Independent Rx Forum

This week, host John Beckner sits with Ed Cohen, founder and COO of PharmTeam Associates, to discuss the value of associations. For Cohen, involvement in associations is rooted in lifelong learning and incorporating your network into your professional life. Beckner and Cohen discuss the importance of keeping the door open to opportunities that can be found through state and national associations, as well as strategies to engage students and young professionals. The conversation rounds out with a peek behind the curtain of #NCPA2026, highlighting what you can expect from the meeting and how to get further involved in your professional home here at NCPA.

This week, host John Beckner and guest Ed Cohen, COO of PharmTeam Associates, explore the critical differences between retail and community pharmacy practices. They share insights on the evolving expectations of patients after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunity community pharmacy has to exceed those expectations through branding, mentorship, and personalized patient care. But it's not just a job for pharmacists, as Cohen emphasizes the role pharmacy schools and associations like NCPA must play in differentiating retail from community practice. This episode provides a fresh blueprint on how to set you and your pharmacy apart from the big chain down the street.

This week, Jay Phipps, pharmacy owner and NCPA member, reveals his secrets to building and maintaining a successful social media presence as a pharmacist. In a conversation with Jack Mozloom, NCPA senior vice president of public affairs, Phipps discusses everything from conquering his fear of posting to his practical tips for bringing the business of pharmacy to social media. They dive into what it takes to grow an audience, crack the algorithm, and build social media into a pharmacist's workflow. Phipps also touches on his role in the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention and leaves listeners with one key reminder: whether it's tackling social media or evolving your practice, you don't need to do it alone.

This week, host John Beckner is joined by Hannah Fish, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives, for a deep dive on the evolving vaccine landscape.

They outline vaccinations as a year-long service and share how pharmacists can prepare to best serve their communities. From smarter planning and community outreach to leveraging preexisting networks, Fish shares practical ways pharmacies can strengthen their role before respiratory season starts. They also address the rise in today's climate of vaccine hesitancy and provider fatigue. Backed by emerging research and insights from a roundtable of independent community pharmacy experts, Fish offers a forward-looking perspective on where vaccine services are headed and how pharmacists can lead the way.

To learn more, visit: https://ncpa.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/ncpa-vaccine-whitepaper.pdf

NCPA's Elise Damman and Kurt Proctor sit down in the studio to discuss the education, networking, and business growth opportunities at this year's NCPA Annual Convention. They unpack the "how to" theme designed to give attendees actionable takeaways they can implement immediately in their pharmacies. From clinical services and operations to leadership and team development, every session is focused on providing practical roadmaps and real-world solutions. Damman gives behind-the-scenes insights into organizing the convention, while Proctor previews a new experience awaiting attendees at this year's expo hall.

Learn more about #NCPA2026 education sessions here.

Content Warning: This episode includes mentions of self-harm, loss of loved ones, suicidal ideation, and other sensitive topics. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available at the mental health hotline #988.

Hannah Fish, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives, joins host John Beckner in the studio for a conversation on the role pharmacists play in treating patients who struggle with mental health. Fish unpacks the necessity of continued destigmatization and education and shares her professional and personal journey with Mental Health First Aid training. Whether you are already MHFA certified or exploring training, this episode provides actionable insights on how to best support your patients.

NCPA offers MHFA training in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Thanks to the support of the Cardinal Health Foundation, NCPA offers a $50 discount on all registration fees.

For more information, please visit: https://ncpa.org/mental-health-first-aid

This week, NCPA Associate Director of Congressional Affairs Kaite Krell is joined in the studio by NCPA member Micah Lansford to discuss the July 15 Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the Tricare pharmacy program and how Express Scripts — the exclusive administrator of the program — appears to be pushing independent pharmacies out it and driving business to itself. Lansford is the owner of Roden-Smith Pharmacy in Clovis, N.M., and was the only independent pharmacist to testify. Krell and Lansford detail the behind-the-scenes of preparing to testify, including working closely with the office of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and share insights on how Tricare may evolve following a potential audit.

Watch the hearing: https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/to-receive-testimony-on-the-tricare-pharmacy-program

Learn more about NCPA's Tricare advocacy priorities: https://www.ncpa.co/pdf/2026/advocacy/rx-access-one-pager.pdf

This week, Leanne Haley-Brown, Bob Lomenick, and Michelle Farrell join host John Beckner for a discussion on the new ACCESS to Pharmacy Care program. ACCESS to Pharmacy Care is an NCPA program, powered by CPESN® with GamePlan Medical, that enables community pharmacy participation in CMS ACCESS, supporting national scale and sustainable engagement for community pharmacies. The conversation explores why the program represents a turning point for the profession and how owners can leverage their team and technology to create sustainable workflows that support patient care and boost their business.

Participation in the NCPA CMS ACCESS program creates opportunities for increased revenue ($8-10 per patient per month), has no cost to participate, and demonstrates pharmacists' ability to improve patient outcomes, enhance care coordination, reduce health care costs, thereby strengthening the evidence for recognizing pharmacists as health care providers in future payment and policy decisions.

For more information: https://www.accesstopharmacycare.org/

Episode guests:

Leanne Haley-Brown, program lead, CPESN® Pharmacy Care at Home

Bob Lomenick, CEO, Tyson Drugs Inc

Michelle Farrell, owner and managing pharmacist, Boscobel Pharmacy

Host John Beckner is joined this week by NCPA 2025-2026 Executive Resident Jacqueline Estes for a discussion about her time in the residency program. Estes shares her journey to finding pharmacy as well as the ins and outs of being a resident at NCPA. Beckner and Estes discuss the connections between state and national advocacy and the ongoing need for pharmacy and public health collaborations. Estes goes on to share details of her favorite project from her residency and gives advice to potential future residents.

NCPA congratulates Jacqueline Estes on a successful residency and wishes her the best as she takes the next steps in her career.

Host John Beckner is joined this week by NCPA 2025-2026 Executive Resident Charlotte Nazar for a discussion about her experience with NCPA. Nazar provides insights into the residency structure and outlines some of the highlights of her year at NCPA. Beckner and Nazar engage in a conversation on NCPA's grant work, the necessity of community health workers in today's pharmacy landscape, and Nazar's experience serving as a subject matter expert on diabetes. The conversation concludes with Nazar sharing her advice for future NCPA residents.

What's next for Charlotte Nazar? She'll be joining NCPA as a full-time staff member starting July 1 as associate director of strategic initiatives.