October 19, 2021
This special edition episode is brought to you by AmerisourceBergen’s Insights podcast. In part two of the insulin biosimilars series, host, Jennifer Kemper, Director of Content Strategy, continues the conversation with Sean McGowan, Senior Director of Biosimilars, Michelle Jesse, Director of Biosimilar Commercialization, and Brad Tallamy, Senior Director of Government Affairs. At the end of July 2021, the Biosimilars market expanded with the FDA approving Viatris Inc.’s (aka Mylan) Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) as a biosimilar, as well as approving interchangeability status, specific and only to Lantus. The team expands on what these new drugs could mean for the category, how new insulin biosimilars could deliver on the promise of cost-effective care, and how to prepare for interchangeability.
![30: Community involvement with Pharm A Save Monroe Pharmacy]()
September 28, 2021
Being thrown into the pandemic has shown us that not only is every independent pharmacy a hero, but that some should wear capes! To celebrate National Good Neighbor Day, which is celebrated annually on September 28, one of our Good Neighbor Pharmacy stores details how they stay involved in the community and practice being a good neighbor every day to the patients they serve. This pharmacy exemplifies how our industry has risen to the challenge of being a trusted member of the communities they serve.
Join new host, Justin Baker, a Business Coach for AmerisourceBergen, as he celebrates the extraordinary community involvement of Pharm A Save Monroe Pharmacy in Washington state, with its owner, Bridgett Edgar.
To stay connected with and give back to her community, Bridgett personifies her “all in this together” mantra to highlight her initiatives like fundraising partnerships with local health systems, patient charity events, her Free Vitamin Program with the local schools, and local National Night Out Against Crime involvement. Bridgett’s energy is contagious as she shares her tricks and tips on how to “pick your passion,” get started and get involved
September 1, 2021
This special edition episode is brought to you by AmerisourceBergen’s Insights podcast. In part one of a two-part series on insulin biosimilars, host, Jennifer Kemper, Director of Content Strategy, speaks with Sean McGowan, Senior Director of Biosimilars, Michelle Jesse, Director of Biosimilar Commercialization, and Brad Tallamy, Senior Director of Government Affairs, about what these new drugs could mean for the category. They’ll discuss how and why insulins are in the biosimilar category, how congress is approaching biosimilars, and if an interchangeability status is on the horizon.
Be on the lookout for part two! Our host and guests stay on the topic of insulin biosimilars and discuss how pharmacies can prepare for interchangeability.
August 6, 2021
Please join host Paul Dunne and Clark’s Pharmacy owner, Craig Clark and his Person in Charge, Marla Newham, as they take a deep dive into how they use P1, P4 and resident students to enhance their clinical services and get involved.
Through the years, Craig has been a champion of being a preceptor for advanced rotations, and has developed his student to create protocols, SOP’s, patient outcome programs and patient facing services that have helped grow his business, as well as changed his image from local drugstore, into a healthcare destination.
Craig and Marla will also share practical tips on how to commit the time, energy and resources into capturing the innovations that these relationships create. Join us for a practical guide on how we can not only grow awareness of our independent opportunity and legacy to our students, but also how they can help US, grow!
July 1, 2021
Join our host Paul Dunne as he explores Hometown Pharmacies drive for excellence and success with the Owner, Ted Grothe and the Director of Operations, Chris Noth. As a result of their “Critical Driver” methodology, they have seen marked increases in OTC sales, DME Rx/patient and MedSync – all DURING the COVID pandemic.
Unlike many operations, where we can get lost in the day to day, Hometown uses their resources to strategize and plan for what the future could bring. Ted and Chris go into detail about their execution with several team tactics, to take care of their patients and staff all while still growing the business.
Lastly, learn about their thoughts on mentorship, implementation, and accountability culture. They use specific strategies to achieve their success and stretch employees in new areas to continue growth in new skill sets.
![26: Women Helping Women; Amber Haag]()
June 1, 2021
Join our host Paul Dunne and Amber Haag, owner of Haag Pharmacy, discuss a myriad of real-life struggles and successes. As a progressive store owner, preceptor and practicing pharmacist, Amber discusses her decision-making methodology on how to best serve her community, and more importantly her female patients. Amber also shares how she empowers her pharmacy team, students, and community engagement activities. Being an industry thought leader, Haag Pharmacy thrives on its versatility, and how best to counsel as part of her hormonal health initiatives.
Being a leader at the store and of her family, can present some anxieties and sacrifices which require a delicate balance of priorities. Amber poignantly dives into the personal struggles of juggling being a dedicated wife and mother, all the while running a growing business. This all requires an active philosophy on what can, and sometimes can’t be done.
Lastly, Amber will share her personal experiences regarding her mentor and a network of supporters from coaches, NCPA leadership and peers. Learn more about her contagious leadership style and advice for younger owners, saying that “we aren’t in the pharmacy business, but are in the relationship business”.
![25: Opioid Awareness and “SBIRT” Protocol]()
May 3, 2021
Join our host Paul Dunne and our two guests from the University of the Sciences, Andrew Peterson, Executive Director, Substance Use Disorders Institute and George Downs, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. On this episode they will discuss how the role of the pharmacists is crucial as both a clinician and as a trusted resource. Andrew and George’s mission are to educate pharmacists and pharmacy students on the opioid abuse epidemic.
Throughout the course of the podcast, they will dive deeply into identifying and treating the patient, motivational interviewing techniques, behavioral change modeling, as well as strategies and techniques. Among these, are the application of the “SBIRT” protocol (Screening-Brief Intervention-Referral to Treatment), a model for addiction prevention.
The team will also share their concerns about the growing opioid addiction challenges within the pharmacy profession, how to self-identify it, recovery, and maintenance. Being the most accessible healthcare providers available, the role of the pharmacist is crucial as both a clinician and as a trusted resource.
![24: Hope for Pharmacists & Patients]()
March 31, 2021
Please join Beth Mitchell, AmerisourceBergen’s Senior Director of Government Affairs, and Ashley O’Sullivan, AmerisourceBergen’s Senior Manager of Policy and Legislation, as they share AmerisourceBergen’s Government Affairs & Policy Team’s role in advocating for pharmacists, pharmacies and patients before our state and federal governmental representatives. On today’s podcast, Beth, Ashley & Paul will explore a variety of topics, such as the unprecedented and unanimous SCOTUS decision in the Rutledge v. PCMA case, where SCOTUS ruled that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) does not preempt an Arkansas state law that states PBM’s may not reimburse at less than acquisition cost, which has led to the introduction of over 50 new state bills regarding PBM regulation and more than 100 new bills related to drug pricing.
As regulations and legislation seeking to address fairness and transparency toward the pharmacy profession gain new traction, Beth and Ashley will also provide updates on the Federal guidance's amending the PREP Act, permitting pharmacists to administer COVID testing and vaccinations during the pandemic, and why it’s so important to find legislative solutions to establish permanent authorities for pharmacists at the federal level.
Beth and Ashley will also give us a sneak peek on the tactics of advocacy and how both they and you can make a bigger difference in educating our legislators and how it can change how our profession is viewed and treated.
March 1, 2021
Join Vince Bellitti, Owner of HB Drugs and Tracey Williams, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Advertising Manager as they discuss how social media has opened new markets and expanded HB Drug’s geographic presence. Vince will go into detail on the new necessity of recreating the “in-store experience”, using a variety of on-line platforms while still developing interesting content. Tracey, Vince’s Advertising Manager gives us a glimpse of how her and Vince work together to give him the widest and most profitable audiences along with industry benchmarks and best practices for any Independent Pharmacy.
January 29, 2021
Want to know the latest around small business COVID-19 relief? On this episode, join Charlie Le Bon, Senior Director of Pharmacy Ownership Services as he discusses the Economic Aid Act rules and guidance for eligible businesses and how the ACT provides relief. Charlie will also touch on how to value a Pharmacy during a pandemic. Don’t miss out on this very timely episode!
