In this episode of The arc Podcast, Amy McNeil sits down with resident pharmacist Marissa Davis to explore the critical—but often under-appreciated—role pharmacists play in your healthcare. From filling prescriptions and verifying dosages to offering consults and vaccinations, Marissa shares what patients should know about when and how to involve their pharmacist as part of their healthcare team.

Whether you’re curious about medication interactions, insurance limitations, or what questions to ask your pharmacist, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the pharmacy world and how to get the most from your visits.

Key Topics Covered:

• Marissa’s journey to becoming a pharmacist and her perspective on work-life balance in the field.
• The physically and mentally demanding nature of pharmacy work.
• Step-by-step insight into how prescriptions are processed, verified, and filled.
• How insurance, formularies, and manufacturer contracts affect what medications you receive and when.
• How pharmacists check for medication interactions, overuse issues, and patient-specific factors like age, supplements, and lifestyle.
• Examples of common interactions: antibiotics and mineral supplements, oral contraceptives, and additive medicines.
• How pharmacists can prescribe certain medications in select states, including oral contraceptives and treatment for strep, flu, and COVID.
• Best practices for patients to have an efficient and safe pharmacy experience: 1. Patience – understanding the complexity and stakes of the pharmacist’s work. 2. Preparedness – know your medications, refills, and questions before visiting. 3. Hygiene and consideration – protect yourself and others while visiting the pharmacy.

Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll dive deeper into the nuances of pharmacy and healthcare.