Listen to Past Episodes

Launching a National Organization: In this episode, Mike Koelzer welcomes Lauren Castle, PharmD, Founder of the Functional Medicine Pharmacists Alliance (FMPhA.org). They explore her groundbreaking journey in establishing FMPhA, highlighting its focus on advocacy, education, and resources in functional medicine for pharmacists. The discussion covers overcoming traditional pharmacy skepticism, leveraging social media for community growth, transitioning to online platforms during Covid-19, and advocating for expanded pharmacists' roles in functional medicine. Lauren's insights offer a unique perspective on innovation and determination in the pharmacy field.

In this episode, I chat with Russ Hawkins of Agilence about how pharmacies can leverage data analytics for effective loss prevention. This episode is brought to you by MatchRX. Agilence's Role: Highlighting how Agilence's data solutions assist pharmacies in decision-making and operational efficiency. Loss Prevention Challenges: Discussing the various forms of losses in pharmacies, from theft to retail crimes. Internal Threats: Examining how internal staff, with knowledge of system w...

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Eugene Chan, a leading figure at the intersection of healthcare and technology. We delve into the profound impacts of artificial intelligence and technological advancements on patient care and the pharmacy sector. Dr. Chan's insights shed light on the future of healthcare, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in driving patient outcomes and revolutionizing pharmacy business strategies. Join us as we explore the transformative influence of technology in t...

In this episode, Mike Koelzer interviews George Lazenby about Order Insight, a tool revolutionizing pharmacy prescription drug management. https://getorderinsite.com/ OrderInsite Overview [00:00:20] Pharmacy Drug Challenges [00:02:30] Vendor-Wholesaler Dynamics [00:04:22] Inventory and Purchasing [00:07:40] System Integration [00:13:04] Cloud Services Preferences [00:15:14] Pharmacy Independence [00:17:31] George's Vision [00:21:06] Customer Acquisition [00:23:55] Future Directions [00:27:33] Th...

This episode is sponsored by MatchRx. Visit them today at MatchRx.com. In this episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™, Mike Koelzer hosts LeeAnn and Autumn to discuss ShiftRx, an innovative solution in pharmacy staffing. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the pharmacy employment landscape, and how ShiftRx is making a difference. ShiftRx.com 00:12 - Introduction to ShiftRx and its mission. 05:30 - The inception story of ShiftRx. 10:45 - Challenges ...

In this episode, we explore how external pursuits and hobbies can enrich the professional life of pharmacists. Our guest, Jason Chenard, shares insights from his own experiences, demonstrating the positive impact of personal interests outside the pharmacy on professional growth and wellbeing. https://www.layeredleadership.ca/ 00:12 - Introduction to Jason Chenard 02:15 - Misconceptions about Goal Setting in Pharmacy 05:30 - Integrating Hobbies with Professional Life 10:45 - The I...

In this enlightening episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast, we delve into the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions in the biotech sector with Steve St. Onge, a seasoned expert from Paratech Pharmaceuticals. Steve shares valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of managing a single-product company in a volatile market, exploring the dynamics of both buy-side and sell-side M&As. His journey from a clinical practitioner to a corporate development leader offers a unique pers...

In this episode, host Mike Koelzer talks with Charles Gellman, CEO and co-founder of HiDO Health, about the revolutionary integration of AI in pharmacy and home care. Explore how this technology is transforming patient care and medication management. https://us.hidohealth.com/ [00:00:12] - Introduction to Charles Gellman and HiDO Health [00:05:10] - Evolution of AI in Pharmacy [00:10:22] - Enhancing Home Care with Technology [00:15:30] - Personalizing Medicine through AI [00:2...

Join host Mike Koelzer and Stephanie Varner from Capital Wholesale Drug Company for an engaging discussion on the impact of drug tracking systems in pharmacies. This episode sheds light on the challenges, advantages, and future trends in drug tracking and its influence on pharmacy operations. https://www.capital-drug.com/ 0:12 - Episode Introduction with Stephanie Varner 3:05 - Defining Drug Tracking in Pharmacy 8:20 - Historical Context of Drug Tracking 15:30 - Implementation Challenges 22:45 -...

Simplifying workflows and improving collaboration leads to better patient care. In this episode, we speak with Frank Harvey and Andrew Mellin from Surescripts about how their technology bridges communication gaps between pharmacists and other healthcare providers. We discuss innovations like price transparency, prescription quality improvements, and expanded clinical roles that empower pharmacists with the data they need at the point of care. Tune in to hear how Surescripts is connecting pharmac...

In this insightful episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™, we delve deep into the deceptive practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) within the workers' compensation arena. Our guest, Colleen Shields, CEO of Rescue Meds Pharmacy, sheds light on the often-hidden manipulations of PBMs and their impact on pharmacies and injured workers. Join us as we explore the intricacies of workers' comp, the challenges pharmacies face, and the fight for fairness in the industry. https://rescuemeds...

Patti Mara, a pharmacy business coach for over 15 years, shares strategies for transforming pharmacy culture through communication, feedback and defining team success. Website: https://pharmacysuccess.com/ [00:00:15] Introductions [00:01:43] Hiring for pharmacy culture [00:04:15] Importance of business and personality [00:05:05] Matching talent to pharmacy roles [00:05:43] Systematizing routine to handle exceptions [00:08:28] The 4 pillars for team success [00:09:38] Why wee...

On this episode of the Pharmacy Leaders Podcast, we talk with Sean Duffy, owner of Integrity Pharmacy Consultants, about the current state of pharmacy buying and selling. Sean shares insights on market trends, factors impacting transactions, and key considerations for pharmacy owners looking to buy or sell. https://www.integrity-rx.com/ [00:12] Introducing Sean Duffy [01:03] COVID's impact on transactions [02:58] Pharmacist perspective changes [03:59] Retail pharmacist shortage [05:26] Slo...

In this episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast, host Mike Koelzer interviews Dr. Jonathan Baktari, an entrepreneur and physician who founded several successful healthcare businesses. They discuss the mindsets and skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, especially for those with medical and pharmacy backgrounds. BaktariMD.com Key Points: [00:00:15] Introducing Dr. Jonathan Baktari and overview of discussion topics [00:01:04] Transitioning from medicine into business and healt...

Lucas Morgan, a partner at Frier Levitt, joins host Mike Koelzer for an in-depth discussion on pharmacy law, working with boards of pharmacy, common issues that pharmacists face, and tips for avoiding trouble. https://www.frierlevitt.com/about/attorneys/lucas-w-morgan/ [00:00:15] Introducing Lucas Morgan [00:01:05] Interacting with pharmacy board inspectors [00:02:56] Mistakes made when dealing directly with boards [00:04:00] Unique pharmacy regulations by state [00:05:51] Emot...

In this episode, Florida pharmacy owner Jesse Brashear shares his experience getting involved in state-level advocacy and pharmacy reform. https://www.brashearspharmacy.com/ Key topics covered: 0:22 - Jesse talks about his background in political science and pharmacy 0:59 - Jesse discusses getting involved in pharmacy advocacy in the state legislature 2:18 - How a pharmacy reform bill gets introduced in a state legislature 4:49 - Jesse describes literally knocking on legislato...

Pramod John, CEO of VIVIO Health, discusses issues with drug pricing and competition in the pharmaceutical industry. He talks about how the current system incentivizes higher spending on healthcare rather than better outcomes, and how lack of transparency and access to data prevents true competition. [00:00:15] Introduces VIVIO Health mission [00:02:07] Background and improving healthcare [00:05:40] US overspends on drugs [00:08:39] Public benefit corporation [00:12:11] Rebates mi...

The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™ brings you in-depth, candid conversations with pharmacy business leaders. This week's episode features an exclusive interview with Stellus Rx founder and CEO Tony Willoughby, who gives us an inside look at how his company leverages technology to creatively scale more robust and personalized pharmacist-patient relationships and drive better health outcomes - tune in every Monday morning for a new episode. [00:00:23] Founded Stellus Rx pharmacy [00:01:12] Worked ...

We discuss the evolution of the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry with AJ Loiacono, founder and CEO of Capital Rx. AJ shares his experiences as an entrepreneur aiming to disrupt incumbent PBM models and practices. https://www.cap-rx.com/ 00:00 Introduction 00:23 AJ Loiacono introduces himself and Capital Rx 01:02 Changes in the PBM industry over the past 2 years 02:18 Role of modern communication and social media 03:06 The growth in prescription drug spending 04:42 Dru...

In this episode, Doug Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), previews the upcoming 2023 NCPA Annual Convention and shares insights on key issues affecting independent pharmacies today. Key Discussion Points: - Overview of the 2023 NCPA Annual Convention in Orlando, FL from October 14-17 - Why independent pharmacists should attend the convention - Education sessions and speakers planned for the convention - Legislative updates and pharmacy advocacy opportunities - Cha...

Overview: - Guest: Melinda Su-En Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Parcel Health - Melinda talks about developing sustainable medication packaging to replace plastic pill bottles - She discusses the importance of marketing and branding for pharmacies using their product Key Topics Covered: - Inspiration for starting Parcel Health and developing the Phill Box - Design process and iterations of the Phill Box - Safety features and ease of use, especially for elderly patients - Mark...

In this podcast episode, Raleigh Williams, a former lawyer turned investor and entrepreneur, discusses his unconventional career journey from law to owning trampoline parks and investing. He explores challenges faced, the importance of embracing ambition and financial success, and leveraging networks for business opportunities. Raleigh highlights shedding negative money associations, pursuing personal desires for wealth, and adjusting strategies in the entrepreneurial world. He encourages listen...

Mike Koelzer and Paul Fortunato discuss the complexities of self-insurance and its interplay with the pharmaceutical industry. Representing RX Pharmacy Assurance, Fortunato highlights that a significant portion of the U.S. workforce is under self-insured plans. The company offers stop-loss coverage to help employers navigate the financial challenges of high-cost specialty medications. Larger entities often self-insure for flexibility, while smaller ones grapple with unpredictable premiums. The c...

Phil Cowley, owner of Cache Valley Pharmacy, leveraged social media platforms in 2021 to enhance his business, notably under the handle @philsmypharmacist. Quickly amassing a large following, he became an advocate for reforms in the pharmacy sector, spotlighting issues with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Beyond professional advocacy, he candidly shared personal challenges, championing authenticity. In a dialogue with Mike, they discussed the deeper industry problems, the value of unity, and t...