Total Pharmacy |

With federal reform continuing to stall, Drug Topics caught up with Iowa State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, to discuss how his state is regulating pharmacy benefit managers.

Researchers conducted a content analysis to identify pharmacy benefit manager legislation supported by the NCPA and assessed whether or not it would benefit rural pharmacies and patients.

The key theme, regardless of strategy, is being an engaging member of the community and stepping outside of the counter.

Researchers conducted a survey assessing pharmacy students’ perceptions of pharmacist burnout and how that may impact their future career paths.

In part 3 of our interview with Iowa State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, he discusses how legislation at the state level is gradually informing decisions on the federal side.

Brett Barker, PharmD, State Representative in Iowa’s 51st District, joined Drug Topics to discuss significant implications and common misconceptions regarding Iowa’s new PBM bill.

This year’s conference is taking place from July 10 to 13 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Brett Barker, PharmD, State Representative in Iowa’s 51st District, discussed Senate File 383 and how it’s intended to impact Iowa pharmacies.

As state-level PBM reform heats up amid dire situations for many retail pharmacies, Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates joins Drug Topics to discuss ongoing industry challenges.

This episode explores how pharmacists can navigate their careers with clarity and purpose by grounding themselves in their professional oath, organizational mission, and core values.

In part 3 of our interview with Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates, he explores the future of pharmacy practices and how modern use of technologies like AI are becoming commonplace.

In a recap of his presentation at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions, Jon Easter, RPh, discussed the role of pharmacists in team-based diabetes care.

Taylor Watterson, PharmD, PhD, discusses how pharmacy technician burnout can impact pharmacy operations.

Rob Frankil, RPh, discusses how independent pharmacies in Pennsylvania are dealing with the impact of Rite Aid stores closing.

Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates discusses ongoing movement at the state level regarding pharmacy benefit manager reform.

Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens and chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, discussed the current status of retail pharmacies and the way they are reimbursed.

With the emergence of increased GLP-1 use and alternative PBM models, Morgan Lee, PhD, MPH, CPH, and Scott Halperin, PharmD, joined Drug Topics to discuss current trends in drug benefit design.

Pharmacy technicians must be recognized and empowered as essential, long-term professionals to improve workplace well-being, patient care, and pharmacy success.

Pharmaceutical Strategies Group experts joined Drug Topics to discuss the role GLP-1s play in drug benefit design.

Morgan Lee, PhD, MPH, CPH, and Scott Halperin, PharmD, from the Pharmaceutical Strategies Group, discuss how the role of PBMs in plan design is evolving.

At the Total Pharmacy Solutions Summit Summer 2025 event, Stephanie Zimmerman, Tom Napolitano, and Luke Gunderson discussed the benefits of Real Value RX.

Tara Pfund, PharmD, chief strategy officer with the Cascadia Pharmacy Group, discusses a variety of ways community pharmacists can expand services and support clinical reimbursement.

Heidi Polek, RPh, EMBA, discusses how pharmacies must adopt strategic approaches to maintain financial health and continue providing patient care.

Emily Endres, BSPS, and Todd Sega, PharmD, MBA, discuss pressures that pharmacies are currently facing, including reimbursements, competition, and patient needs.