127 episodes

The Happy PharmD podcast inspires pharmacists to create inspiring careers and lives.

Dr. Alex Barker, PharmD, dives deep into the issues of our profession, like burnout, automation, leadership, providing meaningful healthcare, the troublesome job market, and how we can solve them together.

The Happy PharmD Podcast The Happy PharmD

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 17 Ratings

The Happy PharmD podcast inspires pharmacists to create inspiring careers and lives.

Dr. Alex Barker, PharmD, dives deep into the issues of our profession, like burnout, automation, leadership, providing meaningful healthcare, the troublesome job market, and how we can solve them together.

    Pediatric Pharmacist: From Clinician to Entrepreneur with Jena Quinn

    Pediatric Pharmacist: From Clinician to Entrepreneur with Jena Quinn

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD, we have Jena Quinn, a business owner at Perfecting Peds who has leveraged her experience and certification in pediatric pharmacy to provide high-quality and accessible services to children and families in the community. 
     
    Jena shares her journey from managing fertility treatments to becoming an entrepreneur in pediatric pharmacy, emphasizing her passion for patient care, her transition from a B2C to a B2B model, the importance of partnerships for business growth, and her vision for future expansion and advocacy in the field. 
     
    Here are the highlights of my conversation with Jena:
     
    03:32 - The challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with parenting, particularly in the field of pediatric care, and highlights the importance of medication management for medically complex children. 
    12:08 - The importance of work-life balance,  mental health, and team support in the role of a pediatric pharmacist. 
    15:49 - The journey of a pediatric pharmacist who identified a need for specialized pediatric pharmacy services in the US and gradually transitioned into entrepreneurship to address this gap. 
    20:48 - The transition from selling skincare products to becoming a successful pediatric pharmacist, highlighting the importance of persistence and learning from initial failures. 
    22:26 - The importance of letting go of perfectionism in parenting and daily life, while highlighting how pediatric pharmacy allows for channeling perfectionism into patient care. 
    24:34 - The implementation of a value-based care model by pediatric pharmacists in long-term care facilities, resulting in significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes. 
    38:56 - The struggle of balancing entrepreneurship with patient care in pediatric pharmacy,  emphasizing the importance of staying focused on what they love and avoiding the trap of prioritizing profit over patient well-being. 
    44:25 - The future goals of a pediatric pharmacist, including expanding advocacy efforts,  improving patient outcomes through research, and raising awareness of the important role pharmacists play in healthcare. 
     
    This episode provides valuable insights for pharmacists and entrepreneurs interested in pediatric pharmacy, highlighting the blend of passion, resilience, and strategic vision required for success in this field.
     
    Links:
    Jena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jena-quinn-pharmd-bcpps-70b1634b/
    Perfecting Peds: https://perfectingpeds.com/
     
    We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you. 
     
    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast
     

    • 54 min
    What's Advocacy Like? Becoming a Patient Advocate after Pharmacy with Andrea Leschak

    What's Advocacy Like? Becoming a Patient Advocate after Pharmacy with Andrea Leschak

    What's Advocacy Like? Becoming a Patient Advocate after Pharmacy with Andrea Leschak 
     
    In this episode of The Happy PharmD, we're excited to feature Andrea Leschak, a pharmacist known for her dedication to patients and improving healthcare outcomes. 
     
    Andrea is a passionate advocate within the healthcare community, and we're eager to explore her journey and her commitment to advocating for patients and driving positive change in healthcare.


    Here are the highlights of my conversation with Andrea:

    03:35: The challenges of advocating for improved healthcare outcomes.
    07:52: A recap of the American Medical Association's statement on pharmacists' prescribing rights.
    09:59: Andrea contextualizes the impact of the AMA's statement on patient care.
    13:46: The significance of open conversations between patients and providers.
    20:17: The need for systemic healthcare changes and the role of advocacy.
    25:13: The strategies for pharmacists to advocate for themselves and enhance patient care.
    38:13: The importance of respecting patients' choices, even if they differ from healthcare providers' expectations.
    47:02: Reflecting on the evolving role of pharmacists in advocacy and the value of fostering relationships with patients.
     
    Show links:
    Andrea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrea-l-leschak/
    Andrea's Website: https://wayfinderadvantage.com/
     
    We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you.
     
    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    • 49 min
    How to Get Outside the Box in Pharmacy with Chirag Patel

    How to Get Outside the Box in Pharmacy with Chirag Patel

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we feature Chirag Patel, a dynamic individual who wears the hats of both a pharmacist and a successful entrepreneur. With a keen business acumen, Chirag has initiated multiple ventures that are thriving in the competitive landscape. Join us as we explore Chirag’s story, delving into his journey from pharmacy to entrepreneurship and uncovering the secrets behind his thriving business ventures.


    Here are the highlights of my conversation with Chirag:
     
    02:45 - Chirag’s entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on his shift from pre-med to pharmacy and the evolution of his passion for entrepreneurship.
    08:42 - Chirag encourages a positive mindset and discusses the importance of personal happiness in career decisions, highlighting the significance of taking risks.
    11:24 - Exploring the challenges of pharmacy growth, Chirag mentions the impact of DIR fees and legislative changes on their decision to temporarily halt expansion.
    14:54 - Emphasizing the significance of hiring happy individuals, Chirag discusses the unique approach to employee selection, considering personality, goals, and life satisfaction.
    20:31 - He underlines the importance of staying connected with front-line staff, detailing their communication channels, regular Zoom calls, and personal involvement in-store operations.

    28:53 - Chirag reveals his diverse business ventures, including restaurants, a cryptocurrency-based startup, real estate, a Med spa, and a telehealth practice, driven by a passion for community impact and multiple income streams.

    34:54 - He emphasizes teamwork, delegation, and communication, highlighting the role of family support and personal resilience in managing a busy life.
    39:32 - Looking ahead, Chirag urges slowing down, appreciating family moments, and living in the present, emphasizing the preciousness of time.
     
    Links:
    Chirag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirag-patel-03268711b/
     
    We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you. 
     
     Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast
     

    • 45 min
    News: Pharmacy Crisis & The Scramble for Hiring Retail Pharmacists

    News: Pharmacy Crisis & The Scramble for Hiring Retail Pharmacists

    Chicago Business drops a biased view on what's happening in Pharmacy and I'd love to tear this argument apart.
    Link to article:
    https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-physician-retention/retail-pharmacies-have-hard-time-filling-positions

    • 38 min
    3 Things to Create a Pharmacy Career You Love with Karine Wong

    3 Things to Create a Pharmacy Career You Love with Karine Wong

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD, we are delighted to introduce Karine Wong, a pharmacist turned entrepreneur who now serves as the CEO of "My Guiltless Treats," a health-centered dessert company. Karine's journey embodies a unique blend of healthcare and culinary innovation, where her passion for well-being converges with her love for delicious treats.
     
    Join us as we explore Karine's story, delving into her transition from pharmacy to the helm of a health-focused dessert venture, and uncover the delightful insights she brings to the intersection of health and indulgence.


    Here are the highlights of my conversation with Karine:
     
    2:30 - Karine shares the guiding star in her journey -- mantras and personal rules, citing examples from her hospital experience.
    7:36 - Exploring the origins of "My Guiltless Treats," Karine reveals frustration with the lack of suitable options for diabetic patients.
    9:06 - The unique aspects of Karine's treats, tailored for diabetics, addressing challenges in creating tasty alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
    13:50 - Karine discusses the mindset shift required to actively solve problems and seize opportunities, emphasizing the necessity of challenging oneself.
    18:39 - Insights into dealing with fixed mindsets at work are shared, encouraging proactive idea contribution and humility when proposing ideas.
    24:47 - Karine provides a glimpse into her diverse professional life, managing marketing, consulting, creating apps, and running "My Guiltless Treats."
     30:22 - Karine’s advice from her future self, to which she expresses a desire to start more businesses and encourages persistent idea refinement.
     
    Episode Links:
    Karine's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guiltlessgirl/
    My Guiltless Treats Website - https://myguiltlesstreats.com/
     
    We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you. 


    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast

    • 35 min
    How to Confidently Sell Yourself Without Experience with Julie Tuccillo-Stracener

    How to Confidently Sell Yourself Without Experience with Julie Tuccillo-Stracener

    In this episode of The Happy PharmD podcast, we have the privilege of introducing Julie Tuccillo-Stracener, a seasoned pharmacist with over a decade of experience who has transitioned into the role of a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). Julie's extensive background in pharmacy positions her uniquely in her current role, where she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to bridge the gap between science and healthcare.
     
    Join us as we delve into Julie's remarkable career, exploring her journey and the insights she brings as a dedicated MSL.


    Here are the highlights of my conversation with Julie:
    04:51 - The triggers that led Julie to consider a career change, including a negative incident at work and a conversation with a parent at her kid's dentist's office.
    09:40 - The timing of Julie's engagement with the Happy PharmD and her commitment to exploring different career paths.
    23:07 - Julie discusses how her perfectionism and imposter syndrome affected her career journey, especially regarding the travel component of the MSL role.
    34:47 - The importance of networking and building connections in her successful journey to securing an MSL role.
    37:39 - Julie's seamless fit into the MSL role, her identified strengths, transition to a new industry, and potential benefits, including higher salary and bonuses.
    46:14 - Securing an MSL role without a residency and the importance of clinical experience.
    52:17 - An explanation of the "Final Dose" strategy, emphasizing the opportunity to reiterate main points and demonstrate commitment.
    58:49 -  The positive impact of Julie's new role on her family life, including more time with her children and reduced stress.
     
    Links:
    Julie's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-tuccillo/
     
    We get pharmacists jobs they love! If you are ready to find your dream job and enjoy a balanced work and home life, we want to connect with you. 
     
    Click the link below to book a free call with us! https://thehappypharmd.com/HPDPodcast
     

    • 1 hr 2 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

Laura L, PharmD ,

Incredibly insightful!

I am 17 years out of school, and am on job #4. I’m constantly reinventing myself; growth is so important to being happy. Alex captures that idea, and presents the information concisely and with enthusiasm. Through the podcast I learn so much about what other pharmacists are doing professionally, and it expands my field of vision in my own life.

Jaim W. ,

Fun to listen to with great content.

This is a great podcast! It is well thought out and well executed. Alex is funny and educational and really has a good pulse on what is going on in pharmacy. This is exactly the information I’ve been looking for as I plan to pivot my career in pharmacy! I’ve been binge-listening to the episodes and have enjoyed all of them so far.

Brian Bisher ,

Alex is a host who genuinely cares

I was hooked after one episode, and just like I did with Breaking Bad on Netflix, I binged this whole first season of the Happy PharmD. Alex does a great job delivering insightful viewpoints on the profession of pharmacy and opens up avenues in our profession that need to be discussed if we are to move our profession forward. I'll be sharing with all of my friends in conversation. As we all know, pharmacy talk ALWAYS comes up (or dominates the conversation). Looking forward to the next season!

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