Pharmacy Innovators Podcast

Health system pharmacy is under more pressure — and expected to deliver more value — than ever before. In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson is joined by Dr. Kate Schaafsma, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Rush University Health System, and Dr. Jeff Oliver, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Orlando Health, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping modern health system pharmacy. Kate and Jeff share how strong partnerships across their health systems are positioning pharmacy as a strategic enterprise asset while improving patient care and operational performance. From workforce pressures and specialty pharmacy growth to technology and site of care strategy, this conversation explores how health systems can build more resilient, forward-thinking pharmacy operations.

In this episode of Innovators Podcast, host Jim Jorgenson speaks with Dr. Sam Wetherill, VP and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Penn State Health, about his journey from Penn State pharmacy student to health system leader and how his 22 years of Army service shaped his leadership approach. They also discuss Penn State Health’s strategic priorities, the evolving role of pharmacy within health systems, and the importance of the 340B program in supporting patient care and ambulatory initiatives.

As the 340B Rebate Model Pilot approaches, hospitals and health systems are preparing for one of the most significant shifts the program has faced in years. In this episode, Jim Jorgensen is joined by Kristin Fox-Smith, Managing Director, and Jerame Hill, Chief Strategy Officer at Visante, to break down what the new rebate model means for covered entities. This conversation is especially important for hospital executives as the rebate model directly impacts cash flow, staffing needs, operational risk, and financial planning. The group discusses the real-world implications of HRSA’s guidance, including increased data and reconciliation complexity, ongoing uncertainty as January 1 approaches, and the decisions leaders may soon face. Listeners will also hear practical insight on how to prepare now to reduce risk and protect organizational performance.

In this episode, Jamie Leonard shares her journey from clinical pharmacist to Director of Pharmacy at Benefis Health System in Great Falls, Montana. She oversees pharmacy operations across the continuum of care, including acute care, cancer and infusion centers, long-term care, critical access hospitals, and Benefis’ 340B program. Jamie discusses the unique challenges of serving a largely rural and government-payer-heavy population, while emphasizing Benefis’ strong commitment to community health, education, and work-life balance. She highlights key pharmacy initiatives such as expanding specialty and retail pharmacy, growing a Meds-to-Beds program, and supporting patients with timely medication access—critical in a state where patients often travel long distances.

In this episode of Pharmacy Innovators, host Jim Jorgenson sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Dawn Moore, Vice President of Pharmacy at Community Health Network in Indiana. With a career grounded in both strategy and service, Dawn shares her journey through health system leadership, her approach to ambulatory pharmacy growth, and the ways she's navigated competitive pressures in specialty and infusion care. The conversation dives into how Community Health Network is addressing system-wide priorities, the importance of partnering strategically in pharmacy services, and how strong leadership can drive sustainable outcomes. Dawn also reflects on her run for the ASHP Board of Directors, her advocacy for women in pharmacy leadership, and how she balances a demanding career with raising a family. Whether you're a pharmacy leader, health system executive, or aspiring professional, this episode is packed with practical insights, inspiration, and strategic takeaways.

In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson sits down with returning guest Dr. Alex Varkey to discuss big changes—both personal and professional. Since his last appearance, Alex has completed his term as President of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and made a major career move, leaving a successful role in health-system leadership to join Visante. Alex shares what motivated his transition, what it’s been like stepping into the consulting world, and what lessons he’s bringing with him from his time at APhA. He also offers thoughtful advice for professionals considering a change and discusses the trends he believes will shape the next five years in pharmacy. From workforce dynamics to innovation in care delivery, this conversation is packed with leadership insight and forward-thinking perspectives for anyone invested in the future of pharmacy.

In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson talks with Dr. Brianne Bakken, PharmD, MHA, Associate Professor at The University of Iowa College of Nursing, about the National Pharmacist Workforce Study (NPWS) and its impact on pharmacy. They explore key findings on burnout, job satisfaction, and staffing shortages, as well as how AI, telepharmacy, and policy changes are reshaping the profession. Dr. Bakken discusses her award-winning 2019 paper on discrimination and harassment in pharmacy and offers a preview of the 2024 NPWS. She also highlights strategies like leadership training, inclusion initiatives, and resilience programs that are helping pharmacies adapt and thrive. Link to NPWS final reports: https://www.aacp.org/article/national-pharmacist-workforce-studies NPWS is funded by the Pharmacy Workforce Center

In this episode, we address audience-submitted questions about the 340B Program with Kristin Fox Smith and Sean Hall, two leading experts from Visante. Topics range from potential legislative changes and manufacturer rebate models to operational challenges and future program expectations. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or simply curious about the 340B Program, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of this critical initiative.

In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson welcomes Dr. Jenna Swindler, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at McLeod Health System in South Carolina. Dr. Swindler shares her career journey and provides an overview of McLeod Health’s pharmacy operations. The conversation dives into the critical role of "systemness" in multi-hospital organizations, highlighting how McLeod defines and implements this concept, particularly in pharmacy practices. Dr. Swindler discusses McLeod’s comprehensive pharmacy strategy, its alignment with broader organizational goals, and its impact on patient outcomes and operational efficiency. She elaborates on fostering consistency across locations, collaborating with other departments, and ensuring medication access for underserved populations. The episode also explores how pharmacy services at McLeod support patients beyond dispensing medications, enhancing care from hospital admission to post-discharge. Tune in for insights on advancing pharmacy’s role in achieving health system excellence and improving patient care!

In this episode, Jim Jorgenson talks with Joe Lassiter, Ghalib Abbasi from Houston Methodist and robotics expert Frederik Ebert about the growing role of AI in healthcare, focusing on medication use and technology. They discuss how AI enhances clinical decision-making and automation, while also addressing its potential to reduce administrative costs in hospitals. Tune in to explore how AI is transforming healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

In this episode of Pharmacy Innovators, we delve into the critical roles of leadership and advocacy within hospital pharmacy settings. Hospital pharmacists are not only frontline healthcare providers but also leaders driving impactful change in patient care. Join us as we sit down with St. Luke's Vice President & Chief Pharmacy Officer, Kelley Curtis, who shares her insights on navigating the complexities of healthcare systems. Discover firsthand how effective leadership strategies can empower pharmacy teams to innovate, collaborate, and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes. Whether you're a pharmacy professional, healthcare leader, or simply interested in the intersection of pharmacy practice and advocacy, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.

Delivering quality pharmacy care to communities across remote, often wintry Northern Canada presents unique challenges. Kevin McDonald and Sammu Dhaliwall from North West Telepharmacy Solutions join Jim Jorgenson to discuss overcoming geographical, weather, language, technology, and financial barriers to provide essential medications and clinical care. Kevin McDonald, Director of North West Telepharmacy Solutions Sammu Dhaliwall, Senior Manager of Business Development https://www.northwesttelepharmacy.ca/

In this exclusive episode of the Visante Pharmacy Innovators, our leaders seize the opportunity to delve into this year’s selections for the annual Top 10 and explain why four issues are particularly worth paying attention to. Steve Rough, Phil Brummond and Jim Jorgenson dig deeper into specialty pharmacy and infusion services, consolidated service centers, benchmarking and analytics, and pharmacy revenue. These areas are identified as promising exciting opportunities for health systems in 2024, echoing Steve’s assertion, "There’s more opportunity in pharmacy than ever before.” And be sure to tune in for the insightful conversation on grit and its implications for healthcare leaders.