In this milestone 50th episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Michael Hogue, CEO and Executive Vice President of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), for an in-depth conversation about the future of pharmacy practice. As the 15th CEO of APhA, Dr. Hogue shares his bold vision for transforming how pharmacists deliver patient care and achieve recognition as essential healthcare providers.

Vision for Pharmacy's Future

• Ensuring consumer access to pharmacist care services regardless of location
• Moving beyond traditional dispensing roles to focus on patient outcomes
• The critical need for pharmacists to take personal responsibility for medication therapy outcomes

Strategic Priorities & Policy Changes

• Advocating for payment parity between pharmacists and other healthcare providers
• Implementing standard of care practice models across all 50 states
• Working with insurance companies to onboard pharmacists as reimbursed providers
• Moving away from restrictive "can do/can't do" pharmacy practice acts

Addressing Healthcare Challenges

• Tackling the growing pharmacy desert crisis affecting communities nationwide
• Supporting overwhelmed community pharmacists facing unprecedented volume pressures
• Leveraging technology and automation to improve efficiency and safety

Innovation & Technology

• Embracing AI for predictive analytics and patient prioritization
• Implementing tech-check-tech models to free pharmacists for clinical care
• Balancing technological advancement with maintaining the human element of patient care

Professional Unity & Collaboration

• Working to unify pharmacy's many voices into a single, powerful advocacy force
• Collaborating across all national pharmacy organizations
• Examples of successful interprofessional care models already in practice

Notable Quotes

"For every $1 we're spending on medicine, we're spending a dollar and 55¢ on resolving medication-related problems. That's almost $600 million a year in the United States getting spent on medication-related problems. Somebody has to solve those problems."

"We've got to become accountable for the outcomes of our patients, the medication outcomes of our patients... Not just simply putting pills in a bottle, but saying this is my patient, and the outcomes of this patient are my responsibility."

Advice for Future Pharmacists

• Take pride in being a doctor of pharmacy, regardless of practice setting
• Consider opportunities in healthcare policy, including positions on Capitol Hill
• Stay engaged with professional organizations throughout your career
• Embrace technology while focusing on the clinical expertise that makes pharmacists unique

Looking Ahead

Dr. Hogue predicts that within ten years, pharmacists will routinely receive payment for care services, with community pharmacy revenue shifting from prescription dispensing to clinical care. He envisions a future where pharmacists are embedded in healthcare teams across all settings, recognized and compensated for their expertise in optimizing medication therapy outcomes.

About the Guest: Dr. Michael Hogue is CEO and Executive Vice President of the American Pharmacists Association and a nationally recognized leader with over 25 years of experience in community pharmacy, academia, and health policy. He has been instrumental in expanding pharmacist-administered immunizations and served as a key advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Host: Justin Cole, Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation

Episode Length: 47 minutes
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Episode Number: 50

Subscribe to DISRxUPT wherever you get your podcasts and visit cedarville.edu/pharmacy for more information about innovation in pharmacy education and practice.

🎙️ Episode 49: The Purpose-Driven Pharmacist | Katrina Azer

In 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 pharmacogenomics
• The power of curiosity and faith in shaping a nontraditional pharmacy career
• Why pharmacists must lead the charge in precision medicine and digital health
• The importance of purpose-driven work and aligning your career with your calling
• How Katrina integrates her Christian faith into her professional identity and content
• Her vision for the future of pharmacy in the age of AI and digital transformation
• A 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.com
• LinkedIn: 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!

Episode 48 – The Pharmacist Coach: Christina Fontana

Guest: Dr. Christina Fontana
Host: Dr. Justin Cole
Presented by: Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of DISRxUPT, Dr. Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Christina Fontana—licensed pharmacist, author, and transformational coach—known widely as The Pharmacist Coach. Christina shares her deeply personal and professional journey from growing up in her father’s Long Island pharmacy to founding a thriving coaching business that integrates holistic health, faith, and entrepreneurship.

Listeners will hear how Christina’s early experiences, personal challenges, and unwavering faith shaped her mission to help others heal and thrive. She opens up about pivotal moments in her life, including overcoming trauma, embracing uncertainty, and building a business rooted in service and spiritual purpose.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• Christina’s entrepreneurial roots and early pharmacy influences
• Navigating personal trauma and transformation through faith
• Transitioning from traditional pharmacy to holistic coaching
• Building a sustainable business with energy and strategy
• The power of mentorship, mindset, and “needle movers”
• Faith as the foundation for personal and professional growth
• Success stories from Christina’s clients and her vision for the future
• Her TED Talk aspirations and the message behind “The Prescription for Thriving After Trauma”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Website: pharmacistcoach.com
• Instagram: @thepharmacistcoach
• Facebook Group: Monetize Your Magic
• YouTube: Christina Fontana on YouTube

🙌 Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others in your network. For more information about the Cedarville University Center for Pharmacy Innovation, visit cedarville.edu/pharmacyinnovation.

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 Pharmacy
• Albert B. Prescott Pharmacy Leadership Award
• Ohio 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. Kevin Walker, a leader in medication optimization, clinical technology, and care transformation. Kevin shares his unique journey from growing up on the Yakima Reservation to becoming a pharmacist and innovator in the health care technology space.

Join us as we explore Kevin's insights on the role of pharmacists in promoting holistic health, the importance of culturally relevant care, and the exciting future of health tech. From medically tailored meals to digital biomarkers, Kevin discusses how technology can enhance patient engagement and adherence, and ultimately make care more human.

Tune in to hear about the challenges and opportunities in the current health care system, and how incremental changes can lead to significant improvements. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply interested in the intersection of technology and health, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and inspiring stories.

You can also learn more about some of Kevin's work here:

• The Med List Podcast
• Cedar Lake Health

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.

In this episode of DISRxUPT, host Justin Cole sits down with Dr. Kelley Carlstrom, a board-certified oncology pharmacist and the CEO and founder of KelleyCPharmD. Kelley shares her journey into oncology pharmacy, inspired by her grandmother's battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She discusses the critical roles oncology pharmacists play in patient care, from ensuring safe and effective treatment to navigating the complexities of cancer therapies.

Kelley also delves into her innovative educational framework, L.E.A.R.N., designed to help pharmacists build their oncology knowledge and confidence. She highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of oncology. Whether you're a seasoned pharmacist or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of oncology pharmacy and the impact of dedicated professionals like Kelley.

Tune in to learn how KelleyCPharmD is bridging the gap in oncology education and empowering pharmacists to provide exceptional care to cancer patients.

Episode 43: Turning Tragedy into Wellness with Dr. Melissa Turner

Host: Justin Cole
Guest: Dr. Melissa Turner, Founder of Turnaround Wellness and Tarheel PGx Consulting

Description: 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 career
• The founding of Tarheel PGx Consulting and Turnaround Wellness
• The role of pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics in personalized health care
• Integrating faith and spirituality into wellness practices
• Overcoming challenges and finding purpose through adversity
• Inspiring client success stories and the importance of holistic health

Quotes:

• "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 Wellness
• Turnaround Wellness YouTube Channel for client interviews and more insights

If 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!