Independent Rx Forum

Meredy Ayers from the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding joins host John Beckner in the studio for a two-part conversation on the ever-expanding role of pharmacy technicians.

In part two, Ayers outlines the biggest takeaways from her two decades in community pharmacy and how her understanding of patient care translates to association work. Beckner and Ayers engage in a discussion on compounding and the benefit it brings to patients. The episode concludes with a discussion on APC's role in the profession, and the value of advocacy.

Meredy Ayers from the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding joins host John Beckner in the studio for a two-part conversation on the ever-expanding role of pharmacy technicians.

In part one, Ayers outlines the trajectory of her career from an advanced credential technician to her current role as events and engagement manager with APC. Beckner and Ayers dive into the value of advanced credentials, particularly immunization, for a technician and pharmacist's practice. Ayers cites collaboration between pharmacists and technicians as key to the future of the profession and details what she sees as the difference between a good versus great technician.

This week, Main Street Competition Coalition Executive Director Chris Jones joins host John Beckner in the studio to discuss the impetus behind the new organization. Jones details MSCC's value as a nonpartisan platform that gives Main Street a vehicle to organize, advocate, and push for market fairness at every level. Beckner and Jones celebrate a successful launch, detail next steps for the organization, and outline where community pharmacy stands to benefit.

For more information visit: https://www.mainstreetcompetition.com/

In today's episode, we continue our Vaccine Voices series. Host John Beckner takes a closer look at addressing vaccinations in the long-term care setting with guests Jeanne Manzi, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP and Deborah Milito, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP. Manzi and Milito share insights from their research in a recent white paper entitled: Immunization Insights: Bridging Gaps, Boosting Protection, and Building Trust.

Thank you to Pfizer for sponsoring this episode.

Read the white paper here: https://www.pfehealtheducate2.com/files/LTCF-White-Paper.pdf

This week, host John Beckner sits down with Leanne Haley-Brown from CPESN®, Jenn Lewis, and Cheri Schmit from Cardinal Health to discuss the challenges of patient non-adherence, including concerns over side effects, managing multiple conditions and prescriptions, and synchronization. Part of a pharmacist's role is removing the barriers facing patients in medication adherence. This week's guests present adherence packaging as an efficient and effective way to mitigate obstacles, particularly for long-term care patients.

Thank you to Dispill-USA for sponsoring this episode.

Guests:

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

Jenn Lewis, Cardinal Health, product manager

Cheri Schmit, Cardinal Health, senior manager of product management and development

NCPA President Kristen Riddle joins host Sam Manas at the halfway point of her presidency to reflect on a whirlwind year. She shares highlights from Capitol Hill meetings and visits to member pharmacies across the country, celebrates the landmark PBM reform signed into law this year, and offers a glimpse into how she balances it all with running her own pharmacy in Arkansas. Plus, a preview of what's to come in the rest of her term.

NCPA Past President and PAC Chairman Steve Giroux joins host John Beckner in the studio during NCPA's 2026 fly-in for a conversation about political advocacy. They discuss the impact NCPA's PAC has in combination with our grassroots advocacy efforts. Giroux outlines how contributing to the PAC can enhance your relationships with your elected officials and increase their engagement with issues that matter to community pharmacists.

To learn more about the PAC, click here.

Host Brooklyn Morgan sits down with Tennessee Pharmacists Association CEO Anthony Pudlo to discuss the landmark FAIR Rx Act (SB2040/HB1959). They discuss the impact the FAIR Rx Act will have on independent pharmacies by unmasking the middleman and the multi-million-dollar campaign CVS undertook to try and undermine the bill's passing. Pudlo detailed how NCPA's State Panel of Experts enhanced the Tennessee Pharmacists Association's work on this bill and provided advice for other states looking to pass similar legislation.

Since recording this episode, the FAIR Rx Act has passed both the Tennessee House and Senate and awaits Governor Bill Lee's signature.

To connect with NCPA's State Panel of Experts, click here.

NCPA President Kristen Riddle sits down with host Sam Manas to reflect on this year's Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In. Riddle shares the excitement she felt walking into her representatives' offices off the back of the recent PBM reform and puts out a call to action for pharmacists who were unable to attend this year's fly-in.

Mark your calendar! Next year's fly-in is April 7-8, 2027.

Tana Kaefer, PharmD, joins host John Beckner for a discussion exploring the intersection of menopause, mental health, and hormone therapy. This week's conversation focuses on how evolving evidence has reshaped our understanding since the landmark Women's Health Initiative began.

Kaefer highlights the pharmacist's role in identifying symptoms, guiding patients, and supporting safe, individualized care for those experiencing menopause.

Thank you to Cardinal Health Foundation for sponsoring this episode of Independent Rx Forum.