Pharmacy Focus

Jill Simonian, PharmD, received her PharmD from UCSF, followed by an acute care residency at UCSD Medical Center. Her professional career includes 25 years as a clinical pharmacist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and a brief time as a part-time pharmacist at an independent pharmacy in Carlsbad. She is currently conducting a course on Cannabis Pharmacology and Therapeutics at UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and, with Dr. Peterson as co-chair, at UC Irvine School of Pharmacy. Dr. Simonian is a founding member of the Pharmacists' Cannabis Coalition of California, a nonprofit organization aimed at bridging the gap between healthcare and cannabis for the purposes of patient safety. Codi Peterson, PharmD, MS is a pediatric pharmacist and cannabis science expert. He is a PharmD graduate from Duquesne University and later graduated with an MS in Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics from UMaryland, Baltimore. Codi is the Chief Science Officer of The Cannigma, a science-forward media company dedicated to helping the world understand cannabis. Dr. Peterson is also an associate clinical professor at UC Irvine, where he contributes to advancing medical education. Additionally, he teaches pharmacology to paramedics in Southern California through OCEMT, and continues to practice pharmacy in an emergency department to this day. Codi is a co-founder of the Pharmacists Cannabis Coalition of California (PCCC), a public-benefit nonprofit dedicated to educating and elevating California pharmacists in the cannabis space.

Learn more about In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda and the In Our Voice Action Fund.

This episode of Pharmacy Focus, Oncology Edition highlights key insights from the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, covering new FDA-approved therapies, dose optimization strategies, and innovative prevention approaches in breast cancer care.

Expert discussed benefits of precision oncology treatments that utilize thousands of biomarkers to design personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Amina Abubakar is CEO at Avant Pharmacy and Wellness. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here. Dr. Stephen Lewis, FAAPMR, is National Medical Director of the Physiatry-Pharmacy Collaborative (PPC). You can connect with him on LinkedIn here. The Avant Institute annual symposium will take place January 31st to February 1st, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina at Queens University. To learn more about the institute, the resources they offer, and details about the symposium, you can access their website here. You can follow Avant Institute on LinkedIn here.

Expert discussed the potential of pelareorep, a novel immunotherapeutic agent, in treating advanced or metastatic breast cancer, particularly in HR-positive, HER2-negative patients, and the plans for further clinical development of pelareorep in this indication.

Thomas Chen, MD, PhD discussed his innovative approach to brain cancer treatment through NeOnc, Inc.

In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP, CEO of Vital Statistics Consulting, and the founder and CEO of Unbiased Science, on her journey in public health and entrepreneurship. In a period of misinformation and disinformation, both Madison and Steier discuss the importance of creating informed, evidence-based decisions within health care. Key Takeaways: Data-Based and Evidence-Informed Decisions:Misinformation Versus Disinformation:The Benefits of Social Media: You can learn more about Unbiased Science podcast and Vital Statistics Consulting, and follow them on social media: Unbiased Science Podcast:Website: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/ LinkedIn: Unbiased Science PodcastInstagram: @unbiasedscipodFacebook: Unbiased Science PodcastX (formerly Twitter): @unbiasedscipodTikTok: @unbiasedscipodVital Statistics Consulting:Website: https://vitalstatisticsconsulting.com/ Instagram: @vitalstatisticscounsultingFacebook: Vital Statistics ConsultingX (formerly Twitter): @vitstatsconsultLinkedIn: Vital Statistics Consulting, LLC Connect with Jessica Steier on LinkedIn!

Expert shares reasons why many women are behind on their annual breast cancer screenings, along with the latest cutting edge treatment in the breast cancer space.

The Alzheimer disease treatment landscape is rapidly changing, with several new FDA-approved antibody therapies that target amyloid plaque and aim to slow disease progression. While the controversial approval of aducanumab faced challenges, newer drugs like lecanemab and donanemab have shown more promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating cognitive benefits. Additionally, the pipeline includes novel therapies targeting tau protein and other mechanisms. Advancements in biomarker development, including plasma and imaging tests, are also enabling earlier diagnosis and the potential for preventive treatments before the onset of clinical symptoms. Experts Include: Pamela Spicer, neuroscience expert and therapy area Director, Citeline Martin Tolar, MD, PhD, founder, president, CEO, Alzheon Sharon Cohen, MD, FRCPC, medical director, site principal investigator, Toronto Memory Program

In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews the co-CEOs of Healthcare Advocate Summit Melissa Paige, BPHM, CPhT, MTM, president of National Association of Medication Access & Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA), and Elizabeth Johnson, CEO of MedicoCX, and president and co-founder of NAMAPA on Healthcare Advocate Summit and its mission. They describe how collaboration, education, and advocacy can go a long way in improving access to medications and health care. Key Takeaways: Medication Access: Health Care Providers are Crucial in Improving Medication Access: Patient Advocacy is Essential for Driving Change: Collaboration and Education are Key: You can learn more about Healthcare Advocate Summit and follow the initiative on social media: Website: https://www.healthcareadvocatesummit.com/Instagram: @healthcareadvocatesummitFacebook: Healthcare Advocate SummitX (formerly Twitter): @AdvocateSummitTikTok: @healthcareadvocatesummit Connect with Melissa Paige and Elizabeth Johnson on LinkedIn!

Olivia Kinney, PharmD, a national pharmacy practice manager at Kroger, emphasized the importance of pharmacists addressing the growing issue of vaccine hesitancy. She noted that common reasons for hesitancy include concerns about adverse effects, misinformation, access barriers, and social/political influences. Kinney advised that pharmacists can build trust by actively listening to patients' concerns, providing relevant and consistent education, and leveraging their position as trusted healthcare providers. She highlighted the value of pharmacists is in collaborating with other community organizations to improve vaccine access and literacy. Overall, she encouraged pharmacists to take a proactive, relationship-building approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccination rates.

In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Dr. Frank North, president of the National Pharmaceutical Association and assistant professor at the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy. They discuss North's leadership journey and advocacy efforts to increase representation and support for minority pharmacists, while emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking, and collaboration within the profession. Key Takeaways: Importance of Mentorship:Advocacy for Increased Representation: Join Pharmacy Organizations: You can find Dr. North on social media: #IKnowFrank on all platforms@DrFrankRPH on InstagramFrank North, Pharm.D. on FacebookFrank North on LinkedIn You can stay up-to-date with the National Pharmaceutical Association: @NPhAPresident on Instagram for news about the incoming NPhA president@NPhAPharmacy on Instagram for NPhA news@SNPhA on Instagram for student voices and news Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Jennifer Dunphy, DrPH, MBA, MPH and Nelly Awkar-Lazo, MD, discuss the rise in young-onset cancer, the gut-colon cancer link, and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices for cancer prevention.

In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Aleata Postell, group director of pharmacy business development, Walmart, to discuss the significance of specialty pharmacy services—particularly related to HIV care—in public health. Postell highlights how Walmart has initiatives that support HIV care and testing. Key Takeaways: Community Pharmacy's Role in Public Health:Importance of Reducing Stigma and Enhancing Education:Innovative Public Health Initiatives: You can check out the following discussed resources: Walmart Specialty Pharmacy—HIV: https://www.walmart.com/cp/specialty-pharmacy-of-the-community/6730561?povid=OMNISRV_D_Cp_HW_HwSpecialtyPharm_4101489_HW_6730561_TileCardsService_HivSpecialtyPharmacy_LearnMore_1332399668International Association of Providers of AIDS Care: https://www.iapac.org/Elton John AIDS Foundation: https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/what-we-do/what-we-fund/breakthrough/ Connect with Aleata Postell and follow Walmart Specialty Pharmacy on LinkedIn!

Jeffrey Goad, PharmD, MPH, professor and associate dean of Academic Affairs at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, shares crucial advice for summer travelers and what to know about their medication. He emphasizes the importance of proper medication management, including packing enough for the trip plus extra, keeping medications in carry-on luggage, and being aware of country-specific restrictions. Goad discusses strategies for maintaining medication schedules across time zones and managing pre-existing health conditions while abroad. He stresses the significance of getting necessary vaccinations, recommending travelers consult resources like the CDC travel health site and start the process 4 to 6 weeks before departure.