In this episode:
 Randy Lipps is Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder of Omnicell, a leader in transforming the pharmacy care delivery model. Under his leadership, Omnicell has grown from a single product offering to delivering the most comprehensive portfolio of medication management solutions across the continuum of care.

• Mr. Lipps founded Omnicell in 1992 after observing how inefficiently medical supplies were managed when his daughter was hospitalized at birth. Inspired by his work in airline industry operations and logistics, he sought to enable better management of supplies and medications to help improve patient care.
• Omnicell became a publicly traded company in August 2001, and today healthcare systems worldwide leverage the company’s automation and advanced services offerings to maximize clinical and operational outcomes.
• In 2014 Mr. Lipps was elected to the Bellwether League Hall of Fame, an industry organization that honors healthcare supply chain innovators, pioneers, and visionaries.
• Mr. Lipps has made giving back to the community a priority at Omnicell. Omnicell Cares, the company’s formalized charitable efforts program, translates this into action, making a positive difference by fostering opportunities for volunteerism, charitable giving, and raising awareness for critical topics and issues. Mr. Lipps and his wife, Kathy, have focused their own philanthropy on poverty, nursing and public education, pharmacy research, youth groups, and local community efforts. Mr. Lipps serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Nurses Foundation.
• Prior to founding Omnicell, Mr. Lipps was Assistant Vice President of Sales and Operations for a division of American Airlines. He holds Bachelor degrees in both Economics and Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.

Topics to discuss –

• Introduction to Randy and Omnicell and his journey leading the digital transformation of medication management 
• Staffing shortages and employee retention are top problems facing employers today, especially hospitals and health systems. In the pharmacy, labor shortages have far-reaching impacts including reduced quality of patient care, increased workloads for staff, slow delivery of medications, growing operational costs and process inefficiencies that lead to medication errors. Automation for pharmacies could be the key to addressing these issues and optimizing hospital staff’s efficiency to reduce labor gaps.
• How the Innovation Lab allows customers to get a firsthand look at how automation technologies can make their healthcare operations more efficient and enable nurses and pharmacists to spend more time caring for patients. 
• The autonomous pharmacy vision. How pharmacy automation reduces medication errors through accurate dispensing, streamlines inventory management and real-time tracking, ensures controlled substance security and regulatory compliance, and gives nurses more time to focus on higher-value tasks that directly impact patient care.

Guest - Randall Lipps is Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder of Omnicell

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-lipps-a76412195/
• Website: https://www.omnicell.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Omnicell1

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 

In this episode, our guest is Srulik Dvorsky, who is the co-founder and CEO of TailorMed. Drawing on his experiences caring for family members with cancer—and his background as a technological leader in the medical device space—he started TailorMed with a mission to remove barriers to care. Now the market’s category leader, TailorMed offers the nation’s largest affordability network spanning more than

800 hospitals, 1,300 clinics, and 1,400 pharmacies, as well as premier life science companies. Under Srulik’s leadership, TailorMed has received broad recognition for its impact and innovation, including Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list and the New York Digital Health 100 list for three consecutive years. He holds a global MBA from the Arison School of Business at Reichman University and a BSc in electrical engineering from Tel Aviv University.

Topics to discuss –

1. Background on TailorMed, its mission, and its role for bringing down the cost of care for patients

Founding of TailorMed: After caring for several family members with cancer, Srulik

wanted to leverage his expertise in technology to help solve a critical challenge in healthcare. He co-founded TailorMed in 2018 with a mission to help patients overcome barriers to care.

2. Problem Overview: Affordability in Healthcare / Specialty Care:

Rising medication costs lead many patients, particularly those who require specialty care, to delay or forgo therapy. About 1 in 5 U.S. adults says they have not filled a prescription, while 1 in 10 has cut pills in half or skipped doses in the last year,

due to cost. This leads to higher rates of prescription abandonment and loss

of revenue for pharmacies–and poor adherence and worse

outcomes for patients.

3. How TailorMed Partners with Pharmacies:

There is an abundance of financial assistance to help patients afford their medications, amounting to over $50 billion in total. These resources are underutilized because pharmacies and providers often lack a proactive approach to identify patients in

need and efficiently match them with assistance programs. TailorMed enables pharmacies and providers to flag financially at-risk patients and streamline program matching and enrollment. TailorMed began with provider partners and expanded to include top specialty pharmacies, infusion centers, and life science companies—building the nation’s largest affordability network.

4. Key Considerations for Pharmacy Teams Tackling Medication

Affordability:

Streamline financial assistance workflows to proactively address cost barriers at scale.

Embed affordability solutions into day-to-day operations to reduce administrative burden.

Use data and automation to boost efficiency and support better patient outcomes.

Prioritize change management and IT collaboration to ensure smooth adoption and long-term success of tech-driven solutions. Track both clinical and financial impact to refine your approach

and promote best practices.

Guest - Srulik Dvorsky, MBA

TailorMed’s https://tailormed.co/ 

Srulik Dvorsky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srulik/ 

TailorMed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailormed---medical-journey-innovations/ 

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 

In this episode, our guest is Heidi Steinecker, DrPH & Principal of Health & Human Services Consulting at Resultant. With over two decades of leadership in public health and healthcare systems—including as Deputy Director of the California Department of Public Health—Heidi is helping states transform how they use data to prevent crises and protect vulnerable communities.

Heidi takes complex public health challenges and breaks them down into clear, data-driven strategies that work. She’s spent her career modernizing outdated systems, leading emergency responses, and designing early intervention models that save lives. Today at Resultant—recently named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025—Heidi is focused on helping agencies turn massive amounts of public health data into actionable, equitable solutions.

Heidi, welcome to the Talk to Your Pharmacist podcast. Now that our listeners have heard a bit about your background maybe you can fill in any gaps to that intro and share a bit about your personal life.

Topics to discuss --

• How public health agencies can move from reactive to proactive using predictive analytics
• Why modernizing health data systems is no longer optional—and how to get started

From Classroom to Policy Leadership – before becoming California’s Deputy Director of Public Health during the COVID‑19 pandemic
How did your early experiences in teaching inform your approach to leadership and communication during a public health crisis?

Leading Transformation at Scale – At CDPH, you transformed manual inspection systems into proactive, cloud‑based predictive models
Can you discuss a specific challenge you faced transitioning these systems, and how you overcame resistance to change?

Bridging Local and Global Health – Your doctoral work at MCW focused on infectious diseases in high-risk settings and you emphasize “local health is global health”
How do you translate lessons learned in global health contexts to strengthen health systems here in the U.S.?

Modernizing Public Health Infrastructure – In a recent podcast, you emphasized that modernization starts with relationships—combined with tech like AI and predictive analytics.What are the critical steps to building both the relational and technical foundations needed for effective public health modernization?

Guest - Heidi Steinecker

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiwsteinecker/

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 

In this episode, our guest is Lewis Bender, Chairman, and CEO, of Intensity Therapeutics’ Founder which is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company whose mission is to help patients live longer, higher quality lives by discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class cancer drugs that attenuate tumors with minimal side effects, while training the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer.  The Company’s lead product candidate, INT230-6, is currently in human clinical studies to treat refractory solid tumors.

Talking points:
Milestone Achievement: "Congratulations on dosing the first patient in the INVINCIBLE-4 Phase 2 clinical trial for triple-negative breast cancer. Can you walk us through the significance of this milestone and what it means for the future of Intensity Therapeutics?"

Innovative Approach of INT230-6: "Intensity Therapeutics focuses on developing cancer treatments that not only attenuate tumors with minimal side effects but also train the immune system to fight cancer. Could you explain how your lead product, INT230-6, achieves this unique approach and what differentiates it from existing cancer therapies?"

Collaboration with SAKK: "Your partnership with The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) is a key component of the INVINCIBLE-4 study. How does this collaboration enhance your clinical development efforts, and what are you hoping to achieve together in this trial?"

Impact on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): "Triple-negative breast cancer is known for being particularly aggressive and having limited treatment options. How does INT230-6 address the unmet needs of TNBC patients, and what potential impact do you foresee it having on improving patient outcomes?"

Future Vision and Next Steps: "Looking ahead, what are the next steps for Intensity Therapeutics following the initiation of the INVINCIBLE-4 study? How do you envision the future of your company in the evolving landscape of cancer therapeutics?"

Guest - Lewis Bender

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 
• @talktoyourpharmacist for Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, our guest is Tom Campbell, the Dean and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy in Nashville. Dr. Campbell received his Pharm.D. degree from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy and received board certification in pharmacotherapy in 1995. His prior work experience includes a pharmacy practice residency with VA Medical Center in Memphis, Columbus Regional Health System in Columbus, Georgia, and Sanofi Pharmaceuticals. He also served as Clinical Assistant Professor at Auburn University. Dr. Campbell has served as President of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association and served on the Board of Directors. He is a member of AACP, ASHP, APhA, CPFI and TPA. He's a recipient of the 2024 APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists Outstanding Dean Award which was established to recognize a school or college of pharmacy dean who has made significant contributions to the APhA-ASP Chapter and promoted with distinction the welfare of student pharmacists through various community service, leadership and professional activities. 

Dr. Campbell is a Sunday school teacher and former elder at the Spring Meadows Church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN. He has traveled to Central America as part of medical mission campaigns numerous times. Dr. Campbell and his late wife, Susan, have three sons.

During the discussion, we explored questions around:

• How faith influences our daily work in healthcare
• The ways faith impacts health behaviors and decision-making
• The role faith plays in job satisfaction and professional fulfillment

It was inspiring to engage in meaningful dialogue with a leader who also sees their work as a calling to serve others. I'm grateful to Dean Campbell at Lipscomb University for fostering conversations that remind us of the deeper purpose behind our careers.

In this episode, our guest is Arielle Miliambro, a Partner specializing in regulatory and transactional law within the Healthcare & Life Sciences departments. She assists clients with legal issues related to telehealth, data privacy, value-based care, and fraud compliance. She offers counsel on regulations like the Anti-Kickback Statute and prepares requests for OIG Advisory Opinions.

Arielle also guides stakeholders in telehealth and digital health models on fraud, corporate practice, and virtual care requirements. Additionally, she advises clients on data security and privacy issues, including HIPAA compliance and data breach response. She works with providers to develop value-based care and alternative payment models.

Her expertise extends to pharmacy clients, whom she advises on remote prescription processing, compliance, and licensing board matters. She also assists practitioners with in-office dispensing and scope of practice concerns. Furthermore, Arielle supports clients with corporate transactional matters, drafting various legal agreements and documents.

Telehealth Topics for Podcast

1. What is the difference between telehealth and telepharmacy
2. Pharmacy role in bigger picture of telehealth models
   • Considerations for kickbacks/fee splitting in telehealth models depending on pharmacy’s reimbursement
   • Pharmacists duty to validate script prior to dispensing
     • Telehealth “red flags”
     • Where does the line get drawn as to pharmacist’s obligations with respect to the actual patient encounter between prescriber/patient
3. Covid changes
   • State
     • Licensing flexibility for prescribers
     • Scope of practice of pharmacists
   • Federal
     • Telehealth reimbursement
     • DEA prescribing
       1. History / status of new rules related to CDS prescribing

1. Telehealth vs Telepharmacy Differences
   • Brief overview distinguishing the definitions of each:
     • Telehealth: Remote provision of clinical care
     • Telepharmacy: Remote provision of pharmacy services (e.g., offsite pharmacist doing DUR, offering patient counseling)
2. Changes in Telehealth During Covid
   • Federal and State Waivers
     • DEA waivers (current through 2025)
     • Physician licensing waivers by state (expired)
     • Modality flexibilities (mostly expired; some extended/made permanent depending on payor)
3. Pharmacist Obligations in Validating Telehealth Prescriptions
   • Pharmacist obligations/duties
   • BOP audits/investigations originating from BME
4. Maintaining Out-of-State Licenses for Telehealth Patients
5. DEA Updates with Proposed/New Final Rules
   
   

Guest - Arielle Miliambro

LinkedIn: Frier Levitt | LinkedIn

Instagram: N/A

Website: Frier Levitt | LinkedIn

YouTube: Frier Levitt - YouTube

Twitter/X: (2) Frier Levitt (@FrierLevitt) / X (twitter.com)

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com  

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 
• @talktoyourpharmacist for Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, Our guest is MARC RYAN, who has extensive leadership experience across the healthcare industry. Most recently, he was a founding executive and President of MedHOK (MHK, acquired by Hearst Health). He has launched and operated multiple health plans. Marc served in senior policy roles in state and federal government, including as state management secretary of Connecticut and helping build Medicare Part D’s relationship with state drug assistance programs in 2006. He created Connecticut’s Medicaid and children’s health managed care programs and its long-term care continuum. Marc is the author of The Healthcare Labyrinth: A Guide To Navigating Health Plans and Fixing American Health Insurance and the host of the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast.

Topics covered:
(1) What are the trends in drug spending and the impact on all types of insurance products -- Medicare, Medicaid, commercial/employer -- cost trends for medical and retail

(2) What is driving the major increases in drug costs/spending?

(3) How are GLP-1s treated across various products? And will coverage change?

(4) American drug prices compared with others?  Can you discuss how we compare vs. other developed countries and why (more than twice -- in many cases 3, 4, and 5 times more -- impacts on employer, Medicare, etc. -- rising percentage of healthcare as well as employer) 

(5) Medicare drug price negotiations -- what it is and what has happened so far? where do you stand?
(6) A lot is occurring in plans on PA, formularies, benefit design, PBM reform -- a very hot topic -can you tell us more about this and what you predict? (7) Can you explain the traditional PBMs vs. transparent ones? FTC lawsuit against PBMs and drug supply channel issues

(8) There have been major changes to Part D and it is impacting Medicare Advantage and Part D -- what is happening for 2025 benefits as well as can you tell us a little on a study that questioned the value of Part D?

(9a) Medication Adherence in the Star program for MA and Part D plans -- key.  Can you tell us more here? 9(b) How could pharmacists in the community support medication adherence etc -- Will discuss trends from health plans about recognizing the best way to ensure medication reconciliation and adherence is teaming up with pharmacists. 

Guest - Marc Ryan

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 
• @talktoyourpharmacist for Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, our guest is Laurie Lee Smith, who is the CEO of Laurie Lee Leadership and a seasoned executive coach with over three

decades of healthcare expertise, certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Laurie’s international coaching and leadership engagements have spanned continents, including North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, with a focus on enhancing the influence of healthcare leadership on a global scale. Her coaching philosophy is anchored in the cultivation of high-trust leaders who support teams capable of achieving peak interdependence. Laurie holds a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Mary and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She also holds a Green Belt certification in LEAN Six Sigma, a certificate in Brain-Based Coaching, and Board Certification through the ANCC in advanced Nursing Administration. Laurie received her formal training in executive coaching at the Hudson Institute of Coaching and is currently working toward a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Main points:

1. Uncovering blind spots as a leader
2. Why we are resistant to change
3. How to improve social and emotional intelligence
4. How coaching can support growth as a leader

Guest - Laurie Lee Smith

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurie-lee-smith 

Website: www.laurieleeleadership.com

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 
• @talktoyourpharmacist for Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, our guest, Tamar (Tay-mar) Thompson with us, the Head of Corporate Affairs at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Tamar leads global corporate efforts in policy and advocacy. She recently has been showcasing Alexion’s new short film, Rare Connections in NMOSD where she underscores the need to raise awareness of NMOSD, a rare neurological disease, to help reduce the time to diagnosis and advance care. A dedicated advocate for health equity, Tamar continues to highlight the unmet needs of the rare disease community.

Topics

• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): diagnosis, prevalence/incidence, overview of symptoms, and why it’s so important to raise awareness of rare diseases
• Rare Connections in NMOSD and why Alexion created this first-of-its-kind short film
• What Alexion is doing to help improve equity and health outcomes for people living with rare diseases
• Unveiling Connections: The Story Behind Alexion’s Groundbreaking Film on NMOSD

• Bridging the Gap: Confronting the Diagnostic and Care Challenges in Rare Diseases

• Left Behind: Addressing Health Equity for the Rare Disease Community

• Global Voices: How Alexion Shapes Policy to Transform Rare Disease Care

• Driven by Purpose: Alexion’s Journey to Champion Rare Disease Advocacy

Guest - Tamar Thompson

LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/alexion-pharmaceuticals/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarthompson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexionPharmaceuticalsInc/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/alexionpharma?lang=e
YouTube

• https://www.youtube.com/@alexionpharmaceuticalsinc.3357
• Rare Connections Film: https://youtu.be/cfnE7cxfY3s?si=zozSq2NZK8kb2i6k
• Rare Connections Film (Accessible Version): https://youtu.be/dwKpZQSZuZ0?si=77UN5QaRJNuM2rnm

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ 
• @talktoyourpharmacist for Instagram and Facebook

Talk to Your Pharmacist Podcast Interview - Danielle Vizcaino and Hillary Blackburn

Danielle Vizcaino, President and CEO of The Assistance Fund (TAF), discussed the organization's role in providing financial assistance to patients facing high medical out-of-pocket costs. TAF, founded in 2009, has helped over 190,000 people, including 40,070 in 2023, with nearly 100 disease-specific programs. Vizcaino highlighted the importance of patient referrals and the unique features of TAF, such as year-long assistance and no cap on annual assistance. She emphasized the need for continued support and awareness, especially for rare diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hypophosphatasia. Vizcaino also shared her journey from molecular biology to healthcare administration and her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

Introduction and Background of Danielle Vizcaino

• Hillary Blackburn welcomes Danielle Vizcaino and asks her to introduce herself and fill in any gaps in the intro.
• Danielle Vizcaino confirms her last name pronunciation and mentions the proposed items from Mark Meyer.
• Hillary Blackburn mentions she received the outline late due to being on vacation and will add it to her info.
• Danielle Vizcaino asks if she should be on camera; Hillary Blackburn mentions she hasn't done video yet but is open to it.

Overview of The Assistance Fund (TAF)

• Hillary Blackburn introduces Danielle Vizcaino as President and CEO of The Assistance Fund (TAF) and provides a brief overview of the organization.
• Danielle Vizcaino shares her passion for healthcare from a young age and her educational background in molecular biology, microbiology, MPH, and MBA.
• She details her career path, including roles in mycobacteriology, healthcare administration, and her transition to TAF in 2016.
• Danielle Vizcaino shares a personal discovery about being a carrier of a rare disease, which deepened her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

Details About The Assistance Fund (TAF)

• Danielle Vizcaino provides an introduction to TAF, explaining its role in helping patients and families with high medical out-of-pocket costs.
• She highlights TAF's 100 disease-specific programs and their impact, including helping over 190,000 people since 2009.
• Danielle Vizcaino mentions that in 2023, TAF helped 40,070 people, with many receiving year-after-year assistance due to genetic conditions.
• She discusses the importance of TAF's assistance, especially for insured patients with high-cost medical conditions.

Danielle Vizcaino's Career Path and TAF's Mission

• Hillary Blackburn asks Danielle Vizcaino about her path to becoming CEO of TAF and how she transitioned from molecular biology to nonprofit work.
• Danielle Vizcaino explains her initial interest in medicine and her shift towards healthcare administration and public health.
• She describes her experience with TAF, including building departments and infrastructure, and her eventual promotion to CEO in 2023.
• Danielle Vizcaino emphasizes the importance of TAF's mission and her gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a passionate team.

TAF's Role and Impact in the Healthcare Ecosystem

• Hillary Blackburn and Danielle Vizcaino discuss the importance of TAF in helping insured patients access necessary treatments.
• Danielle Vizcaino explains the difference between independent charitable patient assistance organizations and manufacturer patient assistance programs.
• She highlights TAF's unique features, such as offering assistance for the entire calendar year and the importance of patient referrals.
• Danielle Vizcaino provides details on how patients can qualify for TAF assistance, including eligibility requirements and the importance of checking the website for new programs.

Common Diseases and TAF's Support

• Hillary Blackburn asks about the most common diseases TAF supports, and Danielle Vizcaino mentions rare diseases, oncology, immunology, and respiratory conditions.
• Danielle Vizcaino shares specific examples of rare diseases TAF helps with, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hypophosphatasia.
• She discusses the importance of TAF's support for patients with life-changing diseases and the role of donors in funding these efforts.
• Danielle Vizcaino encourages individuals to check TAF's website for new programs and to continue monitoring for new opportunities for assistance.

Founding Story and Funding of TAF

• Hillary Blackburn asks about TAF's founding story and how the organization supports patients across the country.
• Danielle Vizcaino explains that TAF was founded in 2009 by specialty pharmacists who recognized a need in the space.
• She highlights TAF's growth from a small organization to one with over 100 programs and close to 300 million in support.
• Danielle Vizcaino discusses TAF's individual philanthropy arm and the importance of corporate and individual funding for their programs.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Pharmacists

• Hillary Blackburn asks Danielle Vizcaino for advice for pharmacists and aspiring leaders in the healthcare field.
• Danielle Vizcaino emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to making a difference in the community.
• She shares her own journey and the opportunities that arose from her passion and dedication to healthcare.
• Danielle Vizcaino encourages others to keep pushing forward and to look for opportunities to make an impact in the healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

• Hillary Blackburn thanks Danielle Vizcaino for sharing more about TAF and for being a guest on the podcast.
• Danielle Vizcaino expresses her appreciation for the opportunity to share TAF's story and mission.

Guest - Danielle Vizcaino 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AssistanceFund 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theassistancefund/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-assistance-fund/ 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theassistancefund 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-rJY98PFtKyMCBpdYpzDEQ 

Website: https://tafcares.org/ 

Host - Hillary Blackburn, PharmD, MBA

www.hillaryblackburn.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-blackburn-67a92421/ <...