This Week in Pharmacy

On this week’s This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx), we explore how innovation, technology, and emerging therapies are reshaping pharmacy practice. From the growing influence of AI in medical information research, to the next generation of pharmacy management systems, and the expanding role of cell and gene therapies, this episode brings together industry leaders to discuss what’s next for pharmacy.

Special thanks to this week’s sponsors Cardinal Health, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), and Nested Knowledge for supporting the podcast.

Segment 1 – AI & the Future of Medical Information with Nested Knowledge
Nested Knowledge returns to TWIRx as we welcome back Keith Kallmes, Co-Founder of Nested Knowledge, for an update on how artificial intelligence is transforming the way healthcare professionals access and interpret medical information.

Keith explains how AI-powered tools are improving evidence synthesis, systematic literature reviews, and clinical decision support, helping researchers and clinicians navigate the growing volume of medical literature while enabling faster, more reliable insights.

Segment 2 – The Evolution of Pharmacy Management Systems with Outcomes
Next, we’re joined by Lou Ann Myers from Outcomes to discuss how pharmacy management systems are evolving beyond traditional dispensing.

Modern pharmacies require integrated technology connecting billing, treatment planning, clinical tracking, inventory management, and revenue-generating services. Lou Ann shares why these systems must support both clinical services and business sustainability as pharmacies expand into value-based care and new service models.

Segment 3 – Emerging Therapies with Cardinal Health
In our final segment, we welcome Dr. Fran Gregory, PharmD, Vice President of Emerging Therapies (Cell & Gene, Biosimilars) at Cardinal Health, to discuss one of the most transformative areas in healthcare.

Dr. Gregory explores the growing impact of cell and gene therapies and biosimilars, and what these innovations mean for pharmacists, health systems, and specialty pharmacy providers as the industry prepares for new challenges in distribution, access, and reimbursement.

About TWIRx (This Week in Pharmacy)
TWIRx is the flagship news and commentary podcast from the Pharmacy Podcast Network, delivering weekly insights on the business, technology, and policy shaping the pharmacy profession.

Welcome to another episode of TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy, where we break down the most important developments impacting the pharmacy profession. This week’s show features leaders from across community pharmacy, health systems, healthcare advocacy, and international patient engagement. From PBM reform to patient-centered care and health system growth in Western Pennsylvania, this episode brings together voices shaping the future of pharmacy.

Sponsored by
Sykes & Company, P.A.
Accounting, tax strategy, and advisory services dedicated exclusively to independent pharmacy operators.

Segment 1
Austin Murray
Communications and Marketing Director – Sykes & Company, P.A.

We kick off TWIRx with Austin Murray from Sykes & Company, discussing the NCPA Consumer Marketing Campaign designed to educate the public about the value of community pharmacies.

Austin shares insights on:

• The importance of telling the community pharmacy story directly to consumers
• Why independent pharmacies remain essential healthcare access points
• The evolving state of independent pharmacy nationwide
• Continued momentum around PBM Reform
• Strategic accounting and tax advantages pharmacy operators should understand in today’s challenging reimbursement environment

Austin also explains how pharmacy-focused accounting firms like Sykes & Company help owners navigate reimbursement pressure, tax planning, and business strategy.

Segment 2

Mark Duman

Pharmacy 50 Award Winner – United Kingdom

International healthcare thought leader Mark Duman joins TWIRx to discuss one of the most important principles in healthcare transformation:

The patient must come first.

Mark shares his perspective on:

• Why healthcare systems must remain patient-centered
• How pharmacy can lead the way in improving patient outcomes
• Lessons learned from patient engagement initiatives in the UK healthcare system
• Why meaningful healthcare innovation always begins by focusing on the patient experience

Mark emphasizes that when healthcare professionals keep the patient as the constant focus, better pharmacy care and stronger health systems follow.

Segment 3

Dr. Laura Mark, PharmD

Vice President of Pharmacy – Allegheny Health Network

Next, we welcome Dr. Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), who shares exciting news about new pharmacy operations facilities recently built in Butler County, Pennsylvania.

Todd and Laura also reflect on their shared roots growing up in Butler County, while discussing how AHN is investing in the future of pharmacy.

Topics include:

• The new pharmacy operations infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania
• How AHN is expanding pharmacy services across the Greater Pittsburgh region
• The role of health system pharmacy in improving access to care
• Strategic positioning for future healthcare growth and integration

AHN continues to strengthen its pharmacy operations as a key component of coordinated patient care throughout the region.

Segment 4

Eric Pusey

Independent Pharmacy Owner – Pennsylvania

Closing out this week’s episode, pharmacy owner Eric Pusey joins TWIRx to discuss the latest updates on PBM Reform in Pennsylvania.

In 2024, Pennsylvania enacted Act 77, a landmark law aimed at increasing oversight and fairness in pharmacy benefit management.

Eric explains how the law:

• Grants new regulatory authority to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department
• Restricts PBM patient steering to pharmacies owned or affiliated with benefit managers
• Improves transparency requirements for PBM operations
• Establishes payment protections intended to level the playing field for community pharmacies

Patient steering practices have long limited competition and reduced patient choice. Eric shares why these reforms represent an important step toward protecting both patients and independent pharmacy providers across the Commonwealth.

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Stay informed on the business, policy, and innovation shaping the pharmacy profession.

Follow TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, featuring conversations with the leaders and advocates advancing pharmacy practice.

On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we spotlight two major conversations shaping the future of pharmacy practice in 2026.

First, we welcome Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD, founder of DiversifyRx, to discuss the Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 and how independent pharmacies can strengthen margins, diversify revenue streams, and build sustainable growth models in today’s reimbursement environment.

Then, we turn to Rare Disease Day 2026 with Richard Faris PharmD, Chief Commercial & Clinical Officer at and PANTHERx Rare, to discuss specialty pharmacy leadership, pharmacist impact, and new patient feedback data revealing communication gaps in rare disease care.

Segment 1: Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026
Guest: Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD | Founder, DiversifyRx

Dr. Faast joins us to break down the vision behind Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 — an event designed to equip pharmacy owners with practical strategies to increase profitability while maintaining clinical excellence.

Key Topics Covered:
• Why independent pharmacies must move beyond traditional dispensing revenue
 • Diversification strategies including niche services and high-value offerings
 • Real-world financial benchmarks pharmacy owners should track
 • How mindset, leadership, and data discipline drive sustainable profitability
 • The importance of collaboration and shared intelligence among pharmacy entrepreneurs

The Pharmacy Profit Summit is not just about revenue — it’s about equipping pharmacy owners to compete intelligently in a rapidly consolidating healthcare market.

Segment 2: Rare Disease Day 2026
Guest: Richard Faris, PharmD | PANTHERx Rare

In recognition of Rare Disease Day 2026, we are honored to welcome Richard Ferris, PharmD, to discuss the critical role pharmacists play in specialty pharmacy and rare disease care.

PantherRx recently released survey findings examining patient and caregiver experiences within rare disease treatment journeys.

Key Study Highlights:
• 90% of patients and caregivers report delays due to communication gaps
 • 68% report waiting for updates from providers, pharmacies, or insurers
 • 90% say they manage the care process themselves
 • 72% desire a dedicated care coordinator
 • 73% agree it is unclear who is responsible for coordinating rare disease care

Despite advances in specialty therapeutics, patients are still asking for the fundamentals: clear communication, coordinated care, and personalized support.

Richard discusses:
• The growing importance of specialty pharmacists as care coordinators
 • Why rare disease patients often feel burdened by system fragmentation
 • How specialty pharmacy can close communication gaps
 • The need for pharmacist-led continuity in complex therapy management

Rare Disease Day reminds us that specialty pharmacy is not only about high-cost medications — it is about human connection, long-term coordination, and advocacy for patients navigating some of the most complex clinical journeys in healthcare.  From business sustainability to patient-centered specialty care, this episode reinforces two realities:

Pharmacy must remain financially strong to survive.
Pharmacists must remain clinically present to lead.

As the profession evolves, profitability and patient advocacy are not opposing forces — they are interdependent pillars of pharmacy’s future.

Listen now and join the conversation shaping Pharmacy in 2026.

LTC Rx at Home: Logistics & Advocacy | TWIRx
Rx4Route is a specialized pharmacy delivery management platform and software designed to optimize prescription delivery for pharmacies. It integrates with existing systems to provide real-time tracking, AI-powered route optimization, HIPAA-compliant proof of delivery, and driver management tools. It aims to reduce delivery costs and improve efficiency.

Doni Sattarov with Rx4Route
Rx4Route.com

 

Kristen Hutchison - Health Policy and Patient Advocacy
As a seasoned medical technical writer and chronic illness patient advocate, I meticulously translate intricate medical information into succinct content tailored for diverse audiences, including engineers, clinicians, educators, and advocacy groups.
https://www.khutchison.com/

TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy
Episode Date: February 13, 2026
Valentine’s Day Special 💘

This week on TWIRx, hosts Stephen Beckman, PharmD and Todd Eury break down the biggest headlines shaping pharmacy, from workforce trends to policy updates and innovation.

💕 Valentine’s Feature: TogetheRx – A Pharmacy Love Story
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we welcome Drs. Mark and Gretchen Garofoli, PharmD, a pharmacy power couple who met at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and have built a life and career TogetheRx.

Their journey includes raising a family, leading in pharmacy advocacy, podcasting, academic work with WVU School of Pharmacy, and operating a community pharmacy near Morgantown, WV.

🧪 Love Potion Segment: A Historical Rx
Dr. Mark Fulton, PharmD, host of the RxTales Podcast, joins the show to explore the surprising history of “love potions” and how folklore intersects with early pharmacy and medicine.

🚀 Innovation Spotlight: RxTransfer & Interoperability
We close with Pharmacy 50 Award Winner Alumni 2025, Dr. Lawrence King, PharmD, VP of Product Innovation at Surescripts, discussing RxTransfer, prescription interoperability, and how technology is modernizing pharmacy workflow and patient safety.

❤️ From love stories to pharmacy innovation, this Valentine’s edition celebrates the profession from the heart.

Subscribe, listen, and share as we head into Valentine’s Day 2026.