Welcome to an insightful episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they engage in a compelling discussion with Dr. Benjamin Jolley about the complexities of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their impact on independent pharmacies.

In this episode, Dr. Jolley defends the existence of PBMs in managing insurance payments but critiques the inherent conflicts of interest when PBMs also operate as pharmacies. He explains how this dual role can lead to unethical practices, such as steering patients toward their affiliated pharmacies and imposing burdensome audits predominantly on independent pharmacies. Notably, Dr. Jolley references a revealing audit by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which found that most OptumRx audits targeted independents, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

Listeners will gain insight into the historical context of PBMs, the complexities of pharmacy pricing, and legislative efforts like the Patients Before Monopolies Act to address these issues. Dr. Jolley also highlights the importance of community engagement in advocating for fairer practices in the pharmacy industry.

Don’t miss this enlightening episode filled with expert analysis, real-world examples, and actionable insights. Tune in now to learn more about the evolving landscape of pharmacy benefits and the crucial steps needed to support independent pharmacies. Connect with Dr. Jolley on LinkedIn and Substack for more thought-provoking content, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes that explore the diverse challenges and opportunities in the pharmacy profession.

Welcome to a year-end special of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they conclude the countdown of the Top 10 Pharmacy Stories of 2024, diving into the biggest headlines and their implications for the industry.

 #5 Compounding Pharmacy Lawsuits Over GLP-1 Medications Amid GLP-1 shortages, compounding pharmacies stepped in with affordable alternatives, sparking patent lawsuits from major manufacturers. The FDA’s shifting stance left patients and pharmacies caught in the chaos.

 #4 Independent Pharmacy Closures With five independent pharmacies closing daily, pharmacy deserts are on the rise. Industry insiders cite low PBM reimbursements and insurance challenges as key factors behind the closures.

 #3 Record-High Drug Shortages From ADHD medications to chemotherapy drugs, 2024 saw 323 active drug shortages, driven by supply chain disruptions, increased demand, and manufacturing issues.

 #2 Chain Pharmacy Closures Major chains, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, collectively closed thousands of stores, intensifying access challenges for communities nationwide.

 #1 PBM Scrutiny Intensifies The FTC launched investigations into major PBMs over anti-competitive practices, shining a light on the “pharmacy middlemen” and their role in rising prescription costs.

Welcome to a special episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they kick off part one of the Top 10 Pharmacy Stories of 2024. This engaging episode explores the major headlines, trends, and controversies shaping the pharmacy world this year.

All 50 states and DC now allow pharmacists to prescribe medications such as birth control, smoking cessation aids, and vaccines. The hosts discuss the benefits for patient care and the challenges posed to already overworked pharmacists, especially in retail settings. Concerns about corporate misuse and competition with doctors are also raised.

AI and machine learning are revolutionizing pharmacy roles, with applications in inventory management and error prevention. While some fear job replacement, the hosts highlight AI’s potential to enhance rather than replace pharmacy functions. However, skepticism remains about retail chains prioritizing metrics over practical solutions.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained immense popularity, contributing to the first decline in U.S. obesity rates in a decade. The conversation touches on high costs, shortages, and their controversial use as a weight-loss trend.

Shane Jeromsky, Maurice Shaw, and Bled Tenoi lead efforts to unionize retail pharmacies, targeting CVS and Walgreens locations, including CVS’s corporate headquarters. The strategic moves, challenges of location-based petitions, and long-term implications are discussed.

Both Walgreens and CVS have faced significant stock market losses and CEO turnovers this year. Walgreens’ valuation plummeted from $50 billion to $7.5 billion, while CVS stocks dropped 25% this month. Concerns grow over Walgreens potentially going private under a private equity firm, raising fears of worsened working conditions for employees.

Welcome to this episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! In this inspiring installment, hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith sit down with Ariel to discuss her incredible career journey, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode delves into Ariel’s experiences navigating challenging work environments, feeling "stuck" in her career, and the steps she took to break into her dream role as a 340B audit and compliance analyst. Ariel shares her story of perseverance, describing how she used transferable skills from her pharmacy background to explore adjacent career paths, and how networking and persistence ultimately opened the door to her current position. Listeners will hear Ariel’s powerful message about the importance of mindset and intention, including her mantra to “do it scared,” inspired by a mentor during a particularly difficult period. She emphasizes the value of not comparing one’s journey to others, seeking mentors for guidance, and staying strong in the face of rejection, as well as the importance of recognizing that every step—no matter how small—is progress toward your goals. In addition, Ariel and the hosts discuss common fears pharmacy technicians face when transitioning into new roles, the stigma around "job-hopping," and how Ariel reframed her career changes as part of her learning and growth process. This episode is packed with actionable advice for technicians who may feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps, including the reminder that there are always options and opportunities beyond traditional roles. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation full of wisdom, courage, and real-world insights! Tune in now, and be sure to share your thoughts, feedback, or stories by reaching out to us at [email protected].

This week on CPhT Connect, Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith chat with six inspiring pharmacy technicians who are also crushing it as entrepreneurs!

As we celebrate Small Business Saturday this year, we dive into the world of side hustles, exploring how these techs manage their time, balance their passions with their careers, and find success outside the pharmacy. You'll be inspired by their stories and get practical tips to turn your own side hustle dreams into reality.

Meet the Featured Pharmacy Technicians:

• Michelle Reeser: Forza Equine, Providing MOBILE instruction to riders in western performance disciplines including Reining and Ranch Riding in the Northern California region. ( Website) ( Instagram ) (Facebook) (LinkedIn)
• Autumn Jackson: Auburn Autumn Boutique, an online boutique store for trendy sublimated items. ( Website) ( Instagram )(Facebook)(TikTok)(Links))
• Kranay Jones: Kranay LLC, dynamic company dedicated to empowering young, career-oriented women with a flair for fashion through innovative digital products and engaging content creation. . ( Website) ( Instagram ) (TikTok)
• Amantha Bagdon: RxPost, Inventory sharing platform for independent pharmacies. (Website) (Amantha's LinkedIn )(Company LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Instagram)
• Denetra Wiggins: Lady Dee's Shoppe and Doggy Daycare, offering a variety of products and services. ( Website) (Instagram)(Facebook)
• Bettina Slaughter: Be Delicious Sweets, specializing in boozy treats. ( Website) ( Instagram ) (LinkedIn )

Don't miss this episode for:

• Inspiration to pursue your own side hustle
• Tips for managing time and balancing work and passion projects
• Insights into the diverse entrepreneurial journeys of pharmacy technicians

Timestamps:

• Michelle Reeser: 
  • Introduction & Services/Products: 01:46
  • Inspiration behind business: 14:34
  • Balance work & business: 26:56
  • Pharmacy Skills: 32:38
  • Biggest Challenge: 45:06
  • Advice to other techs: 55:20
  • Small Business Saturday: 1:04:22
  • Support & Links: 1:11:20
• Autumn Jackson: 
  • Introduction & Services/Products: 04:07
  • Inspiration behind business: 16:12
  • Balance work & business: 29:08
  • Pharmacy Skills: 34:21
  • Biggest Challenge: 47:24
  • Advice to other techs: 56:22
  • Small Business Saturday: 1:05:28
  • Support & Links: 1:13:17
• Kranay Jones: 
  • Introduction & Services/Products: 05:44
  • Inspiration behind business: 17:44
  • Balance work & business: 29:37
  • Pharmacy Skills: 35:54
  • Biggest Challenge: 48:07
  • Advice to other techs: 56:52
  • Small Business Saturday: 1:05:56
  • Support & Links: 1:13:35
• Amantha Bagdon: 
  • Introduction & Services/Products: 06:22
  • Inspiration behind business: 19:09
  • Balance work & business: 30:02
  • Pharmacy Skills: 31:26
  • Biggest Challenge: 48:52
  • Advice to other techs: 58:43
  • Small Business Saturday: 1:06:39
  • Support & Links: 1:14:13
• Denetra Wiggins:
  • Introduction & Services/Products: 07:52
  • Inspiration behind business: 20:47
  • Balance work & business: 23:52
  • Pharmacy Skills: 36:40
  • Biggest Challenge: 50:49
  • Advice to other techs: 52:59
  • Small Business Saturday: 1:07:57
  • Support & Links: 1:10:18
• Bettina Slaughter: 
  • Introduction & Services/Products: 10:32
  • Inspiration behind business: 11:35
  • Balance work & business: 25:52
  • Pharmacy Skills: 39:31
  • Biggest Challenge: 43:00
  • Advice to other techs: 1:01:15
  • Small Business Saturday: 1:02:50
  • Support & Links: 1:16:11

Tune in and get ready to be empowered!

Conference Highlights: Empowering Pharmacy Technicians to Level Up

Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they recap the incredible sessions from a recent pharmacy conference, highlighting how pharmacy technicians can elevate their skills and impact.

The conference featured engaging sessions like Dr. Timothy Aungst’s exploration of AI’s role in pharmacy, balancing its opportunities and challenges, and Nichole Barnes’s insights into pharmacy informatics and its potential to drive better patient care. Dr. Marissa Mauricio broke down GLP-1 therapies, while Dr. Amanda DeMarzo tackled the challenges of medication access. Ariel Lewis shared efficiency tips, emphasizing SMART goals and their role in career success.

Dr. Jerrica Dodd’s session on mentorship and coaching explored how these relationships shape career growth, while Dr. Jordan Spillane highlighted the importance of patient-centered care. The conference wrapped up with Mike Johnston presenting his Career Catalyst Framework, offering actionable steps to advocate for yourself and level up in your career.

Packed with inspiration, practical advice, and tools for career growth, this episode is a must-listen for pharmacy professionals. Tune in now and visit cpht.org/levelup to learn more!

Welcome to a special Halloween episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they explore the eerie and fascinating intersections of pharmacy history and the supernatural. This spooky episode dives into haunted pharmacy tales, from Dr. Duke's unsettling lab experiences to ghostly pharmacists said to linger in old apothecaries around the world.

Listeners can enjoy a lighthearted “Witch’s Brew or Real Med Review” game, where Mike and Ashleigh test their knowledge of strange medicinal ingredients, including beaver castoreum, sulfuric acid’s precursor, and the mythical mandrake root. Each round keeps you guessing: are these bizarre ingredients real historical medicines or just folklore?

In addition, community stories bring even more Halloween chills. Hear accounts of mysterious incidents in pharmacies, like bats appearing on pharmacy counters, spooky film archives in dark basements, and encounters with a helpful ghost named “Jerry the Tech” who makes his presence known in the IV room. This episode promises a thrilling mix of humor, history, and listener stories that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Don’t miss this Halloween special packed with fun, frights, and fascinating pharmacy history! Tune in now, and be sure to let us know if you'd like to see more themed episodes in the future.

Welcome to this episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for pharmacy technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they engage in a captivating conversation with Jordan Hudson, a certified pharmacy technician and advocate. Jordan shares her inspiring journey from her beginnings as a retail pharmacy technician to achieving a legislative milestone in New Hampshire, where she successfully championed the inclusion of a pharmacy technician representative on the State Board of Pharmacy.

In this episode, Jordan reflects on the challenges pharmacy technicians face, including the perception of being “just a tech,” and how this motivated her to take action. She recounts how she initiated the process, reached out to her state senator, and ultimately succeeded in getting legislation passed to provide pharmacy technicians with a voice in shaping the regulations that affect their profession.

Jordan also highlights the support she received from colleagues, her passion for making a difference, and the inspiration she drew from seeing another technician in Tennessee serve on the state’s Board of Pharmacy. Her perseverance, even when faced with setbacks, is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Listen in as Jordan discusses the significance of advocating for yourself, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and the importance of representation for pharmacy technicians in decision-making roles. Gain insights from her experience and learn how you, too, can take steps toward creating change in your own state. Don't miss this empowering episode that showcases the impact one person can make in the world of pharmacy. Tune in now to be inspired by Jordan's journey and discover how you can be a catalyst for change in your profession!

Welcome to the latest episode of CPhT Connect, the Podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join our host, Mike Johnston, as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Crystal, a dedicated member of Futuro Health. Crystal shares her inspiring journey from her start as a pharmacy cashier to her impactful role in empowering the next generation of healthcare workers.

Explore Crystal’s story as she describes her passion for helping individuals break into the healthcare field through Futuro Health's unique nonprofit model. Founded in 2020 in response to the healthcare worker shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Futuro Health aims to provide accessible education and training to aspiring allied health professionals, referred to as "scholars."

Gain valuable insights into the transformative power of education and the importance of support as Crystal discusses her hands-on approach in guiding scholars through their training programs. She emphasizes the significance of mentorship and accountability, sharing her experiences of cheering on scholars as they work towards their career goals in roles like medical assisting and pharmacy tech.

Don't miss this inspiring episode, filled with wisdom and practical advice for pharmacy professionals seeking to advance their careers. Tune in now to uncover Crystal's extraordinary journey and discover how you can harness your potential in the dynamic landscape of pharmacy.

In this inspiring episode, Mike Johnston interviews Shaun Noorian, a pioneering figure in the world of compounding pharmacies and the visionary behind Empower Pharmacy. Shaun shares his unique career journey, from his roots as a pharmacy technician to leading one of the largest compounding pharmacies in the U.S. Throughout the conversation, Shaun discusses the growth of Empower Pharmacy, scaling challenges, and their unwavering commitment to providing personalized, high-quality medications to patients across the country.

At the heart of Empower Pharmacy's success are its core values: people, quality, service, and innovation. Shaun reflects on how critical the company’s people have been to its growth, especially long-serving pharmacy technicians who have advanced within the organization. He emphasizes the importance of finding amazing people and creating systems that allow everyone to grow together. In a standout moment, Shaun acknowledges that Empower wouldn’t exist without its dedicated pharmacists and technicians, many of whom have been there since the beginning, evolving from entry-level positions to key leadership roles in IT and manufacturing.

Shaun also dives into some of the most important decisions he’s made in building Empower Pharmacy and shares advice for listeners who may be struggling in organizations that fail to nurture their talents. He encourages technicians to take proactive steps in creating solutions to improve patient experiences and, if necessary, to seek out companies that genuinely value innovation and service. https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-pharmacy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-noorian/