening in the Pharmacy Profession.

Information

  • Creator
    Pharmacy Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    This Week in Pharmacy