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Expert shares reasons why many women are behind on their annual breast cancer screenings, along with the latest cutting edge treatment in the breast cancer space.
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The Alzheimer disease treatment landscape is rapidly changing, with several new FDA-approved antibody therapies that target amyloid plaque and aim to slow disease progression. While the controversial approval of aducanumab faced challenges, newer drugs like lecanemab and donanemab have shown more promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating cognitive benefits. Additionally, the pipeline includes novel therapies targeting tau protein and other mechanisms. Advancements in biomarker development, including plasma and imaging tests, are also enabling earlier diagnosis and the potential for preventive treatments before the onset of clinical symptoms.
Experts Include:
Pamela Spicer, neuroscience expert and therapy area Director, Citeline
Martin Tolar, MD, PhD, founder, president, CEO, Alzheon
Sharon Cohen, MD, FRCPC, medical director, site principal investigator, Toronto Memory Program -
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In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews the co-CEOs of Healthcare Advocate Summit Melissa Paige, BPHM, CPhT, MTM, president of National Association of Medication Access & Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA), and Elizabeth Johnson, CEO of MedicoCX, and president and co-founder of NAMAPA on Healthcare Advocate Summit and its mission. They describe how collaboration, education, and advocacy can go a long way in improving access to medications and health care.
Key Takeaways:Medication Access: Medication access is a complex, systemic issue. The high cost of medication is a significant barrier for many patients, and navigating the health care system to obtain necessary medications can be confusing and overwhelming for many patients.Health Care Providers are Crucial in Improving Medication Access: Health care professionals can play a vital role in advocating for patients and assisting them in obtaining their prescribed medications. Understanding the complexities of medication access can empower health care providers to better support their patients.Patient Advocacy is Essential for Driving Change: Organizations and individuals dedicated to patient advocacy can create significant impact by raising awareness, lobbying for policy changes, and providing support to patients. Sharing personal stories can be a powerful tool for driving change in health care disparities.Collaboration and Education are Key: Partnerships between health care providers, patient advocacy groups, and policymakers are essential for addressing the medication access crisis. Educating patients, health care providers, and the public about medication access issues is crucial for creating lasting change.You can learn more about Healthcare Advocate Summit and follow the initiative on social media:Website: https://www.healthcareadvocatesummit.com/ Instagram: @healthcareadvocatesummitFacebook: Healthcare Advocate SummitX (formerly Twitter): @AdvocateSummitTikTok: @healthcareadvocatesummitConnect with Melissa Paige and Elizabeth Johnson on LinkedIn! -
Olivia Kinney, PharmD, a national pharmacy practice manager at Kroger, emphasized the importance of pharmacists addressing the growing issue of vaccine hesitancy. She noted that common reasons for hesitancy include concerns about adverse effects, misinformation, access barriers, and social/political influences. Kinney advised that pharmacists can build trust by actively listening to patients' concerns, providing relevant and consistent education, and leveraging their position as trusted healthcare providers. She highlighted the value of pharmacists is in collaborating with other community organizations to improve vaccine access and literacy. Overall, she encouraged pharmacists to take a proactive, relationship-building approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccination rates.
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In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Dr. Frank North, president of the National Pharmaceutical Association and assistant professor at the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy. They discuss North's leadership journey and advocacy efforts to increase representation and support for minority pharmacists, while emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking, and collaboration within the profession.
Key Takeaways:
Importance of Mentorship: North discussed how essential good mentors are, and having mentors who look like you, especially for underrepresented minority groups in pharmacy. North credits his success to consistent mentorship and support from peers who were also non-traditional pharmacy students.Advocacy for Increased Representation: Representation and inclusion of minority voices in healthcare policy and decision-making are critical to a healthy profession. North talks about his involvement in building relationships with external groups like the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Medical Association, and the success doing so had on amplifying the needs of the Black community.Join Pharmacy Organizations: Madison and North talked of the importance of joining relevant pharmacy organizations, especially affinity groups, for professional development, networking, and supporting students and early-career pharmacists from underrepresented backgrounds.You can find Dr. North on social media:#IKnowFrank on all platforms@DrFrankRPH on InstagramFrank North, Pharm.D. on FacebookFrank North on LinkedInYou can stay up-to-date with the National Pharmaceutical Association:@NPhAPresident on Instagram for news about the incoming NPhA president@NPhAPharmacy on Instagram for NPhA news@SNPhA on Instagram for student voices and newsListen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. -
In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Aleata Postell, group director of pharmacy business development, Walmart, to discuss the significance of specialty pharmacy services—particularly related to HIV care—in public health. Postell highlights how Walmart has initiatives that support HIV care and testing.
Key Takeaways:Community Pharmacy's Role in Public Health: The episode highlights the critical role community pharmacies—such as Walmart—play in public health, particularly in providing accessible specialty care and HIV services. By meeting patients where they are and integrating services into a familiar setting, community pharmacies can effectively support patients' comprehensive health needs, including specialized care for HIV.Importance of Reducing Stigma and Enhancing Education: Aleata Postell shares her personal motivation and experiences, emphasizing the need to reduce stigma around HIV and other specialty conditions. Education and awareness, both within the community and among health care providers, are crucial for improving care and ensuring patients feel comfortable seeking treatment and support. Innovative Public Health Initiatives: Walmart's collaboration with the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Gilead have helped expand the organization’s HIV testing and care services. By increasing the number of testing sites and providing community health workers and specialized training for pharmacists, Walmart is taking significant steps to enhance public health infrastructure and support for individuals living with HIV.You can check out the following discussed resources:Walmart Specialty Pharmacy—HIV: https://www.walmart.com/cp/specialty-pharmacy-of-the-community/6730561?povid=OMNISRV_D_Cp_HW_HwSpecialtyPharm_4101489_HW_6730561_TileCardsService_HivSpecialtyPharmacy_LearnMore_1332399668International Association of Providers of AIDS Care: https://www.iapac.org/Elton John AIDS Foundation: https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/what-we-do/what-we-fund/breakthrough/Connect with Aleata Postell and follow Walmart Specialty Pharmacy on LinkedIn! -
Jeffrey Goad, PharmD, MPH, professor and associate dean of Academic Affairs at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, shares crucial advice for summer travelers and what to know about their medication. He emphasizes the importance of proper medication management, including packing enough for the trip plus extra, keeping medications in carry-on luggage, and being aware of country-specific restrictions. Goad discusses strategies for maintaining medication schedules across time zones and managing pre-existing health conditions while abroad. He stresses the significance of getting necessary vaccinations, recommending travelers consult resources like the CDC travel health site and start the process 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
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In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Dr. Bolu Oladini, PharmD, author, global medical affairs, generative AI medical content lead, Pfizer, to discuss the intersections of pharmacy, medical affairs, and AI. Dr. Oladini describes the importance of following one’s interest, and using those passions to one’s advantage when building on a career. Both Dr. Madison and Dr. Oladini also share the importance of understanding AI sources and prompts when using the available interfaces.
Key Takeaways:Embrace Non-Traditional Career Paths: Dr. Bolu Oladini emphasizes the importance of pharmacists exploring non-traditional roles, rather than confining themselves to conventional pharmacy roles. He discusses his journey to further describe how individuals can use their personal interests and skills to help open or forge unique career opportunities.The Role of Medical Affairs: Medical affairs involve communicating complex medical and product data to various stakeholders, including health care providers, patients, and regulators. This space is about ensuring that scientific data is accurately conveyed and that patient interests are prioritized, often serving as a balance to marketing efforts.The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy: AI, notably generative AI, is set to revolutionize various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, from automating repetitive tasks in pharmacies to aiding in drug discovery and enhancing medical content creation. The episode highlights the importance of staying curious and experimental with AI to fully realize its potential in improving healthcare outcomes.You can preorder Dr. Bolu Oladini’s book here. He can be found on the following social media platforms:LinkedIn: @Bolu OladiniInstagram: @doctor_boluFacebook: @Bolu OladiniX (formerly known as Twitter): @doctor_boluTikTok: @doctor_boluYou can check out the following discussed AI platforms:ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Claude: https://claude.ai/chats Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/app -
On this episode of Pharmacy Focus, experts discuss World Psychedelics Day, which is June 20. Experts will also discuss goals of World Psychedelics Day in increasing awareness and appreciation of psychedelics' therapeutic potential while honoring traditional knowledge. Experts cover the history of psychedelics, current research on psychedelic therapies for conditions like PTSD and depression, and future directions. Proper education, screening, medication management and harm reduction practices are highlighted as best ways that pharmacists can get involved.
Guests Include:
Mark Achbar, WPD Founder
Sarah Butterfield, WPD Creative Director
Rev. Shannon Smadella, WPD Operations & Partnerships Director
Sandra Dreisbach, PhD, WPD Ethics Director
Dennis Mckenna, Director and President of the Mckenna Academy
Kevin Lanzo, PharmD, co-founder of the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association (PPA)
Kristin Speer, PharmD, BCPS, co-founder of the PPA
References
1. Pharmacy Times. Survey Shows 65% of Affected Americans Want Access to Psychedelic Treatments for Mental Health Conditions. February 8. 2022. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/survey-shows-65-of-affected-americans-want-access-to-psychedelic-treatments-for-mental-health-conditions
2. Gallagher A. Psychedelic Medicine Could Fill Care Gap in Psychiatric Care. Pharmacy Times. April 10, 2024. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/psychedelic-medicine-could-fill-care-gap-in-psychiatric-care
3. Gallagher A. Is 2024 the Year for Psychedelic Medicine?. Pharmacy Times. April 4, 2024. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/is-2024-the-year-for-psychedelic-medicine-
4. Antrim A. FDA Advisory Panel Rejects MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. Pharmacy Times. June 4, 2024. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-advisory-panel-rejects-mdma-assisted-therapy-for-ptsd -
This episode of Pharmacy Focus discusses the important role pharmacists can play in promoting mental health care for patients. Molly McGraw, PharmD, BCPS, coordinator of Pharmacy Quality UPMC Health Plan and Kim Castelnovo, RPh, Pharmacy Manager at Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, talk about the importance of mental health care for patients, how pharmacists can educate patients on their mental health medications, and implement clinical programs to optimize care. They also discuss challenges with medication adherence and how pharmacists can collaborate with other health care professionals to provide holistic care.
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In this special Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention month episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Emma White, the founder and president of the nonprofit organization Life Is Worth It, who shares her struggles with mental health as a teenager, and how she used her experience to educate others and give back to her community. White is also the Statewide Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Nevada’s Department of Education and works under the Office of Suicide Prevention managing Project AWARE, a SAMHSA grant.
Key Takeaways:Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention: Emma White, founder of The Life Is Worth It Organization, emphasizes the importance of addressing all dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial—in suicide prevention. Her organization focuses on upstream prevention education, aiming to provide youth with tools and resources to manage their overall well-being to reduce the risk of suicide.Personal Journey and Advocacy: White shares her personal story of surviving a suicide attempt at 15 years of age, emphasizing the lack of mental health education and support that she experienced during her crisis. Her journey from a survivor to an advocate showcases the importance of therapy, community support, and the normalization of discussing mental health struggles. White’s work with the state of Nevada and her professional speaking engagements aim to break the stigma and provide vital education on mental health. Breaking Stereotypes and Encouraging Vulnerability: Both White and Dr. Madison discuss the societal misconceptions about who can struggle with mental health issues, and they challenge stereotypes by sharing their experiences of being high-achieving individuals who have also faced mental health challenges. This conversation stresses the need for open discussions about mental health across all communities and the importance of seeking help without shame or stigma.
Emma White can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram (@emmamwhite) and Facebook (Emma White). Her TED Talk can be viewed here.
More information on the nonprofit organization Life Is Worth It can be found on the website and on social media:Website: www.lifeisworthit.orgInstagram: @lifeisworthitorgFacebook: @LifeIsWorthItOrgEmail: [email protected] -
In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Kate Gainer, PharmD, CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) to discuss the significance of state pharmacy associations in advocating for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, advancing public health initiatives, as well as shaping legislative priorities. Dr. Gainer also walks through her journey into pharmacy advocacy, emphasizes the importance of engagement in legislative advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
Importance of State Pharmacy Associations: The episode underscores the critical role of state pharmacy associations in advocating for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, supporting legislative initiatives, and facilitating collaborations with public health departments. State associations also serve as a bridge between pharmacists and policymakers, and have the ability to provide pharmacists opportunities for involvement and advocacy at the state level.Advocacy and Legislative Initiatives: Dr. Kate Gainer highlights the ongoing advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives pursued by state pharmacy associations. These initiatives include updating pharmacy practice acts, advocating for payment reform to support pharmacists' expanded roles, and collaborating with legislators to advance policies that benefit the pharmacy profession and patient care.Professional Development and Engagement: The conversation emphasizes the importance of professional development and engagement for pharmacists, encouraging them to get involved in their state pharmacy associations. Dr. Gainer shares her own journey into association leadership, emphasizing that it's never too late to get involved and make a difference, and that by engaging in advocacy, networking, and professional growth opportunities, pharmacists can contribute to positive change within the profession and the health care system.Connect with Dr. Kate Gainer on LinkedIn. -
On this episode, Amie Stephens, PharmD, director of adherence improvement and client services at Rite Aid, Emilee Kennelly, PharmD, manager of adherence improvement and clinical initiatives at Rite Aid, and Max Baire, PharmD, manager of clinical health plan solutions at Rite Aid, discuss social determinants of health (SDOH) and how they can impact patient outcomes and medication adherence. The guests explained how SDOH, like transportation barriers, food insecurity, and language barriers, can prevent patients from taking their medications properly if not addressed.
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On this month's episode Laura Gillespie, PharmD, regional antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist in the Mishawaka and Plymouth Medical Centers at the Saint Joseph Health System, discussed her paper “Impact of Pharmacist-Led Initiatives on Health Care–Associated Clostridioides difficile Rates” published in the March issue of Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems. Gillespie discusses why the impact of pharmacist-led initiatives on health care–associated Clostridioides difficile (C diff) rates can be important for patient outcomes and combating C diff rates.
About The Article
1. This study shows a dramatic decrease (80% and 81%) in hospital and community-onset C. Diff rates following the implementation of pharmacist-led initiatives like antibiotic prescribing guidelines and allergy education.
2. The article highlights the connection between unnecessary antibiotic use and increased C. Diff infections, emphasizing the importance of proper antibiotic stewardship.
3. This study demonstrates the positive impact pharmacists can have on patient safety by reducing hospital-acquired infections through careful monitoring and optimization of antibiotic use. -
In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Pauline K. Long, PharmD, DCES, pharmacist and co-owner of MedsPLUS Consulting in Birmingham, Alabama. They discuss Dr. Pauline's journey into entrepreneurship, her motivations for opening her own pharmacy, the impact of her consulting business on patient outcomes, and innovative approaches to community health and wellness services, including vaccination clinics and employee wellness programs.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Pauline Long's journey into entrepreneurship highlights the opportunities for pharmacists to make a significant impact beyond traditional roles. By starting her own pharmacy and consulting business, she demonstrates how pharmacists can innovate and address unmet needs within their communities.Dr. Pauline's approach emphasizes the importance of community-centered care and culturally competent services. Through strategic partnerships with health care providers and community organizations, she works to improve patient outcomes and address health disparities, particularly in marginalized communities.Utilizing local resources, grants, and community support is essential for implementing innovative health initiatives. Dr. Pauline’s experience demonstrates the value of networking, seeking mentorship, and accessing resources such as the Small Business Administration to support pharmacy entrepreneurs in navigating obstacles and maximizing impact.Dr. Pauline K. Long can be found on LinkedIn.
To learn more about MedsPLUS Consulting, LLC, check out their website, call 205-650-4636, or reach out to Dr. Pauline via email at [email protected]. Check out MedsPLUS on their social media channels:Facebook: @Medsplus ConsultingInstagram: @medsplus_consultingTikTok: @medsplusLinkedIn: MedsPLUS Consulting -
This episode of Pharmacy Focus: Policy Edition focuses on the DRUG Act and PBM reform efforts with Greg Baker, RPh, CEO of AffirmedRx. The DRUG Act aims to address unfair PBM practices like revenue-based compensation models that incentivize higher drug prices. Baker provides an overview of the key provisions in the legislation and their significance, and the implications of D-linking PBM compensation from drug list prices are also explored. Baker emphasizes the need for transparency in the PBM industry and advocates for fair pharmacist compensation.
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This episode of Pharmacy Focus features an interview with Cristin Hackel, MSN, medical director at Nurx Women's Health by Thirty Madison, about OTC contraception and the pharmacist's role in reproductive health. The discussion covers currently available OTC options, like condoms and emergency contraceptive pills, as well as recent developments like the approval of the Opill. She explains the differences in efficacy between OTC and prescription methods and how OTC options can increase accessibility but require self-screening. Further, Hackel addresses the potential public health benefits of improved access to contraception and the impact on reproductive rights. She also discusses strategies for pharmacists to promote education and awareness of contraception options within their communities, such as stocking these OTC products and being knowledgeable to advise patients.
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