The Pharmacy Desert Dilemma: Why 1 in 2 Communities Are Affected | TWIRx

Special Guests: Dr. Jay Phipps, PharmD The Pharmacy Gladiator & Dr. Rob Bullington, PharmD Welcome to this week’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy, where we tackle pressing issues affecting the pharmacy landscape across the United States. Episode Summary Part One: In today’s episode, we delve into a critical and increasingly dire issue: the rise of pharmacy deserts in the U.S. According to a recent study from Ohio State, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, half of the communities in America are now facing significant challenges in accessing pharmacy services. With numerous pharmacy closures, both large retail chains and independent pharmacies are becoming scarce, leaving many Americans struggling to obtain essential medications and basic health screenings. Our special guests today are Dr. Jay Phipps, known as the Pharmacy Gladiator, and Dr. Rob Bullington, who is opening his 9th pharmacy. They bring invaluable perspectives from the field, highlighting the practical and community impacts of these closures. Key Topics Covered: Pharmacy Deserts Explained: What constitutes a pharmacy desert, and how widespread is this issue? Impact on Communities: How the closure of pharmacies affects medication access and primary health care screenings. Recent Developments: Insights into how the situation has evolved since the 2020 study, especially with Rite Aid’s bankruptcy and CVS's plans to close 900 stores. Expert Opinions: Dr. Jay Phipps and Dr. Rob Bullington share their experiences and discuss potential solutions to mitigate the impact on affected communities. Guest Bios: Dr. Jay Phipps: Known as the Pharmacy Gladiator, Dr. Phipps is a passionate advocate for the pharmacy profession and has been actively involved in efforts to address the challenges faced by pharmacies in underserved areas. Dr. Rob Bullington: A successful pharmacy owner expanding his reach with his 9th pharmacy, Dr. Bullington provides firsthand insights into the struggles and opportunities within the current pharmacy landscape. Why You Should Listen: If you’re interested in understanding the current state of pharmacy deserts, how it affects communities, and what can be done to address these challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Phipps and Dr. Bullington provide a wealth of knowledge and real-world examples that shed light on the broader implications of pharmacy closures. Subscribe & Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for the latest updates and insights from the pharmacy world. Contact Us: Have questions or comments about today’s episode? Reach out to us at [email address] or follow us on [social media handles]. Episode Summary Part Two:In today’s second feature, we are thrilled to welcome Scott Becker, the founder, publisher, and chief content officer of Becker's Healthcare. As a leader in healthcare media, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the intersection of healthcare policy, business, and media. His company’s podcast is currently the number one podcast in U.S. Business News for the week of September 8, 2024, highlighting his influence and reach in the industry. Key Topics Covered: Healthcare Media Landscape: Scott provides an overview of the current state of healthcare media and its impact on the pharmacy industry. Trends and Challenges: Insights into emerging trends affecting hospitals, health systems, and pharmacy practices, including the role of media in shaping these trends. Integration of Business and Healthcare: Discussion on how business strategies and healthcare practices intersect and what that means for pharmacies and healthcare providers. Future Directions: Scott shares his vision for the future of healthcare media and its role in advancing the pharmacy sector. Guest Bio: Scott Becker: Founder and Chief Content Officer of Becker's Healthcare, Scott Becker is a Harvard law