Conference Recap: McKesson ideaShare Showcases Power of Independent Pharmacies
Pharmacists left the conference with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and a strong sense that they're not in this alone.
McKesson ideaShare 2025 was buzzing with energy—and for good reason. Independent pharmacists from across the country came together to swap stories, share solutions, and get reinspired about the future of pharmacy.
Sessions were packed with actionable tips on overcoming modern challenges, supporting community pharmacies, and leveraging team members to their fullest capacity. The expo floor was equally exciting, with hands-on demos of the latest pharmacy tools and products.
Pharmacists left the conference with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and a strong sense that they're not in this alone. | Image Credit: Reese/peopleimages.com - stock.adobe.com
But the real magic? The collaboration and idea sharing for which the conference was named. Pharmacists left with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and a strong sense that they're not in this alone. Whether it was a coffee chat between sessions or a late-night brainstorm over dinner, ideaShare proved once again that when independent pharmacists come together, innovation follows.
“I think our industry is at a pivot point, but I know locally, as we stand at ideaShare, this event was actually built to share best practices, to share ideas, to cross peers, and I'm actually seeing that happen in real life at this event,” Jeanine Singer, senior vice president of national and key accounts at McKesson, said in an interview. “It's incredibly exciting, and I'm more than confident that the future is going to be bright for our industry.”
If you missed it, don't worry—Drug Topics has you covered! We were on location covering all the important sessions and news. Read on to see key highlights from this year’s conference.
Congressman Emphasizes Need for PBM Reform
Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA) is leading efforts to reform pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and enhance health care accessibility, with a particular focus on empowering pharmacists. A proposed PBM bill seeks to boost transparency and reduce health care costs by prohibiting spread pricing in Medicaid, ensuring transparency for employers and plan sponsors, and restructuring PBM compensation models.
Congressman Carter strongly advocates for recognizing pharmacists as health care providers, emphasizing their widespread accessibility and critical role, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He supports allowing health care professionals to practice to the full extent of their licenses. Carter also lauded state-level reforms, such as Arkansas's legislation preventing PBMs from owning pharmacies, and remains hopeful about ongoing national health care reform. He encourages pharmacists to continue advocating for their profession by engaging with members of Congress and showcasing their value, with the ultimate goal of saving billions in health care costs and making health care more accessible, affordable, and transparent for all Americans.
Pharmacy’s Survival Hinges on Technology and Digital Spaces
Digital connections are essential for pharmacies to thrive in today's competitive health care landscape, transforming them into dynamic digital health platforms beyond traditional prescription services. As highlighted by Aaron McDonough, PharmD, leveraging tools like Google reviews and social media is crucial for patient attraction and retention. Engaging with the community, offering membership programs with discounts, and focusing on patient education rather than just sales are key strategies. This requires pharmacists and staff to become experts in new services and products, effectively educating their teams and patients.
Social media serves as a vital tool for identifying community interests and fostering engagement through interactive content and creative marketing. Additionally, data-driven decision-making, utilizing pharmacy management systems, and coordinating with prescribers can help identify patient needs and offer tailored solutions, such as supplements or pharmacogenomic testing. Actively soliciting online reviews is paramount for improving search engine visibility, while differentiating the pharmacy through unique products, efficient service, and educational outreach like webinars further enhances its appeal.
McKesson Is Committed to Independent Pharmacists
McKesson demonstrated its commitment to independent community pharmacies through its Amplify program, a pharmacist-led initiative providing direct funding to state associations across all 50 states. This program aims to support the vital role pharmacists play in patient care, enhance patient access to services, and ensure the long-term sustainability of local pharmacies.
Pharmacists are encouraged to actively participate in policymaking by engaging with state and national associations and building relationships with local representatives. This proactive involvement is crucial for educating policymakers about the essential services pharmacists provide, including those that have expanded, such as COVID-19 vaccinations and test-and-treat programs. Such initiatives and advocacy are paramount for independent pharmacies to adapt and remain integral to the evolving health care landscape.
Pharmacy Professional Champions Financial Planning
Financial planning is crucial for pharmacists aiming to transform their businesses beyond dispensing prescriptions into thriving health care centers with diverse revenue streams. According to Benjamin Coakley, CFP, at McKesson ideaShare, common pitfalls include infrequent financial reviews and resistance to industry changes, often leading to business closures. Pharmacists should regularly review both traditional and modern key performance indicators (KPIs), such as patient crossover percentage and lifetime patient value, to gain a comprehensive understanding of their business health.
A strategic approach is essential, involving careful consideration of staffing, oversight, and training before implementing new services. Building a strong team of professionals like accountants and wealth managers who understand the unique aspects of pharmacy businesses is also vital. Additionally, engaging in mastermind groups, collaborating with local medical professionals, and prioritizing employee satisfaction and community relationships are key to long-term success. Coakley emphasizes the importance of comprehensive planning, including defining a clear vision, mission, purpose, and values, to help pharmacies move beyond merely surviving to truly thriving.
Newsletter
Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve with the Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips.
