Weekly Fill #21

Welcome back to this week's edition of the Weekly Fill! We're bringing you the latest pharmacy trends with some fun updates about life at ShiftRx.

Some exciting (and random) updates this week: our ceiling is waiting on repairs, but at least the office is getting a little glow up. We’re putting together new furniture and turning the empty room into a proper office space. Meanwhile, Andrew has been busy writing a book on how to manage interns, because apparently, we needed a whole manual for that.

The Weekly Fill is your go-to for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, owners, operators, managers, etc. Basically, if you're in pharmacy, this newsletter is for you. Share it with 10 pharmacy friends, or risk five years of bad luck (we’re not kidding) 😊

💊 The Big Fill This Week: Pharma CEOs Hit the White House

What's happening?

Big Pharma’s top executives just sat down with the White House to talk drug pricing and access. With rising medication costs in the spotlight, this conversation was about finding a balance between affordability and innovation. No major policy shifts yet, but the discussion signals that changes could come soon.

Quick Doses:

• Affordability vs. innovation: The big question: how do you lower drug prices without slowing down new treatments?

• Potential reimbursement changes: If pricing policies shift, pharmacies could see adjustments in insurance coverage and PBM structures.

• Industry & government talks continue: No big changes for now, but expect more conversations (and maybe some new policies) down the road.

What This Means for You: Pharmacy teams should stay tuned for any policy updates that might impact pricing, insurance, or patient access. For now, it’s the usual, just with a little more attention on the financial aspect.

Want to read more? Check out the full story here.

Pharmacy Trends

Question Prompt Lists: A Simple Tool for Better Patient Care

New research shows that question prompt lists (QPLs) can make patient-pharmacist convos a lot more effective. These structured lists help patients ask better questions, leading to clearer communication, better adherence, and fewer issues.

Quick Doses:

• More engaged patients: When people know what to ask, they get more out of their consultations.

• Fewer misunderstandings: QPLs help streamline convos, cutting down on confusion about side effects, interactions, and dosing.

• Better outcomes: Informed patients are more likely to stick to their treatment plans and see real results.

Why It Matters: Pharmacies are busier than ever, and tools like QPLs can make a difference in improving patient care without adding extra work for pharmacy professionals.

Want to learn more? Read about it here.

ShiftRx Announcement

We’ve moved into full-time roles, in addition to the PRN marketplace, to help you build out a reliable float pool. We have a careers hub featuring a job board, so if you’re a pharmacist or tech looking for your next career move—this is a must to check out. Get started here: https://www.shiftrx.io/pharmacy-professionals.

And if you’re managing pharmacy operations: post your open roles on our job board and get direct access to only pharmacists and technicians instead of spending time on Indeed or LinkedIn, sifting through tons of resumes. Get started building your pharmacy dream team here: https://www.shiftrx.io/healthcare-facilities.

🗞 Quick Scripts: Other Industry News

• Auto Tariffs on the Horizon: Trump says his proposed auto tariff rate will be around 25%, aiming to boost domestic production but raising questions about potential price hikes for consumers and supply chain impacts. Read more

• Biogen Bets on Rare Disease Treatment: Biogen just locked in a deal with Stoke Therapeutics to develop a potential treatment for Dravet syndrome, a rare epilepsy disorder. This is another move in the pharma giant’s neuroscience push. Read more

• Pharmacists Are Key to Vaccine Navigation: With evolving vaccine guidelines, pharmacists are stepping up to help patients stay on track, answering questions about everything from flu shots to RSV immunizations. Read more

🌟Pharma Spotlight

Each week, we highlight pharmacy professionals and industry leaders who are making a real impact. This is our way of celebrating the work and dedication of professionals who drive pharmacy forward.

Jocelyne Abdel Malak, PharmD is a pharmacist based in Orange County, California, with experience in MTM, retail, and telehealth. She earned her PharmD from Chapman University School of Pharmacy and has been practicing since December 2023.

What inspired you to become a pharmacist, and what do you love most about your work?

My journey into pharmacy was inspired by a combination of my natural sense of responsibility, my deep care for others, and my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been someone who looks out for others, and pharmacy gives me the opportunity to do that in a professional setting.

What I love most about my profession is the ability to directly impact my patients’ health and well-being. Whether it’s educating them about their medications, ensuring they receive the right treatment, or simply being a comforting presence in their time of need, I love that I get to be a positive impact.

What’s one challenge in pharmacy today that you think more people should be aware of?

One major challenge I’d like to highlight is the increasing workload and burnout among pharmacists. With more responsibilities being placed on pharmacists—including clinical consultations, vaccinations, and medication therapy management—many are stretched thin. Patients often don’t realize how much pharmacists juggle behind the counter, from handling insurance issues to ensuring medication safety, all while being expected to provide excellent customer service.

Do you have any advice for new or aspiring pharmacists entering the field?

My advice would probably center around setting boundaries early, staying adaptable, and truly caring for your patients.

• Learn to set boundaries: New pharmacists need to learn when to say no, protect their time, and prioritize their well-being.

• Stay adaptable: Pharmacy is constantly evolving with new regulations, medication advancements, and industry shifts. Being open to continuous learning is key.

• Remember your ‘why’: It’s easy to get caught up in the daily stress of the job, but at the core of it all, pharmacy is about helping people. When the job feels overwhelming, remind yourself why you chose this path in the first place.

That’s it for today’s fill!

Stay tuned for next week’s issue. If you enjoyed this, please share it with your pharmacy friends. Until then, keep filling those scripts 🫡

Doses and mimosas, ShiftRx team

Have feedback? Send it our way at [email protected] with the subject: Weekly Fill feedback.