Pharmacy Focus

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.

In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Dr. Bolu Oladini, PharmD, author, global medical affairs, generative AI medical content lead, Pfizer, to discuss the intersections of pharmacy, medical affairs, and AI. Dr. Oladini describes the importance of following one’s interest, and using those passions to one’s advantage when building on a career. Both Dr. Madison and Dr. Oladini also share the importance of understanding AI sources and prompts when using the available interfaces. Key Takeaways: Embrace Non-Traditional Career Paths:The Role of Medical Affairs:The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy: You can preorder Dr. Bolu Oladini’s book here. He can be found on the following social media platforms: LinkedIn: @Bolu OladiniInstagram: @doctor_boluFacebook: @Bolu OladiniX (formerly known as Twitter): @doctor_boluTikTok: @doctor_bolu You can check out the following discussed AI platforms: ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Claude: https://claude.ai/chats Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/app

This month, we spoke with Natasha B. Leighl, BSc, MMSc, MD, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. Leighl discussed the PALOMA-3 trial results, shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2024 Conference.

On this episode of Pharmacy Focus, experts discuss World Psychedelics Day, which is June 20. Experts will also discuss goals of World Psychedelics Day in increasing awareness and appreciation of psychedelics' therapeutic potential while honoring traditional knowledge. Experts cover the history of psychedelics, current research on psychedelic therapies for conditions like PTSD and depression, and future directions. Proper education, screening, medication management and harm reduction practices are highlighted as best ways that pharmacists can get involved. Guests Include: Mark Achbar, WPD Founder Sarah Butterfield, WPD Creative Director Rev. Shannon Smadella, WPD Operations & Partnerships Director Sandra Dreisbach, PhD, WPD Ethics Director Dennis Mckenna, Director and President of the Mckenna Academy Kevin Lanzo, PharmD, co-founder of the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association (PPA) Kristin Speer, PharmD, BCPS, co-founder of the PPA References 1. Pharmacy Times. Survey Shows 65% of Affected Americans Want Access to Psychedelic Treatments for Mental Health Conditions. February 8. 2022. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/survey-shows-65-of-affected-americans-want-access-to-psychedelic-treatments-for-mental-health-conditions 2. Gallagher A. Psychedelic Medicine Could Fill Care Gap in Psychiatric Care. Pharmacy Times. April 10, 2024. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/psychedelic-medicine-could-fill-care-gap-in-psychiatric-care 3. Gallagher A. Is 2024 the Year for Psychedelic Medicine?. Pharmacy Times. April 4, 2024. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/is-2024-the-year-for-psychedelic-medicine- 4. Antrim A. FDA Advisory Panel Rejects MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. Pharmacy Times. June 4, 2024. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-advisory-panel-rejects-mdma-assisted-therapy-for-ptsd

This episode of Pharmacy Focus discusses the important role pharmacists can play in promoting mental health care for patients. Molly McGraw, PharmD, BCPS, coordinator of Pharmacy Quality UPMC Health Plan and Kim Castelnovo, RPh, Pharmacy Manager at Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, talk about the importance of mental health care for patients, how pharmacists can educate patients on their mental health medications, and implement clinical programs to optimize care. They also discuss challenges with medication adherence and how pharmacists can collaborate with other health care professionals to provide holistic care.

In this special Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention month episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Emma White, the founder and president of the nonprofit organization Life Is Worth It, who shares her struggles with mental health as a teenager, and how she used her experience to educate others and give back to her community. White is also the Statewide Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Nevada’s Department of Education and works under the Office of Suicide Prevention managing Project AWARE, a SAMHSA grant. Key Takeaways: Comprehensive Approach to Suicide PreventionPersonal Journey and AdvocacyBreaking Stereotypes and Encouraging Vulnerability Emma White can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram (@emmamwhite) and Facebook (Emma White). Her TED Talk can be viewed here. More information on the nonprofit organization Life Is Worth It can be found on the website and on social media: Website: www.lifeisworthit.orgInstagram: @lifeisworthitorgFacebook: @LifeIsWorthItOrgEmail: lifeisworthitorg@gmail.com