The Happy PharmD Podcast

What's Advocacy Like? Becoming a Patient Advocate after Pharmacy with Andrea Leschak

In this episode of The Happy PharmD, we're excited to feature Andrea Leschak, a pharmacist known for her dedication to patients and improving healthcare outcomes.

Andrea is a passionate advocate within the healthcare community, and we're eager to explore her journey and her commitment to advocating for patients and driving positive change in healthcare.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Andrea:

03:35: The challenges of advocating for improved healthcare outcomes.

07:52: A recap of the American Medical Association's statement on pharmacists' prescribing rights.

09:59: Andrea contextualizes the impact of the AMA's statement on patient care.

13:46: The significance of open conversations between patients and providers.

20:17: The need for systemic healthcare changes and the role of advocacy.

25:13: The strategies for pharmacists to advocate for themselves and enhance patient care.

38:13: The importance of respecting patients' choices, even if they differ from healthcare providers' expectations.

47:02: Reflecting on the evolving role of pharmacists in advocacy and the value of fostering relationships with patients.

Show links:

• Andrea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrea-l-leschak/

• Andrea's Website: https://wayfinderadvantage.com/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we feature Chirag Patel, a dynamic individual who wears the hats of both a pharmacist and a successful entrepreneur. With a keen business acumen, Chirag has initiated multiple ventures that are thriving in the competitive landscape. Join us as we explore Chirag's story, delving into his journey from pharmacy to entrepreneurship and uncovering the secrets behind his thriving business ventures.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Chirag:

02:45 - Chirag's entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on his shift from pre-med to pharmacy and the evolution of his passion for entrepreneurship.

08:42 - Chirag encourages a positive mindset and discusses the importance of personal happiness in career decisions, highlighting the significance of taking risks.

11:24 - Exploring the challenges of pharmacy growth, Chirag mentions the impact of DIR fees and legislative changes on their decision to temporarily halt expansion.

14:54 - Emphasizing the significance of hiring happy individuals, Chirag discusses the unique approach to employee selection, considering personality, goals, and life satisfaction.

20:31 - He underlines the importance of staying connected with front-line staff, detailing their communication channels, regular Zoom calls, and personal involvement in-store operations. 28:53 - Chirag reveals his diverse business ventures, including restaurants, a cryptocurrency-based startup, real estate, a Med spa, and a telehealth practice, driven by a passion for community impact and multiple income streams. 34:54 - He emphasizes teamwork, delegation, and communication, highlighting the role of family support and personal resilience in managing a busy life.

39:32 - Looking ahead, Chirag urges slowing down, appreciating family moments, and living in the present, emphasizing the preciousness of time.

Links:

Chirag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirag-patel-03268711b/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

Chicago Business drops a biased view on what's happening in Pharmacy and I'd love to tear this argument apart.

Link to article:

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-physician-retention/retail-pharmacies-have-hard-time-filling-positions

In this episode of The Happy PharmD, we are delighted to introduce Karine Wong, a pharmacist turned entrepreneur who now serves as the CEO of "My Guiltless Treats," a health-centered dessert company. Karine's journey embodies a unique blend of healthcare and culinary innovation, where her passion for well-being converges with her love for delicious treats.

Join us as we explore Karine's story, delving into her transition from pharmacy to the helm of a health-focused dessert venture, and uncover the delightful insights she brings to the intersection of health and indulgence.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Karine:

2:30 - Karine shares the guiding star in her journey -- mantras and personal rules, citing examples from her hospital experience.

7:36 - Exploring the origins of "My Guiltless Treats," Karine reveals frustration with the lack of suitable options for diabetic patients.

9:06 - The unique aspects of Karine's treats, tailored for diabetics, addressing challenges in creating tasty alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

13:50 - Karine discusses the mindset shift required to actively solve problems and seize opportunities, emphasizing the necessity of challenging oneself.

18:39 - Insights into dealing with fixed mindsets at work are shared, encouraging proactive idea contribution and humility when proposing ideas.

24:47 - Karine provides a glimpse into her diverse professional life, managing marketing, consulting, creating apps, and running "My Guiltless Treats."

30:22 - Karine's advice from her future self, to which she expresses a desire to start more businesses and encourages persistent idea refinement.

Episode Links:

• Karine's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guiltlessgirl/

• My Guiltless Treats Website - https://myguiltlesstreats.com/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we have the privilege of introducing Julie Tuccillo-Stracener, a seasoned pharmacist with over a decade of experience who has transitioned into the role of a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). Julie's extensive background in pharmacy positions her uniquely in her current role, where she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to bridge the gap between science and healthcare.

Join us as we delve into Julie's remarkable career, exploring her journey and the insights she brings as a dedicated MSL.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Julie:

04:51 - The triggers that led Julie to consider a career change, including a negative incident at work and a conversation with a parent at her kid's dentist's office.

09:40 - The timing of Julie's engagement with the Happy PharmD and her commitment to exploring different career paths.

23:07 - Julie discusses how her perfectionism and imposter syndrome affected her career journey, especially regarding the travel component of the MSL role.

34:47 - The importance of networking and building connections in her successful journey to securing an MSL role.

37:39 - Julie's seamless fit into the MSL role, her identified strengths, transition to a new industry, and potential benefits, including higher salary and bonuses.

46:14 - Securing an MSL role without a residency and the importance of clinical experience.

52:17 - An explanation of the "Final Dose" strategy, emphasizing the opportunity to reiterate main points and demonstrate commitment.

58:49 -  The positive impact of Julie's new role on her family life, including more time with her children and reduced stress.

Links:

Julie's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-tuccillo/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you. 

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we feature Dr. Rose Joudi, a distinguished Aging & Ethnic Diversity Educator, Public Speaker, and a passionate advocate against ageism in the workplace. With a wealth of expertise, Dr. Joudi has dedicated her career to fostering understanding and inclusion, particularly in the context of aging and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Join us as we explore Dr. Rose Joudi's impactful work, shedding light on her advocacy efforts and the insights she brings to combat ageism in various professional settings.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Rose:

01:11 - Rose's personal experience combating ageism, influenced by her father's struggles and his ultimate rise to the position of Dean of Engineering.

06:19 - Her father's success in overcoming age-based discrimination, prompting a discussion on the potential impact of sharing such stories in a book.

10:12 - Her insights on societal beliefs surrounding age, discussing the challenges in changing ingrained biases and questioning if ageism is inevitable.

14:55 - Rose explores whether employers truly recognize the benefits of addressing ageism, underlining the advantages of a diverse workforce.

17:21 - Discussing potential legal consequences for ageism, Rose sheds light on the challenges of proving age-based discrimination.

21:36 - Examples of the benefits companies experience by addressing ageism, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse age groups.

25:39 - The significance of empathy in tackling ageism, especially in healthcare.

30:20 - She talks about seeking advice on fostering awareness within departments and emphasizes the role of empathy and self-reflection.

Here are the links mentioned in the video.

Dr. Rose Joudi's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rose-joudi-ph-d-psych/?originalSubdomain=ca

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

In this special episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we are joined by one of our Growth Advisers, Erik Wilson, and our passionate and awesome HPD clients, Phebe Luar, Heather Draper, and Amanda Prohaska. All three were a part of our Mastermind group and are excited to tell us all about it.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with our guests:

01:33 - The initial thoughts when introduced to the concept of a mastermind.

06:21 - We share wins, successes and what our guests are currently striving towards.

12:17 - Amanda reflects on the impact of the loveseat experience, leading to a clearer mindset and a new job outside of retail. She also discusses the positive changes in her life, including YouTube channel creation and personal growth.

17:31 - Heather emphasizes the value of different perspectives in the mastermind group, aiding in decision-making and reducing overthinking.

20:19 - Phoebe appreciates the Mastermind's role in helping her prioritize herself and set realistic goals for productivity.

21:55 - The Mastermind as a mirror, revealing aspects individuals may not see themselves.

24:42 - The impact of the Mastermind in creating self-awareness and initiating positive changes.

25:54 - Erik talks about the group dynamics, highlighting the power of being in a group with like-minded individuals.

27:55 - Heather and Amanda share the unbiased and impactful support received from strangers.

33:47 - The group's positive impact on each member. 34:12 - How the Mastermind group can change people for the better.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Erik's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-wilson-a2064b1a9/

• Heather's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdraperpharmd/

• Phebe's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phebe-luar/

• Amanda's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scriptforfitness/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we are excited to feature Anaïs Mennuti and Kristin Speer, a dynamic duo of passionate filmmakers who also happen to be pharmacists. Together, they're embarking on an incredible journey, working on a documentary that sheds light on the often-overlooked role of pharmacists. Titled "Would You Like Shots with That?" their documentary aims to uncover the multifaceted responsibilities of pharmacists in our healthcare system.

Join us as we explore the intersection of their two worlds – pharmacy and filmmaking – and discover the story behind this enlightening documentary project.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Anaïs and Kristin:

02:43 - Anaïs details the grassroots beginnings, GoFundMe success, and the team's dedication to unveiling pharmacy's untold stories.

11:31 - Kristen addresses the struggle to reshape public perception, emphasizing the identity crisis beyond convenience-based models.

20:23 - Unveiling the mission: changing America's pharmacy perception through open conversations.

31:20 - The potential impact of a healthcare tragedy, prompting proactive changes before crisis point.

35:58 - Exploring the pharmacist paradox, urging listeners to form opinions on provider status versus organizational focus.

39:35 - A discussion on healthcare system complexity and sharing book proposal excerpts highlighting systemic challenges.

40:53 - Reflecting on societal changes, the discussion explores the unique perspective of instant gratification.

42:05 - Anaïs and Kristen reveal documentary milestones, Hollywood collaborations, and efforts to secure investor support.

44:40 - Their aim to amplify diverse perspectives, including PBM corporate insights, to drive meaningful conversations.

Links and mentions:

• Shots with That Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shotswiththat

• Shots with That X - https://twitter.com/shotswiththat?

• Shots with That Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shotswiththat/

• Shots with That LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/would-you-like-shots-with-that-documentary/

• Shots With That Website - https://shotswiththat.com/

• Email: [email protected]

• Anaïs Mennuti's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana%C3%AFs-mennuti-38144a101/

• Kristin Speer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kspeer/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

Today, we're thrilled to introduce Rebekah Mahoney, a dedicated pharmacist whose passion for her profession led her from a renowned retail pharmacy to her current role as Pharmacy Manager at HomeTown Pharmacy.

Rebekah's journey is defined by her commitment to providing excellent pharmaceutical care, and her shift to a managerial position reflects her pursuit of a fulfilling and impactful career. Join us as we delve into Rebekah Mahoney's story, exploring her experiences and the satisfaction she finds in her role at HomeTown Pharmacy and how she got an extra week of vacation.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Rebekah:

01:40 - The positive changes in Rebekah's life, including creating her schedule, building patient relationships, and autonomy in managing an independent pharmacy.

04:22 - Rebekah reflects on career satisfaction, emphasizing the opportunities to improve oneself and find joy in the same job.

05:19 - Rebekah's job search process before coaching, uncovering the challenges and reluctance to explore new opportunities.

08:09 - Her coaching experience, highlighting the challenges and growth in confidence.

09:50 - Rebekah recalls coaching moments, including the goal of networking, connecting with old colleagues, and the power of those connections.

11:21 - Alex explores the shift from coaching to job search, emphasizing the importance of being selective and asking the right questions in interviews.

13:48 - Coaching as mentorship: highlighting the support, assurance, and encouragement provided throughout the process.

17:00 - Rebekah's gratitude for the positive aspects of her new job, including a supportive team, a manageable schedule, and a better work-life balance.

18:59 - Rebekah recalls working with Eric Moody, appreciating his insightful questions and the transformative journey during coaching.

Links:

Rebekah's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-mahoney-pharmd-76700a134/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

Today, we're excited to introduce Shantel Houston, a distinguished healthcare professional who seamlessly combines her expertise as a pharmacist with her role as a Healthcare Brand Strategy Consultant. Currently serving as the President of HoustonRx Consulting, Shantel brings a wealth of knowledge to the intersection of healthcare and brand strategy.

Discover Shantel Houston's journey of reshaping healthcare through strategic branding. As both President of HoustonRx Consulting, her unique perspective blends a clinical background with a deep understanding of brand dynamics. Explore her impactful career and the innovations she brings as a leader in healthcare branding.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Shantel:

01:20 Shantel expresses her love for freedom and flexibility as her own boss.

03:04 She also reveals her entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, recalling experiences like selling candy in school.

05:35 Alex discusses Shantel's decision-making process in transitioning from traditional pharmacy roles to entrepreneurship.

08:02 Shantel details the creation of her consultancy during residency, emphasizing the importance of showcasing a portfolio.

15:41 Shantel describes the decision-making process to commit fully to her entrepreneurial journey.

17:03 Alex shares personal insights on commitment and the necessity of betting on oneself for a fulfilling career.

18:28 Shantel expresses the satisfaction and purpose found in working with clients on meaningful projects.

28:55 Shantel reflects on maintaining connections, participating in associations, and finding joy and connection in her journey.

29:11 Alex poses a thought-provoking question about advice for her past self, eliciting a response focused on resilience, focus, and faith.

29:42 Shantel encourages her past self to remain focused, stay faithful, and not dwell on failures or naysayers.

Links mentioned in the Episode:

• Shantel's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantelhouston/

• HoustonRx Consulting - https://www.houstonrx.net/

We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.

Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast