Crank it up with ICHP!

What does the future hold for pharmacy residency training?

In this episode, ICHP Executive Vice President Chris Crank sits down with three experienced pharmacy residency directors, Gary Peksa, Hina Patel, and Melinda Sharp, to discuss the current state of pharmacy residencies and where the profession is headed.

Together, they explore trends in the residency applicant pool, emerging clinical and specialty opportunities, the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence, workforce needs, and the skills today's residents need to succeed. They also share the challenges facing residency programs and offer valuable advice for student pharmacists, prospective residents, and residency program leaders.

Whether you're considering a residency, currently training residents, or simply interested in the future of pharmacy practice, this conversation provides an insider's perspective on the evolving residency landscape.

The opinions and perspectives shared during this episode are those of the individual speakers and are presented in their personal and professional capacities. They do not necessarily represent the official views of their respective organizations, employers, institutions, or ICHP.

When was the last time you did something just for fun?

In this episode of Crank It Up with ICHP, Chris Crank makes the case for prioritizing hobbies, even in the midst of busy work schedules, school demands, and everyday responsibilities.

From stress relief and renewed energy to personal fulfillment and connection, Chris explores how pursuing interests outside of pharmacy can help healthcare professionals thrive both personally and professionally.

Ready to jump in? In this episode, host and ICHP EVP Chris Crank breaks down all the ways members can get involved with ICHP. Whether you're looking to connect with colleagues, build leadership skills, advocate for the profession, or simply give back, there's a place for you. Tune in and find your path to making an impact!

Check out ICHP's Volunteer page for more information on ways to get involved!

A new chapter for pharmacy technicians at ICHP. Following a membership vote that approved significant bylaw updates, pharmacy technicians now have greater representation and an enhanced voice within the organization. Join ICHP Executive Vice President Chris Crank and Technician Representative Andrew Eggman as they explore what these changes mean, why they matter, and how technician members can become more engaged in shaping the future of ICHP.

What’s it really like to be a pharmacy student? In this episode, host Chris Crank, ICHP Executive Vice President, sits down with Melissa Dyrdahl, ICHP Communication Manager, to discuss her experience participating in a Pharmacy Shadow Day at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Retzky College of Pharmacy's Rockford campus. During her visit, Melissa observed pharmacy classes, participated in hands-on learning activities, and connected with current student pharmacists to gain a firsthand look at the educational journey preparing future pharmacy professionals.

Beyond Melissa's day on campus, Chris and Melissa explore the importance of introducing pharmacy careers to high school students and the role organizations like ICHP can play in building awareness of the profession. Together, they discuss how partnerships with colleges of pharmacy, student outreach programs, shadow day experiences, and mentorship opportunities can help inspire the next generation of pharmacists and strengthen the future of the profession.

Join ICHP Executive Vice President, Chris Crank, and President-elect, Andrew Merker, for a conversation about ICHP's Strategic Plan and the future of the organization. Together, they reflect on key strategic goals ICHP has successfully achieved, discuss initiatives currently underway, and explore emerging opportunities that may help shape the association's next chapter. Tune in for an inside look at how strategic planning drives ICHP's mission forward and supports members across Illinois.

Episode recorded: May 13, 2026

In this episode, ICHP Executive Vice President, Chris Crank, sits down with Lynn Rheinecker, to discuss Illinois' End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, commonly known as Deb's Law. Together, they explore the legislation's intent and what the law means for pharmacy professionals across Illinois.

Whether you're a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, student pharmacist, or healthcare professional interested in evolving standards of care, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most significant healthcare policy developments affecting end-of-life care in Illinois.

Helpful Links

• Public Act 104-0441

A New Digital Experience for ICHP Members

In this episode, ICHP Executive Vice President, Chris Crank, sits down with Maggie DiMarco Allen, Director of Operations, to discuss the launch of ICHP's newly redesigned website. They explore the inspiration behind the redesign, the goals that guided the project, and the member feedback that helped shape the new experience.

Chris and Maggie highlight the site's most noticeable improvements, explain how the updated layout makes it easier for members to find resources and information, and share what they hope members will do when they visit the new website for the first time. They also discuss how members can continue to provide feedback as ICHP works to enhance and evolve the online experience.

Whether you're a longtime member or a first-time visitor, tune in to learn how the new ICHP website was built with members in mind.

Our host, ICHP EVP Chris Crank, sits down with guest Sharon Karina to explore how AI‑driven search algorithms, wearables, and consumer health tools are reshaping the way patients experience and understand healthcare. Together, they unpack the privacy risks, regulatory gaps, and surprising real‑world consequences of a system where two people can search the same term and land in completely different digital realities. They also explore the rise of AI in clinical decision‑making, the push for deregulation, and legislative experiments that are redefining what it means to deliver—and receive—care in the modern era.

In this episode, we dive into why networking is an essential — yet often overlooked — skill for pharmacy professionals at every stage.

Our guests, Chris Crank, Executive Vice President of ICHP, and recent APPE student, Talynn Glenn, share how building relationships has shaped their careers, opened doors, and strengthened their connection to the pharmacy community.

We cover:

• What networking really looks like in pharmacy
• How students, technicians and pharmacists can build meaningful professional relationships
• The role of organizations like ICHP in creating networking opportunities
• Practical tips for getting started, even if networking feels intimidating

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

• KeePosted - May 2019 - Don't Just Network, Make Friends