DISRxUPT

In this episode of DISRxUPT, hosts Justin Cole and Shannon Yarosz sit down with Dr. Tiffany Ruder, a pharmacist, hormone specialist, and founder of Better Health and Hormone Balance, to explore how pharmacists can transform women's health through education, advocacy, and holistic care.From community pharmacy to pioneering work in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Ruder shares her journey of recognizing critical gaps in perimenopause and menopause care, and how she's empowering women to reclaim their health through evidence-based, root-cause approaches. This conversation challenges pharmacists to step beyond the counter and become champions for a population that has been historically underserved and often dismissed.The Education GapOnly one in five OBGYN residency programs include significant menopause trainingPharmacy school curriculum barely touches women's hormone health beyond basic contraceptionWomen's symptoms are frequently dismissed or attributed to mental health rather than hormonal changesThe medical model often fragments care, missing the systemic nature of hormonal imbalancesUnderstanding Perimenopause & MenopauseEarly symptoms often appear as mood changes, sleep disruption, migraines, and GI issues, not just hot flashesHormones affect the entire body: digestion, neurochemistry, heart rate, metabolism, and moreWomen typically see 4-5 different specialists before finding answersThe transition can begin in a woman's 30s or 40s and last 7-10 years or longerThe Pharmacist's OpportunityPharmacists possess unique biochemistry knowledge that positions them perfectly for hormone counselingFive-minute consultations at the pharmacy counter are insufficient for complex hormone discussionsPharmacists can become educators in clinical settings, corporate boardrooms, schools, and community spacesCertification programs (like hormone replacement therapy specialist credentials) can deepen expertiseFrom Retail to RevolutionDr. Ruder's transition from CVS pharmacy manager to compounding pharmacy specialistThe pandemic as a catalyst for career transformation and reevaluation of work-life balanceDiscovering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and recognizing the profound need for patient educationLaunching Better Health and Hormone Balance to provide one-on-one consultations beyond the pharmacy counterRoot Cause vs. Band-Aid SolutionsMoving beyond symptom management to address underlying hormonal imbalancesThe importance of comprehensive hormone testing and personalized treatment plansUnderstanding the difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormonesIntegrating nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management with pharmaceutical interventionsFaith & PurposeRecognizing a calling to serve women who have been dismissed by the healthcare systemDaily practice of trust and conviction in uncertain entrepreneurial watersUsing pharmaceutical expertise as a ministry and showing compassion through patient careBalancing personal timetables with divine timingA Vision for Women-Centered CareCreating holistic care models that treat women as whole persons, not fragmented body partsBuilding safe spaces where women feel heard, validated, and empoweredBringing specialists together to create integrated treatment plansRecognizing that women are not "mini men" - physiology, metabolism, and care needs differ significantlyPractical Advice for PharmacistsPursue continuing education in areas of passion - don't wait for curriculum to catch upConsider specialized certifications to deepen expertise in underserved areasLook beyond traditional pharmacy roles to entrepreneurial and educational opportunitiesAdvocate for patients who have been dismissed or overlooked by the healthcare systemRemember that education leads to empowerment for both pharmacists and patientsNotable Quotes"These women deserve so much more than five or ten minutes of our time.""By the time they find compounding pharmacies, most have gone to four to five different doctors. They've been told no, they've been dismissed, they've been told their symptoms are in their head.""We're not just these smaller versions of men. We are complex and dynamic, and our hormones influence a lot.""Education can lead to empowerment because you don't know what you don't know and you can't take action if you're not fully aware.""When we care for others, they get to see the Jesus in me because it's no longer me. It's God who's living through me."Looking AheadDr. Ruder envisions a future where pharmacists serve as educators and advocates in multiple settings, from clinical practices to corporate boardrooms to community spaces. She calls for a truly holistic model of women's health care that validates experiences, integrates specialty expertise, and treats women as whole persons rather than collections of isolated symptoms.About the Guest:Dr. Tiffany Ruder is a pharmacist, certified hormone replacement therapy specialist, and founder of Better Health and Hormone Balance. Originally from Kansas and now based in Houston, Texas, she specializes in helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause through evidence-based, root-cause care. After years in community pharmacy leadership, she discovered her calling in women's hormonal health and now provides one-on-one consultations and education to women seeking answers beyond the five-minute pharmacy counter conversation.Connect with Dr. Ruder:Website: optimize-her.comInstagram: @optimizeherpharmacistLinkedIn: Tiffany RuderFacebook Community: Better Health and Hormone BalanceHosts: Justin Cole and Shannon Yarosz, Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy InnovationEpisode Length: 45 minutesRelease Date: November 2025Episode Number: 53

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole welcomes Dr. Shannon Yarosz, pharmacist, educator, and innovator, for a conversation about her journey from patient care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to her new role as faculty at Cedarville University. Known for her award-winning work building patient-centered medication programs and her dual master’s degrees in clinical research and translational pharmacology, Shannon brings both expertise and empathy to every role she takes on. This episode also marks an exciting milestone: Dr. Yarosz will be joining DISRxUPT as a new co-host!Career Journey & CallingFrom microbiology roots to PharmD at The Ohio State UniversityBuilding programs at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, including medication delivery initiativesReceiving the Employee of the Year award for her impact across the health systemDiscovering a calling to academia and teaching through precepting and mentoring studentsInnovation & ResearchTranslating research into real-world practice improvementsPursuing dual master’s degrees while balancing family and careerThe importance of identifying needs and testing innovative solutions in everyday practiceA passion for neurology and clinical research that continues to shape her visionFaith & PurposeHow faith guided her career decisions and brought her full circle to academiaThe opportunity to integrate faith and teaching at Cedarville UniversityFinding joy and perspective through volunteering with Make-A-Wish and AwanaAdvice for Students & Young PharmacistsDon’t limit yourself—look for unmet needs wherever you areTake small steps: ask questions, propose solutions, and build relationshipsRecognize that innovation can grow out of everyday problem-solvingLooking Ahead Dr. Yarosz shares her excitement to co-host DISRxUPT, bringing encouragement, positivity, and a passion for people to conversations about pharmacy innovation, research, and the changing landscape of healthcare.About the Guest: Dr. Shannon Yarosz is assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University. She previously served at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University Student Health Center, where she developed innovative medication programs, advanced research initiatives, and mentored pharmacy students. She holds a PharmD and dual master’s degrees in clinical research and translational pharmacology.Host: Justin Cole, Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation Episode Length: 32 minutes Release Date: September 16, 2025 Episode Number: 51

🎙️ Episode 49: The Purpose-Driven Pharmacist | Katrina AzerIn this inspiring episode of DISRxUPT, host Dr. Justin Cole sits down with Katrina Azer—a pharmacist, entrepreneur, educator, and global thought leader in precision medicine. Joining us from New Zealand, Katrina shares her remarkable journey from community pharmacy burnout to founding the Australasian Precision Medicine Academy and becoming a leading voice in pharmacogenomics.💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Katrina’s personal health crisis sparked her passion for pharmacogenomicsThe power of curiosity and faith in shaping a nontraditional pharmacy careerWhy pharmacists must lead the charge in precision medicine and digital healthThe importance of purpose-driven work and aligning your career with your callingHow Katrina integrates her Christian faith into her professional identity and contentHer vision for the future of pharmacy in the age of AI and digital transformationA sneak peek into her upcoming book for pharmacists “called to more”Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder that pharmacists are more than their white coats—they are educators, innovators, and purpose-driven leaders. Whether you're a student, practicing pharmacist, or healthcare professional, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think bigger about your role in healthcare.🔗 Connect with Katrina Azer:Website: katrinaazer.comLinkedIn: Katrina Azer on LinkedIn📢 Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share DISRxUPT with your network. Let’s continue to disrupt pharmacy for good!

In this inspiring episode of DISRxUPT, host Dr. Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Lydia Bailey, Pharmacy Operations Manager at the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy in Cincinnati, Ohio. Recently honored with the Albert B. Prescott Pharmacy Leadership Award, Lydia shares her remarkable journey from uncertain pharmacy student to nationally recognized leader in underserved care.💊 What You'll Learn in This Episode:Lydia’s unconventional path into pharmacy and how a mission trip to Pakistan reshaped her vision for faith-driven healthcare.The inner workings of a charitable pharmacy—what it is, how it operates, and why it’s a vital safety net for underserved populations.How Lydia and her team deliver outcomes-based care that prioritizes patient health over prescription volume.The story behind Ohio House Bill 558, a groundbreaking law Lydia helped pass to allow personal medication donations—dramatically improving access to life-saving medications like insulin and inhalers.The power of student involvement and mentorship in expanding pharmacy services and shaping future leaders.How Lydia integrates her Christian faith into patient care and leadership, creating a compassionate, purpose-driven practice.📈 Whether you're a pharmacy student, healthcare professional, or someone passionate about community impact, Lydia’s story is a powerful example of how innovation, advocacy, and faith can come together to transform lives.🔗 Resources & Mentions:St. Vincent de Paul Charitable PharmacyAlbert B. Prescott Pharmacy Leadership AwardOhio House Bill 558 (Medication Donation Law)📬 Connect with Us: If you’re interested in volunteering, learning more about charitable pharmacy, or connecting with Lydia’s team, reach out via the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy website or contact the Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation.

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole welcomes Dr. Chris Bland, a clinical professor at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and co-founder of Teach Me Pharm. Dr. Bland shares his unique journey into pharmacy practice and academia, highlighting his passion for innovation and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.Dr. Bland discusses the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within pharmacy education and practice. He shares insights from his extensive experience in critical care and infectious diseases, including his innovative work in establishing a bariatric surgery follow-up clinic and the development of Teach Me Pharm, an educational platform designed to make learning pharmacology engaging and accessible.Listeners will also learn about the UGA Critical Care Collaborative, a team of faculty dedicated to improving patient outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Bland emphasizes the significance of problem-solving skills and the impact of mentorship on shaping future healthcare professionals.Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of pharmacy education, innovation, and patient care.

Episode 43: Turning Tragedy into Wellness with Dr. Melissa TurnerHost: Justin ColeGuest: Dr. Melissa Turner, Founder of Turnaround Wellness and Tarheel PGx ConsultingDescription: In this heartfelt episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Melissa Turner, a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and founder of Turnaround Wellness. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey marked by significant challenges, including the tragic loss of her sister and father. These experiences have profoundly shaped her professional path and approach to wellness, integrating her Christian faith into her practice.Melissa discusses her transition from working in retail pharmacy to founding her own businesses, Tarheel PGx Consulting and Turnaround Wellness. She explains how pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics play a crucial role in her work, helping clients optimize their medication and nutrition based on their genetic profiles. Melissa also emphasizes the importance of holistic health, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.Throughout the episode, Melissa highlights the transformative power of her Christian faith in her life and work, offering insights into how she integrates scientific and spiritual support for her clients. She shares inspiring stories of clients who have experienced significant improvements in their health and well-being through her personalized care.Key Topics:Melissa's journey into pharmacy and the impact of personal tragedies on her careerThe founding of Tarheel PGx Consulting and Turnaround WellnessThe role of pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics in personalized health careIntegrating faith and spirituality into wellness practicesOvercoming challenges and finding purpose through adversityInspiring client success stories and the importance of holistic healthQuotes:"I just feel that God has made us. We are a whole person and, yes, we need to take care of our physical health, our mental health, and our spiritual health, but we can't look at them in isolation.""God has comforted us through all of our afflictions so we are called to comfort others."Resources:Turnaround WellnessTurnaround Wellness YouTube Channel for client interviews and more insightsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share the DISRxUPT podcast with others. For more information on personalized health care and holistic wellness, visit Turnaround Wellness!

Benjamin Franklin is attributed with the well-known saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." However, it often seems that our modern healthcare system focuses on the care of the sick rather than true wellness and prevention. This is something that Dr. Matthew Hermenau personally observed in his practice as a pain management pharmacy specialist. This motivated Matt to consider ways in which he could help men overcome chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure through lifestyle interventions and a change in mindset rather than medications. He aims to target the root causes of these chronic illnesses. Alongside his wife, Matt created (P)harmless Health, LLC, a unique program aimed at improving the health of men and women without the need for long-term medications. They offer personalized training, nutrition coaching, education, and many other services through (P)harmless Health. Matt is a residency-trained clinical pharmacist specializing in pain management and stewardship. If that's not enough, he is a certified personal trainer, a certified nutritionist, and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Listen as we hear the story of how (P)harmless Health is helping its clients lose weight and take charge of their health!

In today's healthcare system, we constantly aim to enhance quality, decrease cost, improve the patient experience, optimize the provider experience, and implement effective population health initiatives. But how do we know if these goals are met? In short, we need data, and the electronic health records used today are filled with such data. Thus, the intersection of technology with clinical experience is invaluable in today's healthcare environment. However, few clinicians are comfortable collecting and analyzing this data on their own. While the learning curve may seem daunting, even simple computing skills can provide great value in healthcare today. In this episode of DISRxUPT, Dr. Adam Berstein brings us up to speed on the importance of data analytics in pharmacy and beyond. In addition to working in health systems, health tech, and managed care environments as a pharmacist, Adam is the founder and CEO of Sparx Analytics, which exists to empower clinicians to analyze data effectively. Listen to discover how data analytics can be leveraged to optimize clinical and operational outcomes in healthcare today!

Primary care services around the world are suffering from a lack of resources, including the US and the UK. This growing issue requires creative problem-solving and trailblazers who will lead the necessary changes to meet the primary care needs of all patients. Enter the Pharmacy First Service, which allows patients to consult community pharmacists directly for minor ailments and short-term illnesses to receive self-care advice, straightforward diagnostic services, and certain medicines without needing an appointment with a general practitioner or prescription!Our international guest is Kimberly Sonnex, an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, England, and a UK-registered pharmacist. In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of the Pharmacy First service and what they have learned in the first months after its launch. Tune in to discover how pharmacies can be the first "port of call" for short-term and self-limiting illnesses within healthcare systems!

Pharmacists have been identified as the most accessible healthcare professional. With this in mind, pharmacists are perfectly positioned to impact many public health problems faced today. Whether related to smoking cessation, vaccination, health screening, diagnostic testing, nutritional deficiencies, the opioid crisis, or maternal-fetal health, pharmacists can transform the health of communities around the nation and the world!Listen as we talk with Myriam Shaw Ojeda, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. She also serves as the Director of Pharmacy Extension and Public Health Initiatives with the Ohio Pharmacists Association and is a 2019 alumna of the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. In this episode, she explains how pharmacists can impact public health in myriad ways.

Pickleball is one of the newest sports that has taken the United States by storm. So what does pharmacy have to do with pickleball? Well, probably a lot more than you think! For any athlete to stay at the top of their game (including pickleballers), many factors must be considered: mental toughness, nutrition, physical training, functional movement, metabolic health, and even supplements and medications. Some of these medications are taken chronically, while others are used to treat injuries of all types. Few people understand the comprehensive needs of athletes better than our guest on this episode, Dr. Brandon Welch. Brandon serves as the clinical sports wellness pharmacist for Baptist Health South Florida. He is also the founder of Pharmacy Athlete and President of the Sports Pharmacy Network. Brandon is a certified sports nutritionist, nutrigenomics specialist, consultant pharmacist, and wellness coach. For years, he has taught athletes effective and practical ways to improve their metabolic health and optimize human performance. Brandon has worked with elite athletes ranging from “weekend warriors” to professional athletes in the ATP, NFL, NHL, and PGA. Listen as he explains what Sports Pharmacy entails and how this industry is ripe for innovation and expansion!

Being an entrepreneur can be a grueling task. Long hours, sleepless nights, anxieties, and failures can take their toll. However, we all have the opportunity to leverage these challenges to learn, grow, and succeed. Casondra Seibert, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, is evidence of just that. After completing her PharmD degree at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and completing a PGY1 residency in geriatric/underserved populations with the University of Cincinnati, Casondra became the Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services for RxArchitects. Her practice is primarily consulting with a special interest in pharmacist impact assessments in the post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) setting. Casondra serves as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. She precepts students, acts as site coordinator for pharmacy residents, and guest lectures within the geriatric elective. Casondra is published in areas of senior care pharmacy, pharmacist impact, opioid stewardship, and clinical technology development. She currently serves as the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)’s Quality Impact Project Chair and an Ohio ASCP Board Member. The organization recently recognized Casondra as the 2023 ASCP National Educator of the Year. Listen as Cas shared her perspectives on how she lives life to the fullest as a pharmacist who continues to push patient care to new heights.

Pharmacists are typically known for providing medication and clinical services. Kim Newlove breaks this mold, however, demonstrating that a career as a pharmacist can take on many different forms! Kim is not only a pharmacist, but a voice actor, podcast host, volunteer, wife, and the mother of two young men. She founded The Pharmacist's Voice®, LLC in 2017 and launched The Pharmacist’s Voice® Podcast in 2019. Through this work, she has become a go-to pharmacist in audio production. Kim believes in the transformative power of well-communicated messages, and her mission is to connect with her audience to develop trust. She narrates audiobooks for pharmacist authors, helps pharmacy professionals plan podcasts, teaches drug name pronunciations, provides medical narration to clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and CME industries, and narrates content for explainer videos and eLearning projects, among other things.Kim and her family live in Northwest Ohio. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing Ticket to Ride Switzerland, swimming, and riding her BMW C400X motorbike. Listen in as we hear the inspiring story of The Pharmacist's Voice and learn from Kim's journey as a pharmacy entrepreneur!