The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast: Sykes & Company, P.A.

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AI in pharmacy isn't about prompts, dashboards, or “nice-to-have” tools, it’s about execution.

In this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Austin Murray sits down with Natalie Park, PharmD, co-founder and CEO of Pharmesol, to break down what AI agents actually are and why they represent a major shift in how pharmacies operate, scale, and compete.

We uncover: 

• What an AI agent really is
• How AI agents can execute workflows
• How automation is driving real revenue growth
• Where pharmacies are seeing the biggest early wins

And more!

More About Our Guest:

Dr. Natalie Park, Pharm.D. is a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and health technology innovator who exemplifies how a pharmacy degree can become a launchpad for transformative impact.

A proud graduate of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Natalie brings a bold, initiative-driven mindset to everything she does embracing challenges, valuing diverse experiences, and firmly believing that practice, not theory alone, drives meaningful change.

Fueled by a passion for digital health, innovation, and health policy, Natalie is the founder and CEO of Pharmesol, an AI-powered pharmacy assistant designed to strengthen connections between practitioners and patients while improving access to care. Her interests span comparative effectiveness research, health technology assessment, and healthcare innovation, all with a focus on practical, real-world application.

Natalie’s journey into pharmacy is deeply personal. After moving to the U.S. as a teenager, she struggled to navigate the healthcare system. When she experienced an allergic reaction for the first time, she turned to a pharmacy—simply because she didn’t know where else to go. That moment shaped her purpose and inspired her to pursue pharmacy as a pathway to accessible, patient-centered care.

Today, as a technology CEO serving pharmacies, Natalie’s work blends strategy, customer engagement, and problem-solving. She partners closely with pharmacy leaders to understand their needs, guides product innovation with intention, and keeps her team focused on delivering meaningful value. Her career is a testament to lifelong learning—not as something additive, but transformative—and to the idea that pharmacy isn’t just a profession, but a platform for limitless possibilities.

Stay connected with Natalie and Pharmesol:

Natalie's LinkedIn
Pharmesol Website
Pharmesol LinkedIn

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Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP Twitter

Bonnie Bond – CPA LinkedIn

Bonnie Bond – CPA Twitter

More resources on this topic:

Podcast - Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026

Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook

Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

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Levi is hiring! Interested in working for a pharmacy that runs on structure, relationships, and a high-performance Med Sync model (not “rat race” retail)? Click here

If you really want to maximize your Med Sync program, you need to shift your mindset from "Med Sync is a “program” to "Med Sync is our culture and a competitive advantage."

In this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Levi Ellison, PharmD, Owner of Ellison Family Pharmacy to discuss his Med Sync operation, how it’s driving 42 inventory turns and creating a smoother, calmer experience for patients and staff.

We break down:

• Med Sync as opt-out, not opt-in
• How Med Sync creates financial leverage
• Why Levi believes Med Sync benefits everyone
• The Med Sync workflow driving above average inventory turns
• And more!

More About Our Guest:

Dr. Levi Ellison, PharmD is the owner of Ellison Family Pharmacy. An independent pharmacy located in Mena Arkansas.

Levi’s roots run deep in Polk County with his family going back six or more generations on both sides. Both Levi graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2018 from UAMS College of Pharmacy in Little Rock, AR. Levi serves as the pharmacist in charge of Ellison Family Pharmacy and Jessica works part time as a pharmacist.

Levi is a very active member of Salem Baptist Church located in the community of Nunley just outside Mena. He is also a member of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association and the National Community Pharmacists Association. In his limited free time he enjoys spending time with wife Jessica hiking and with their children.

Stay connected with Levi and Ellison Family Pharmacy:

Levi's LinkedIn

Ellison Rx Website

Ellison Rx Facebook

Stay connected with us:

Facebook

YouTube 

LinkedIn

Instagram

More resources on this topic:

Podcast - Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026

Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook

Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

Send us Fan Mail

Schedule an Rx Assessment

Peptides, telemedicine, speed-to-market. Independent pharmacies have real profitability levers in 2026 but the winners will be the ones who can move fast and stay compliant.

In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24 to unpack what’s changing right now in the compounding and wellness economy.

We cover:

• Why peptides are exploding in demand
• What to know about BPC-157 and why many think FDA movement could be coming
• How pharmacies can use telemedicine to keep patients from being captured by big direct-to-consumer platforms
• Where compounding pharmacies are still thriving
• Speed to market without reckless risk

More About Our Guest:

Dr. Nicolette Mathey started her career at Walgreens at age 16 and earned her PharmD from the University of Florida in 2010. After pioneering a successful Bedside Delivery program at BayCare Health Systems, she became the Director of Clinical Services at Pharmacy Development Services. There, she co-developed the Clinical Services Profit Ignitor and played a pivotal role in early data analytics.

In 2017, Nicolette acquired Palm Harbor Pharmacy, transforming it from a contracts-only establishment in a Heat Zone to a thriving hub. She revamped its identity, introducing robust digital marketing, a multi-rep sales system, compounding, immunizations, NABP accreditation, Test & Treat, Pharmacogenomic (PGX) Testing, and more.

In 2019, Nicolette founded ATRIUM24, initially offering business consulting to pharmacies. Focused on developing software to automate data analytics and launch Dotti, the industry’s first CRM sales system tailored for pharmacies, she sold Palm Harbor Pharmacy to another independent owner in October 2023.

With the official launch of Dotti in January 2024, Dr. Mathey continues to innovate, aiding pharmacies in maximizing their data for profitability and growth. Through ATRIUM24 and Dotti, she and her team “connect the dots” for sales and marketing initiatives, empowering pharmacies with cutting-edge tools.

Stay connected with Nicolette, Atrium24, and Dotti:

Nicolette’s LinkedIn

Atrium24 Website

Atrium24 Facebook

Atrium24 LinkedIn

Stay connected with us:

Facebook

YouTube 

LinkedIn

Instagram

More resources on this topic:

Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook

Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

Send us Fan Mail

Schedule an Rx Assessment

🎄 ’Tis the season to be…strategic. 🎁

In this festive year-end episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, the team gathers to break down what independent pharmacy owners should be thinking about as the calendar closes and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead.

We cover a wide range of timely topics, including:

- Market changes and the increase in multi-store ownership
- Why you need to be prepared if you are approached to buy a pharmacy
- What proper due diligence really looks like when evaluating a pharmacy
- Key MFP and WAC updates heading into the new year
- Last-minute tax planning strategies pharmacy owners can still implement before year-end
- A pulse check on PBM reform and legislative momentum

Happy listening!

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More on this topic:

Podcast: NCPA 2025 Recap

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What if your year-end tax plan could do more than reduce your bill… and actually strengthen the future of independent pharmacy?

In this episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Bonnie Bond, CPA, and Austin Murray sit down with Sonja Pagniano of the NCPA Foundation to unpack how the Foundation supports pharmacy ownership, disaster recovery, and long-term sustainability for community pharmacies.

We cover:

- The origin story of the NCPA Foundation
- Why public understanding of independent pharmacy is a key piece of independent pharmacy's future
- The Rural Pharmacy Ownership Accelerator and what it means for “pharmacy deserts”
- End-of-year planning strategies pharmacy owners should consider
- And more!

More About Our Guest:

Sonja Pagniano, is the executive director of the NCPA Foundation. Sonja leads the foundation’s strategic growth including the fundraising campaigns, marketing initiatives, as well as various other projects. Throughout her career Sonja has sought to strategically support the mission of philanthropic groups such as the NCPA Foundation.

She most recently served as the development manager for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, which helps donors maximize their impact on long-term recovery from disasters through expert resources, community-driven grantmaking and philanthropic consulting services.  Prior to this position, she worked at the College of Wooster’s Advancement Division as the assistant director of annual giving, and as an associate planner at the Medina County Department of Planning Services and Fair Housing in Ohio. 

Sonja received her Masters of Public Administration from Kent State University. She also holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, so she is certified in the highest standards of ethics, competence, and service to the philanthropic sector.

Stay connected with Sonja and the NCPA Foundation:

Sonja Pagniano LinkedIn
NCPA Foundation Website
NCPA Foundation YouTube
NCPA Foundation LinkedIn
NCPA Foundation Facebook

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Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn

More on this topic:

Podcast: NCPA 2025 Recap

Podcast: Pioneering Solutions in Remote Territories

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What happens when GLP-1 compounding, TrumpRx, and PBM audits all collide in your pharmacy?

In this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, hosts Austin Murray and Bonnie Bond, CPA, are joined by healthcare attorney Dae Lee of Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney, P.C. to unpack the fast-moving legal and regulatory landscape around GLP-1s, PBMs, and audits and what independent owners need to be doing right now to protect their businesses.

We cover:

- The vertical integration behind the “big three” PBMs and their rebate aggregators
- Why PBM audit triggers and the realities of today’s audit tactics
- A practical roadmap for responding to an audit
- What “recredentialing season” really means
- TrumpRx

And more!

More About Our Guest:

Dae Y. Lee, Pharm.D., Esq., CPBS focuses on representing pharmacies in their dealings against Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). With extensive experience in the intricacies of PBM audits, investigations, network enrollment, network suspension, network terminations, reimbursement disputes, and DEA as well as other governmental investigations, Dae has become a trusted advisor to a broad cross-section of pharmacies and pharmacy providers, including community retail pharmacies, chain pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, home infusion providers, and dispensing physician practices.. His practice also extends to assisting other stakeholders in the pharmacy industry such as wholesalers, manufacturers, and other healthcare providers.

In addition to his PBM-focused work, Dae represents entities in pharmacy-related transactions and assists clients with corporate formation, due diligence, licensing, change-of-ownership requirements and credentialing, providing comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction process.

Dae is a Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist™ (CPBS™). Offered through TransparentRx and accredited by the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy, the CPBS program is designed to cover complex topics of pharmacy benefit management in order to provide a foundational knowledge required for higher-level evaluation of PBM business operations, fundamentals of PBM pricing, plan design, cost-containment strategies, PBM contracts, PBM procurement, Specialty Pharmacy benefits management, and overall PBM performance with emphasis on cost effectiveness.

Stay connected with Dae and Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rand:

Dae Lee LinkedIn

Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney Website

Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney LinkedIn

Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney Twitter

Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney Facebook

Stay connected with us on social media:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

More on this topic:

Podcast: The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook

Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy

Podcast: From Counter

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What does it really take to start and sustain a successful compounding pharmacy in 2026?

In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, and Austin Murray sit down with Amy Summers, PharmD, BCSCP and of Restore Health Consulting, to discuss how pharmacy owners can move from idea to implementation when entering the compounding space.

We cover:

• Designing a purpose-built facility for USP standards and your product mix
• The mindset shift from dispensing to creating and how to balance quality with patient care
• Market analysis, relationships, and niche focus in building a sustainable business
• Key trends driving growth, consolidation, and private investment in the compounding industry

More About Our Guest:

Amy Summers, PharmD, BCSCP is an independent consultant,
specializing in business, operations, quality assurance, and regulatory
compliance matters for the pharmaceutical compounding industry. She
earned her PharmD degree from the University of California San
Francisco and was among the first pharmacists in the nation to earn a
Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (BCSCP) credential.

Dr. Summers has spent her entire career as a pharmacist in various settings centered around non-sterile and sterile compounding. She has formerly served as Director of Operations and Pharmacist in Charge at
organizations engaged in compounding and also as Managing Director of
a FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility. With extensive experience in
USP standards, accreditation, cGMP, and regulatory compliance, Dr.
Summers has also served as an expert witness for matters related to
compounding.

Stay connected with Amy and Restore Health Consulting:

Amy Summers LinkedIn

Restore Health Consulting Website

Restore Health Consulting LinkedIn

Stay connected with us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sykesandco
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OllinSykes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sykes-&-company-p-a-?trk=tyah
Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottysykes/

More on this topic:

Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy

Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

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How will the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program reshape independent pharmacy? What should owners be doing now to prepare?

In this episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, and Austin Murray sit down in the new studio to recap NCPA 2025 from an ownership, cash flow, and strategy lens.

We cover:

- A 50,000-foot view of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program
- Key trends among startup vs. acquisition-minded owners
- Pharmacy business plans and clinical services

Stay connected with us on social media:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Instagram

More on this topic:

Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy

Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

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Schedule an Rx Assessment

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Compounding Pharmacies are under a lot of fire but through advocacy, the future is bright!

So, what does it really take to protect, grow, and advocate for compounding pharmacies in today’s changing landscape?

In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, and Austin Murray sit down with Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC), to unpack the realities of advocacy, access, and opportunity in the compounding space.

We cover:

- How GLP-1 shortages spotlighted the critical role of compounding pharmacies
- The advocacy battles shaping patient access and prescriber freedom
- Why cash-pay compounding is helping hybrids survive PBM reimbursement cuts
- The rise of telehealth and private equity in personalized medicine
- And more!

More About Our Guest:

Scott Brunner, CAE, is CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. APC is the industry trade association and the voice for pharmacy compounding, representing compounding pharmacists and technicians in both 503A and 503B settings, as well as prescribers, educators, researchers, and suppliers. APC works to preserve patient access to compounded drugs and the essential role of compounded medications in the American healthcare system.

Brunner was formerly the senior vice president communications and external relations for the National Community Pharmacists Association and CEO of the Georgia Pharmacy Association. In his 30+year career in association management, he has also led statewide trade associations in Mississippi and Virginia.
As you’ll hear in his drawl, he is an Alabama native. He earned his BBA at the University of Montevallo and MPS from Auburn University Montgomery. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive designation in 1997.

Stay connected with Scott and Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding:

Scott Brunner LinkedIn 

APC Website

APC LinkedIn

APC Facebook

APC Instagram

Stay connected with us on social media:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn

More on this topic:

Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy

Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

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Immunizations are the number one patient care service offered by community pharmacy but they can also be leveraged as a key growth driver in your pharmacy.

So how exactly can seasonal immunizations become a reliable growth engine? 

In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP® and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Kyle Beyer, PharmD, Owner of North Shore Pharmacy and Greco De Valencia, VP of Pharmacy at Live Oak Bank to unpack how flu and other vaccines drive new business, deepen relationships, and open doors to higher-margin services.

We cover:

• How vaccine programs (in-store and off-site) become a patient acquisition funnel
• The practical steps to stand up a vaccine program by fall
• Leveraging point-of-care testing and collaborative practice to add cash-pay revenue
• Simple tech workflows for booking and intake that keep experiences smooth
• And more

More About Our Guest:

Dr. Kyle Beyer, PharmD, has been North Shore Pharmacy’s owner since March of 2020. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in 2010, combining his love for chemistry and passion for helping others. After spending ten years working for larger pharmacy chains in the Milwaukee Area, it became clear to Kyle that there was an opportunity to serve the community better. This desire to provide superior care led him to pursue independent pharmacy ownership.

Kyle is board certified in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) and has completed several certificate courses in Travel Health, Immunizations, Point of Care testing and Diabetic Care. He has taught and precepted students from several Colleges of Pharmacy and is an active participant in the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. Kyle has sat on several multidisciplinary committees related to improving access to vaccines in the Milwaukee Area.

Kyle and his wife, Gretchen, live in the North Shore. They have two children, a dog, and they love to explore the local parks. Kyle enjoys cycling and going to Brewer’s games.

Connect with Dr. Kyle Beyer, PharmD and Greco De Valencia below:

Kyle Beyer LinkedIn
North Shore Pharmacy Website
North Shore Pharmacy Instagram
North Shore Pharmacy Facebook
Greco’s LinkedIn
Live Oak Bank Website

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More Resources on these Topics:

Podcast – Pioneering Solutions in Remote Territories
Podcast - The Fight for Fair Drug Pricing
Podcast - Relationships That Scale