The Happy PharmD Podcast

The Happy PharmD
  • 5.0 (18)
  • CAREERS

The Happy PharmD podcast inspires pharmacists to create inspiring careers and lives. Dr. Alex Barker, PharmD, dives deep into the issues of our profession, like burnout, automation, leadership, providing meaningful healthcare, the troublesome job market, and how we can solve them together.

  1. 04/02/2025

    The World's Most Famous Pharmacist? Ariel Tsai Left Pharmacy for Music!

    A stable, well-paying career in pharmacy was supposed to be Ariel Tsai's future. Like many students, she excelled in science, followed the logical path into pharmacy school, and even earned her license. But deep down, she knew something was missing. In this candid interview, Ariel shares her remarkable story of navigating the pressures of pharmacy school while secretly building a music career on YouTube. Waking up at 5 AM to livestream for her growing fanbase in Taiwan, juggling exams and performances, and ultimately making the bold decision to walk away from the profession she spent years working toward—her journey is nothing short of inspiring. For anyone feeling trapped in a career that no longer sparks joy, Ariel's story is proof that it's possible to pivot, take risks, and build a life doing what you love.   Show Notes: 00:00 Meet Ariel Tsai, the world's most famous pharmacist? 01:24 Growing up between Taiwan and Canada, and adapting to different cultures 03:44 Why she chose pharmacy 07:13 How she built her skill and her music 09:13 YouTube breakthrough 10:22 Pharmacy or music? 16:57 The addictive rise of social media 19:21 Deciding to finish pharmacy school 28:45 The turning point: First concert and industry recognition 34:12 Burnout and taking a break 37:16 The power of rest: how boredom fuels creativity 49:01 Ariel's advice to her younger self 51:53 No regrets   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    59 min

  2. 09/10/2024

    The Power of Coaching: From Retail Pharmacist to Pharmacy Director with Saudia Christiani

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD, I interview Saudia Christiani, a pharmacist who defied the odds by advancing from retail to pharmacy director without a residency.    We'll explore her journey, challenges, and the pivotal role coaching played in her career transformation. Stay tuned for valuable insights and inspiration on navigating the pharmacy landscape and achieving professional fulfillment.   Here are the highlights of the conversation with Saudia:   02:40 - Sadia's background in retail pharmacy and management roles  07:26 - Feeling burnt out and losing passion for pharmacy in retail  10:04 - Working with a career coach to explore new options  17:36 - Landing 3 job offers, including the Pharmacy Manager role  20:24 - Navigating the interview process and highlighting transferable skills 28:06 - Adjusting to the new role and the positive impact on work-life balance  36:55 - Advice on the value of career coaching    Links: Saudia Christiani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saudia-christiani-b6a26116b/   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    42 min

  3. 08/24/2024

    Mail Order from Burned Out Retail Pharmacist: How Phebe Luar Got A New Job

    This is another episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of professionals navigating diverse career paths.    In this interview, we're joined by Phebe Luar, who shares her journey of transitioning from a burnout situation in retail to finding a new job in mail order pharmacy.    She discusses how working with a career coach helped her gain more self-assurance and confidence in her job search process, and talks about the benefits of her new part-time role, including better work-life balance and higher pay compared to her previous retail job.   Join us as we delve into her story, discussing the challenges, successes, and the pivotal role of career coaching in shaping her professional trajectory.   Here are the highlights of the conversation with Phebe:   01:04 - Details about her new part-time job at a mail order pharmacy  06:55 - Her previous experience working in retail and how that led her to seek coaching  13:11 - The transformations she went through during the coaching process  14:58 - How she ended up getting the mail order pharmacy job  20:47 - Phebe describes a typical day in her new role  24:20 - Her thoughts on working with a career coach  26:51 - An analogy of a career coach as a trail guide  28:49 - Phebe's advice for someone considering working with a career coach    Resources: Phebe Luar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phebe-luar/   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    32 min

  4. 08/19/2024

    Handling Grief as a Professional

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, Alex Barker and Laura Lacari delve into a deeply personal and poignant discussion about navigating grief. They share their experiences, insights, and advice on coping with loss, offering support and understanding to listeners facing similar challenges.   Here are the highlights of the conversation with Laura:   03:00 - Their personal journeys of loss, highlighting the initial shock, emotional turmoil, and the gradual process of healing. They reflect on how grief reshaped their perspectives on life and relationships. 10:44 - Challenges faced in the workplace while grieving, including legal considerations such as bereavement leave policies. They emphasize the need for compassionate workplace support during difficult times.  16:52 - Alex and Laura explore the emotional impact of grief, discussing its effects on mental health and strategies for managing overwhelming feelings. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips for navigating through grief. 21:04 - The importance of community support and resources like therapy, support groups, and professional associations for pharmacists dealing with grief. 29:44 - Their personal growth through grief, sharing insights into acceptance, resilience, and finding meaning in loss, encouraging listeners to honor their experiences and seek solace in shared connections. 36:24 - The challenges of dealing with grief in the workplace and highlights the importance of knowing state-specific bereavement leave policies and advocating for support from HR and managers. 48:45 - Discussing a loss that should be talked about more: the loss of a pet; and the importance of understanding that grief is not linear.   Resources: Laura Licari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralicaripharmd/   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.  Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    1 hr

  5. 06/20/2024

    Fatherhood Unfiltered: Candid Conversations with Dads with Corey Jenks

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, I'm thrilled to have Corey Jenks as we explore the heartfelt and often humorous world of modern fatherhood.   Corey is not your average pharmacist; he's a pioneer in applying comedy to healthcare, helping professionals break free from the conventional and embrace empathy and adaptability in patient care.   Corey founded ImprovRx, where he blends improv comedy with evidence-based practices to transform how healthcare teams communicate and connect with patients. With over a decade of experience at Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System and currently at Optum as a Clinical Pharmacist, Corey brings a wealth of insights into healthcare management and team dynamics.   Beyond his career, Corey is a devoted dad, an author, and a comedian. His approach isn't just about managing healthcare; it's about nurturing teams to rediscover their passion and improve patient outcomes through humor and human connection.   We'll delve into Corey's journey, his insights on balancing work and fatherhood, and his latest projects, including his newly released book. Whether you're a seasoned dad, a new parent navigating the early years, or someone simply curious about family dynamics, you've come to the right place.   Here are the highlights of my conversation with Corey:   07:59 - The guilt and shame parents often feel in handling their children, reflecting on personal experiences and societal pressures. 09:14 - How millennials may feel pressure to present only the positive aspects of their lives on social media, leading to feelings of guilt and shame. 11:11 - The importance of dads being present and engaged with their children, emphasizing the need for self-care and providing for their families. 15:43 - The humorous approach to parenthood and life in general, finding laughter in the absurdity of experiences. 19:22 - The importance of talking to children about culture, hate, and racism, and acknowledging one's own biases in order to have open conversations about these topics. 20:22 - The challenges and experiences of being a newish dad, including handling difficult conversations with children about mortality and accepting imperfection in fatherhood. 32:08 - The importance of accepting and nurturing children's individual interests and talents rather than forcing them to conform to parental expectations.   Links: Cory Jenks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-jenks-3ba17314/ Cory's books, publications and other resources: https://linktr.ee/coryjenks   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    38 min

  6. 06/12/2024

    Remote Clinical Liaison: How I Transitioned from Residency with Gabrielle Gutierrez

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we bring you the captivating story of Gabrielle Gutierez, a pharmacist who dared to redefine her path from residency to a thriving role as a remote clinical liaison.   We explore Gabrielle's transformative journey, from the challenges she faced during residency to the pivotal moment when she decided to take control of her career trajectory. Discover how she navigated uncertainty, embraced new opportunities, and ultimately found fulfillment in a role that aligns with her passions and values.   Through candid conversations and insightful reflections, Gabrielle shares the lessons she learned along the way, offering invaluable advice for pharmacists and professionals seeking to carve out their own unique paths in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Here are the highlights of my conversation with Gabrielle:   01:50 - The importance of doing a residency for clinical pharmacists and how it is often seen as necessary for obtaining a hospital job. 04:06 - The controversy surrounding quitting residency programs and the lack of understanding from residency directors about the personal decisions and responsibilities of individuals in their career paths. 07:44 - The importance of creating a supportive environment for clinical pharmacists to ensure they can effectively care for patients without being overworked or unsupported. 10:08 -  The struggles of dealing with bullying in the workplace, feeling pressured to stay for fear of not being hired elsewhere, and ultimately realizing one's worth and deciding to pursue a different path. 14:38 - The importance of knowing one's values, taking initiative, and seizing opportunities in order to pursue a career in a field that aligns with one's interests and goals. 18:57 - The role of a clinical pharmacist in trailblazing pharmacogenomics and precision medicine, providing support to consulting firms, identifying patients who could benefit from pharmacogenomics, assisting with prior authorization and billing, offering technical support to physicians, conducting medical writing and database building for clinical trials, and creating content such as videos. 21:03 -  Landing a job with a pharmacist salary after overcoming career challenges -- a Cinderella story. 24:19 - The struggles and self-doubt experienced by a clinical pharmacist during their residency and how changing their perspective and being kinder to themselves ultimately led to personal growth and success in their career.   Link: Gabrielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsfgutierrez/   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    30 min

  7. 06/05/2024

    Pharmacy Entrepreneurship: How This Pharmacist Built and Sold a Business During the Pandemic with Nishan Divani

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we are joined by Nishan Devani, a successful pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur. He is currently Chairman at Devsan Systems Inc. and Vice President of the Pharmacists' Association of Niagara Peninsula.    Nishan shares his inspiring journey from working in community pharmacies to founding and selling his own pharmacy service company.    Discover valuable insights on identifying market gaps, the power of asking for help, and pivoting business strategies. He also discusses his strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with family life and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.    Whether you're a pharmacist or interested in entrepreneurship, Nishan's story provides valuable lessons in perseverance, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit.   Here are the highlights of my conversation with Nishan:   1:21 - Nishan's background, how he identified market gaps and started a business 8:35 - Whether his business interfered with his job 10:16 - His mindset surrounding taking the first step and building momentum, and the importance of asking for help and advice 16:34 - How things have shifted for the company post-Covid and how they needed to pivot, network and learn new skills to adapt 26:31 - The great end-result for the company and next steps for Nishan 39:52 - Thoughts on participating in competitions like Shark Tank 42:51 - Modernizing the Pharmacists' Association of Niagara Peninsula and organizing a successful in-person conference 49:47 - Closing thoughts, key takeaways and encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs   Links: Nishan Devani on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishandevani/ Devsan Systems Inc. - https://www.devsan.ca Pharmacists' Association of Niagara Peninsula - https://www.panp.ca/   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.  Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    55 min

  8. 05/23/2024

    What Does Healthcare Reform Look Like?

    Welcome to another episode of the Happy PharmD podcast!    In this episode, we have the incredible Christy Snodgrass, a passionate advocate for healthcare reform and a driving force behind impactful changes in the nursing profession.    Christy shares her journey from the bedside to the frontlines of advocacy, emphasizing the importance of clinicians' voices in shaping healthcare policies. We delve into her experiences, including a remarkable meeting at the White House, the challenges healthcare workers face, and the inspiring resilience of the new generation of nurses.    Christy's story is a testament to the power of standing up for what you believe in and making a difference in the world of healthcare. Whether you're a pharmacist, nurse, or any healthcare professional, this episode is sure to inspire and motivate you to take action.  Here are the highlights of my conversation with Christy:   00:00 - Christy's journey to advocacy and making a difference in healthcare through influencing lawmakers and policies. 02:57 - Her journey into nursing, including their initial interest in psychology, love for anatomy and physiology, and experience with a competitive interview process for a nursing position at a state-of-the-art hospital. 13:57 - The realization of the financial pressures on hospitals and patients, leading them to transition into case management and advocate for greater transparency in healthcare reimbursement systems. 18:51 - The decision to leave their healthcare career, start advocating on social media, and the uncertainty of their future success. 21:12 - How she successfully approached organizations by offering free labor and showcasing their unique skill set, leading to the creation of a new job position based on their initiative and willingness to learn. 26:13 - How the experience of working in healthcare, where mistakes can have life or death consequences, can prepare for success in a new venture even with no prior experience. 29:50 - The approach to working with advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of maintaining independence and ethical standards in contracts and relationships. 32:23 - The various opportunities for healthcare workers to work in advocacy, including helping patients apply for charity care, providing input to government agencies and law firms, and working with non-profit and for-profit organizations to improve the healthcare system. 35:20 - The importance of clinicians advocating for themselves and their profession, as well as the impact of speaking up and sharing their expertise with government agencies. 46:20 - The shortage of nurses in healthcare settings, the impact of media narratives on public perception, and the reasons why nurses are leaving their jobs. 51:37 - Christie's journey in healthcare advocacy, her passion for helping others, and the importance of learning and gaining experience in order to find solutions to problems in the industry.   Links and mentions:   Organizations for Advocacy and Involvement: Take Medicine Back: https://www.takemedicineback.org/ Impact in Healthcare: https://www.impactinhealthcare.org/   Christy's Personal and Professional Platforms: Healthcare Reforms: https://www.healthcarereformed.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christyprn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christyprn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christysnodgrass/   We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    1 hr
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About

The Happy PharmD podcast inspires pharmacists to create inspiring careers and lives. Dr. Alex Barker, PharmD, dives deep into the issues of our profession, like burnout, automation, leadership, providing meaningful healthcare, the troublesome job market, and how we can solve them together.

Information

  • Creator
    The Happy PharmD
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Happy PharmD
  • Show Website
    The Happy PharmD Podcast