Pharmacy Focus

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.

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...

Ron Lanton, esq, partner at Lanton Law, discusses California's Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act (AB 1286), which was signed into law in late 2023. He provides an overview of the key provisions of the new law, including authorizing pharmacists to make staffing decisions to ensure safety, requiring reporting of medication errors and unsafe conditions, and implementing enforcement measures if chains do not comply with the staffing and safety regulations. He also anticipates that this law will help improve patient safety by empowering pharmacy staff to speak up about unsafe environments and preventing fatigue or distractions that could lead to medication errors. It is...

The podcast discusses how City of Hope Chicago fully integrates oncology pharmacists into care teams by positioning them in clinics, improving communication and collaboration to minimize delays for patients and enhance care delivery.

In this special episode of Public Health Matters, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Mamie Shepherd, a program manager and advocate with the Ryan Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss the foundation's work in establishing Seacrest Studios in children's hospitals across the country and the impact of these studios on the well-being of young patients. Mamie Shepherd, Program Manager from Ryan Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN.

Key Takeaways: The Ryan Seacrest Foundation has “Seacrest Studios” in different children’s hospitals throughout the country. The Studios provide patients with entertainment, education, and therapeutic experi...

This episode highlights using celebrities and local advocates to promote public health initiatives and raise awareness of health topics. Experts shared examples of how Oprah Winfrey and the Ice Bucket Challenge raised awareness of issues like racial health disparities and ALS, respectively. Ensuring authentic connections between celebrities and health issues as well as coordination among stakeholders were highlighted as important factors for effective celebrity endorsements. The role of pharmacists in public health advocacy and screening efforts was also discussed.

Experts Include:
Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the Public Health Pharmacist; Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, CFMC, MBA, the se...

Editor’s Note: This was recorded prior to Wegovy being approved for cardiovascular disease. View the story here.

This podcast episode discussed the impact of celebrity endorsements on trends in weight loss drugs like Ozempic, body image issues, and the role of pharmacists in educating patients on appropriate use of GLP-1 medications for weight management and chronic diseases.

Experts Include: 
Patricia Mars, MD, owner and medical director of Venus By Mars Cosmetic Surgery and La Paloma Surgery Center; Donna H. Ryan, MD, Professor Emerita at Pennington Biomedical Research Center; and Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the...

On this episode, experts discuss the role of celebrity endorsements and trusted local figures in addressing vaccine hesitancy. Experts commented on studies examining how peer influencers and endorsements from figures like Dr. Fauci can increase vaccine acceptance by making the issues more relatable. However, they also noted the need to understand different factors contributing to hesitancy as well as ensuring endorsements match the right target audience and local context to be most effective. The podcast explored both the potential and limitations of celebrity marketing in vaccine promotion and uptake.

Experts Include:
Sean Young, PhD, executive director of...

The podcast discussed the impact and effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in the pharmaceutical industry. It covered how health care professionals are working to address misinformation through community outreach and multicomponent interventions. Regulation differences between prescription drugs, OTC medications, and dietary supplements were highlighted by Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the Public Health Pharmacist. Celebrity endorsements were said to potentially contribute to misinformation if claims aren't verified. While endorsements can raise awareness, medical experts cautioned that popularity doesn't equal scientific merit, said Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, CFMC, MBA, the senior director of pharmacy at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside. An interesting finding showed music vi...

In this special episode of Public Health Matters, Dr. Christina Madison and special guest, Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon emphasize the steps that need to be made in improving both language and cultural competency in health care. They also discuss Dr. Cucalon Calderon’s advocacy work—particularly in vaccine advocacy—in public health, preventative health services, and health equities in underserved communities.

About the Guest:
Jose Cucalon Calderon MD FAAP is a Board-Certified Pediatrician practicing as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine after training in General Pediatrics at the University of Sou...