This article is reprinted from Dawg Scripts, the University of Washington School of Pharmacy's Alumni Association & School of Pharmacy News Magazine (Spring/Summer 2024) Matt Binder, '17, discusses how integral mentorship is to ensuring the success of future pharmacists. A proud alum of the UWSoP, Matt Binder, PharmD, '17, owner of three Seattle-based Ostrom's Drug & Gift pharmacies, believes the foundation of a successful career is having a genuine passion for what you do. "I really enjoy coming to work every day," he said. "I feel like I get the opportunity to make an impact on my community." Another profound way Matt and his team make an impact is through mentoring SoP students. In the world of pharmacy, education extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. It transcends textbooks and lectures, diving deep into the realms of hands-on experience and mentorship. From the moment Matt embarked on his professional career, he recognized the importance of mentorship and nurturing the next generation of pharmacists. "As soon as I started working here shortly after graduation, I encouraged the owner at the time to start taking UW students, and we've had a really good chain of them ever since then," Matt recalls fondly. The integration of pharmacy students into the workflow of his business has been a cornerstone of Matt's practice. From vaccinations to engaging with customers, students are given a hands-on, full-breadth experience that prepares them for their future careers. "We really believe that the first time students perform as a pharmacist shouldn't be after their license," Matt emphasizes. "Our licensed pharmacists serve as that safety net for them." This commitment to mentorship and education has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Matt's pharmacy received accolades in the Seattle Times' "Best in the PNW" campaign, with Ostrom's Drug & Gift clinching the title of Best Pharmacy in the region. Matt attributes this success to the unwavering support of his community. "We had a lot of patients just pull out their phones and vote for us," he shares proudly. "We really strive to be a place that people want to go to - not just an errand to check off their list." But beyond awards and recognition, Matt's business has earned a reputation for fostering deep connections with their patients. "I think a major reason people come here is because they see people who know their name," Matt explains. "We get to cultivate that extra special relationship." Ultimately, what brings Matt the most joy is the knowledge he is making a positive impact on people's lives. "What I really enjoy about healthcare is I feel at the end of the day that I've done something morally good," he reflects. "I feel like I'm doing something that can help out their life, and that just makes me go to bed that much easier." Watch a video about Matt's mentorship and the impact it has had on UWSoP students. ...
Cascadia Pharmacy Group
Untapped Potential: Creative Front-End Solutions to Boost Your Bottom Line
Author: Crystal Bryan, PharmD, Chief Clinical Officer (Cascadia Pharmacy Group) ‘Be Nimble’ was a common theme all week at the Cardinal Health RBC Conference in Chicago. You would hear that thought-provoking phrase at every turn, whether it was Tim Mitchell from Mitchell’s Drug Store at the opening session, Doug Hoey, NCPA’s CEO at the industry session and even from numerous technology partners on the tradeshow floor. With that same passion, Jeff Harrell, CEO of Cascadia Pharmacy Group, presented a CE workshop, 'Optimizing Front-End Sales.' Jeff challenged pharmacy owners to think critically about their current offerings and consider fresh ideas to take their front-end businesses to the next level. Many pharmacies are about 10% or less for front-end sales and include supplements, OTC’s and health needs. While the basics are a great place to start, there may be many more opportunities within easy grasp. Considering the current pharmacy landscape and the need for PBM reform, creating a more urgent need for additional revenue and cashflow, it’s a great time to get creative. Jeff encouraged pharmacy owners to embrace ideas that have been working well for his team and also discussed a few tips for picking vendor partners and evaluating the success of each new offering. Be Unique: Meet Your Community's Vibe Independent pharmacies across the nation are unique, and their front-end offerings play a large part in what differentiates each one and makes it special. Affiliates of Cascadia Pharmacy Group retain their uniqueness too and it’s fun to see how each one truly reflects the heart of their communities, much like many of Chicago’s contextualist skyscrapers (surrounding us at RBC) highlighted the beauty of their surroundings. Each pharmacy carefully considers the needs and perspectives of their communities, whether it’s the historical soda shop at Grants Pass Pharmacy (southern OR), the ocean-themed gifts of the stores along the Pacific Coast (WA state), or the country-chic apparel and bags that can be found in our more rural stores, such as Goldendale Pharmacy (Goldendale, WA). It's important for each independent pharmacy owner to evaluate the opportunity gaps in their community, while also listening to their patients in order to anticipate their needs. Some communities need a place to buy local high school merchandise or gifts for every occasion. Others may need licensing services for hunting or fishing, a coffee shop, or access to quality supplements and education. Beverly Schaefer, owner of Katterman’s Pharmacy (Sand Point, WA), shared a great example of listening to her customers. She started to sell little plastic sleeves for immunization card protectors at the start of the pandemic. At only $1 each, her patients were thrilled and it provided a great margin. With a great team, fresh ideas and a willingness to pivot, each pharmacy can continue to stay fresh and appeal to their clientele. Various Offerings & Vendors Some of the categories that do really well for our group include coffee, candy, toys, cards, home décor and gifts. We have found significant success working with local artisans for everything from soaps and bath bombs to candles, cards, jewelry and more. Anything unique that can’t be bought from Amazon or big chain stores will keep everyone coming back, especially with great merchandising and rotating variety. Some of the things you least expect can have a big impact. Allison Zimmerman from Purdy Cost Less (Gig Harbor, WA) shared about how well their warm nuts roaster has done for them. "Not only did it pay for itself in the first month, the warm nuts are a great thing to offer guests while they wait, they are a wonderful addition to gift baskets, and since every bag has our logo on it, it makes great marketing as well!" Allison Zimmerman, Owner, Purdy Cost Less (Gig Harbor, WA) "Not only did it pay for itself in the first month, the warm nuts are a great thing to offer guests while they wait, they are a wonderful addition to gift baskets, and since every bag has our logo on it, it makes for great marketing as well!” The category that has done the best at one of our newer locations, Madison Park Pharmacy & Wellness Center (Seattle, WA) is naturopathy and complementary medicine. Although Madison Park Pharmacy is centrally located in an affluent neighborhood, this category is likely a wonderful opportunity for any community pharmacy to build on. Patients want to support their bodies' natural ability to perform optimally, and partnering with an herbalist or naturopath who listen to patients and provide education can help this area of your business grow. The herbalists and naturopath on staff are clerks and help support the entire team while also being able to offer that 1-on-1 help their patients have come to love. Many vendor partners are also willing to provide education about their products so your team can feel more comfortable making appropriate recommendations. Your pharmacy may not be ready to hit $43,000/week in front-end sales, but you can set goals to lift front-end sales by even $500/week and continue to make incremental progress over time. Selecting vendors can be tricky, but the resounding advice was to look locally and then to look further away! Look locally for smaller artists in your area that will create great partnerships and a community feel. Sometimes farmers markets can be a great spot to find these while other times you can find them online. Then look further away so you don’t bring in the same gifts someone down the street might be offering. Some suggestions were some of the bigger gift shows in Atlanta or Vegas. No matter where you find your vendor, always consider the quality of the product, minimum order quantities, payment & shipping terms as well as product dating and customer service. There are a lot of really great vendors out there. Merchandising, Marketing & Team Engagement When it comes to sales, the products are important but so is everything else that contributes to the shopping experience. Jeff recommends putting yourself in the shoes of the customer and walking through the front door. What catches your eye vs. what is a distraction? What lighting could be better? Where is the premium real estate you want to optimize? Even stopping to consider exterior paint and signage can make a big difference. Once you get past lighting and fixtures, the ideas are endless. Some of his stores get creative with vintage pieces from antique stores or yard sales that can serve as displays and even be sold for a high enough price! He also recommends creating gift baskets at three different price points to meet the needs of all your guests. These can be created for every occasion from holidays, to teacher appreciation, hostess gifts and graduation. Plus, they can be a nice way to slide in some slow-movers or hot items, and to move out some inventory. As you create a great-looking store with amazing products, don’t forget to tell everyone about it. One of the easiest ways to do this is with social media. Regular posts and reels can be a powerful marketing technique and a great way to involve the younger people on your team. As we know, it can easily feel like there is too much on the owner’s plate, but you can ‘do it all’ with the strength of a wonderful and diverse team behind you. Whether it’s someone on the team filling the pharmacy with the sweet aroma of freshly roasted nuts, trained professionals walking around to engage with customers and understand their health needs, or the person in charge of Instagram, everyone is working together. Be sure to celebrate your team as you build a culture that is fun, empowering, and attracts top talent! Evaluating Success One of Jeff’s favorite phrases is ‘Data doesn’t lie. People do.’ So it’s important to look at front-end sales as frequently as you look at everything else. We don’t want to make business decisions on what we think people love, because evaluating sales will help us better evaluate what they actually want to keep coming back for and what needs to marked down to clear shelf space. Jeff Harrell, CEO Cascadia Pharmacy Group "Data doesn't lie. People do.” Be sure to evaluate both margin and sell-thru. As sales start to soften on an item, get rid of it and be ready to pivot to something better. When you are setting your goals, aim to make incremental increases in specific categories, and you can even consider a bonus structure to help support that. Final Thoughts Independent pharmacists are fierce and nimble. We aren’t backing down to PBM’s and we are more forward-thinking and creative than ever. Be sure to walk through the front-door of your pharmacy and look at your pharmacy in a new light. Then get ready to embrace the new opportunities awaiting your front-end that your community will love. Especially when accompanied with service and a smile that is consistent with every independent ...
Read more about Untapped Potential: Creative Front-End Solutions to Boost Your Bottom Line
The Value of Community-Based Residency Programs
Authors: Catherine Du, PharmD Candidate, Oregon State University & Tara Pfund, PharmD, Residency Program Director (Cascadia Pharmacy Group) As a fourth-year pharmacy student on the cusp of graduating, I’ve spent countless hours weighing my options for the future. While clinical and hospital residencies often dominate the conversation, I've found myself increasingly drawn to community-based residency programs. After speaking with several pharmacists at Cascadia Pharmacy Group (CPG) who have either completed these residencies or are supporting future programs, I'm convinced that this path offers unparalleled benefits and opportunities for growth. What is a Community-Based Residency? Community-based residency programs are designed to develop clinical, managerial, and leadership skills within the community pharmacy setting. Unlike traditional residencies, these programs focus on providing patient care in community settings, including independent pharmacies, chain pharmacies, and outpatient clinics. The goal is to train pharmacists who are well-versed in direct patient care, medication therapy management, immunizations, health screenings, and other services that enhance public health. Community-based residencies enhance patient care in the communities they serve and provide valuable support to the practitioners and leaders involved. Why Community-Based Pharmacy Residency? Direct Patient Impact: One of the most compelling reasons to choose a community-based residency is the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. Community pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare providers, and the relationships built with patients are deeply rewarding. Diverse Clinical Experience: These programs offer a breadth of experience that is both deep and wide. From managing chronic diseases to providing preventive care, community-based residencies cover a wide array of clinical services. Professional Flexibility: Community-based residencies often offer more flexibility in terms of elective rotations. This allows residents to tailor their experiences to their interests, whether it’s diabetes management, business ownership, academia, informatics, or public health. Longitudinal Rotations: Unlike traditional residencies, community programs often include longitudinal rotations. These extended experiences in a specific area allow for a deeper understanding and continuity of care, fostering stronger patient relationships and better health outcomes. Lifelong Connections: A residency year is not just about professional development; it is also about building lifelong connections and relationships. The pharmacists you meet and work with during your residency become part of your professional network, providing support, collaboration, and opportunities throughout your career. Focused Learning with a Safety Net: Completing residency training gives pharmacists one more year to focus on learning and developing their skills while being the final decision-maker, but with the support and guidance of experienced mentors. This additional year of structured learning helps build confidence and expertise in a real-world setting. Academia and Teaching Experience: Many community-based residency programs are layered with academic components, allowing residents to gain experience in teaching and precepting. This not only enhances their knowledge but also prepares them to educate and mentor future generations of pharmacists. Community-Based Residency Experiences As a student, the prospect of a community-based residency is incredibly enticing. It offers a unique blend of clinical and interpersonal skills, providing opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Mikalya Turner, PharmD Candidate Oregon State University and fourth-year pharmacy student on rotation with CPG states “Pursuing a community-based residency aligns with my goal of serving underserved communities. Through independent pharmacy rotations, you develop the skills necessary to build meaningful relationships with community members and connect with future pharmacists who share similar goals." Mikayla Turner, PharmD Candidate at Oregon State University "Through independent pharmacy rotations, you develop the skills necessary to build meaningful relationships with community members and connect with future pharmacists who share similar goals.” During my fourth year as a pharmacy student, I realized the true essence of a community pharmacy residency. It offers a unique blend of clinical and interpersonal skills, allowing me to form lasting relationships with patients while providing comprehensive care. Hands-on experience and the ability to make a tangible difference in a close-knit community are invaluable. Community residency is not just a steppingstone in my career but a profound opportunity to grow as a healthcare professional dedicated to personalized patient care. Insight from Cascadia Pharmacy Group Pharmacists After speaking with several pharmacists who have completed community-based residencies or support future programs within CPG, I’ve gained valuable insights into what makes these programs exceptional. Many pharmacists emphasized the unique importance of longitudinal rotations not typically found in other residency programs. These extended periods (for example a single day, all year long) in a particular setting allow them to develop strong, trusting relationships with patients, pharmacy team members, providers, and the community. This enables them to see the long-term impact of their interventions. The ability to choose elective rotations was a highlight for many. This flexibility allowed them to explore different areas of interest, tailoring their residency to their career goals and passions. One of the most significant benefits cited was the network of pharmacists they built during their residency. These connections provided ongoing support, collaboration, and opportunities long after the residency ended. The residency program was a period of immense growth, both professionally and personally. The hands-on experience, combined with the mentorship from seasoned pharmacists, helped them develop confidence, expertise, and a deep sense of purpose in their careers. Crystal Bryan, Cascadia Pharmacy Residency Program Preceptor and past Community-Based resident stated “My residency set a different trajectory for my career as I was challenged to grow personally and professionally by each of my preceptors. Not only did I have dedicated time to develop my clinical skills and work on my research project, but I was also exposed to many different teams, thought processes and approaches to complex situations. It further instilled a passion for lifelong learning, an appreciation for alternative viewpoints and collaboration and a strong work ethic. Like with anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it and I'd challenge every resident to pour their hearts into their year of networking, learning and growth and it will be one of your greatest investments.” Crystal Bryan, CPG Residency Program Preceptor and Past Community-Based Resident "Not only did I have dedicated time to develop my clinical skills and work on my research project, but I was also exposed to many different teams, thought processes and approaches to complex situations.” Community-based residencies are not only beneficial for students but also incredibly enticing for pharmacy owners. New pharmacists bring fresh ideas and the latest knowledge from their academic and clinical training. They expose pharmacy owners to cutting-edge practices and innovations within the field, helping keep the pharmacy at the forefront of healthcare. This influx of new ideas and approaches can invigorate the pharmacy's practice and lead to the implementation of new services and programs. Matt Binder, Pharmacy Owner and Primary Preceptor of the Seattle-Based residency program out of Ostrom’s Drug & Gift, states, “We’ve been taking students at our stores for years and have been recognized by the universities as top preceptors. Even as I’ve become the owner of three stores, I’ve always prioritized time with upcoming students. I know each pharmacy owner has a dedication and an obligation to the future – no matter how hard we work we simply cannot make as big of an impact on the world as we can by helping bring up the next generation, just as the pharmacists who came before us put time into raising us. We had a great experience with our first LEAP student who spent 3 months at our stores. This gave us the proof of concept that now was the right time to start a residency program – a project we had wanted to start on for years.” Matt continued to describe his innovative practice site, stating “our independent stores offer a great opportunity for a resident to work on projects that are interesting to them. We staff our stores well and our ownership is entirely local. Our transparent ownership and management can give a resident real insight into our role in the industry and our ability to help patients.” Moreover, having a resident provides tremendous value to the residency site as well. With a resident on-site year round, completing longitudinal rotations, the pharmacy has increased flexibility to try new initiatives that they may not have had the capacity to explore before. Whether it's starting a new patient care service, enhancing community outreach programs, or adopting new technologies, residents can spearhead these projects, bringing their enthusiasm and up-to-date knowledge to the table. “It has always been a deep passion of mine working with residents. Community-based residencies allow us to truly push our profession forward combining brilliant minds, outstanding pharmacy sites, and innovative ideas”, states Tara Pfund, PharmD, Residency Program Director (RPD) with CPG and past Community-Based Resident. The Path Forward Choosing a community-based residency program is an investment in your future. It offers a unique blend of clinical experience, patient interaction, and professional development. For those who are passionate about making a tangible difference in their communities and building lasting relationships with patients, a community-based residency is an excellent choice. As I prepare to embark on my own journey, I am excited about the prospect of joining a community-based residency program. The experiences and insights from the pharmacists at Cascadia Pharmacy Group have solidified my belief that this path will not only enhance my clinical skills but will also enrich my professional and personal life in ways I had not imagined. For any fourth-year pharmacy student considering their next steps, I encourage you to explore community-based residency programs. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. For information about Cascadia Pharmacy Group's Community-Based Residency Program, send an email to our Residency Program Director, Tara Pfund, at ...
Read more about The Value of Community-Based Residency Programs
Community Pharmacy Collaboration on the Global Stage: Jeff Harrell’s International Impact
As we approach the Fall of 2024, Cascadia Pharmacy Group continues its advocacy efforts for community pharmacy at the regional, national, and now international levels. Our commitment is to ensure that community pharmacies remain vital and relevant, with pharmacists recognized and supported as essential healthcare providers in their communities. One of the key takeaways was the shared struggle with pharmacy profitability and reimbursement, issues that are not unique to the United States. -Jeff Harrell Recently, our CEO, Jeff Harrell, attended the World Pharmacy Council (WPC) Conference, formerly known as Pharmintercom, in Lisbon, Portugal. This annual event brought together pharmacy leaders from 14 countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Israel, Spain, and the United States. The conference focused on roundtable discussions and presentations, where delegates shared insights into the challenges and successes of pharmacy practice in their respective countries. NCPA Coalition Representing the United States Jeff, along with National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) CEO, Doug Hoey, current NCPA President, Lea Wolsoncroft, and NCPA Immediate Past President, Hugh Chancy, represented the United States at this prestigious event. Doug Hoey, who also currently serves as the President of the World Pharmacy Council, was re-elected for another three-year term during the meeting, highlighting the significant influence and respect the NCPA holds on the global stage. International Takeaways: The UK, Australia and Canada The conference was an invaluable opportunity for Jeff and the NCPA team to engage with international counterparts, learning about diverse pharmacy practices and exploring potential solutions to common challenges. "One of the key takeaways was the shared struggle with pharmacy profitability and reimbursement, issues that are not unique to the United States," Jeff explained. For instance, the UK’s Pharmacy First program aims to position pharmacies as the first point of contact for primary care. While this initiative increases patient access, it also highlights the need for fair compensation for pharmacists—a challenge that resonates with many countries. Australia's success in leveraging government support through the Pharmacy Guild was also noteworthy. "Their approach to legislation and advocacy has led to thriving pharmacies, despite high operational costs such as taxes and utilities," Jeff noted. This kind of strategic legislative engagement is something the NCPA aims to emulate to enhance the financial stability of pharmacies in the U.S. Interestingly, Canada is beginning to face challenges similar to those in the U.S. with the potential infiltration of Express Scripts, a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). "The NCPA’s extensive experience with PBMs has positioned us as invaluable advisors to our Canadian counterparts, helping them navigate and mitigate the impact of PBMs on their pharmacy landscape," Jeff said. Jeff's Upcoming NCPA Presidential Term Looking ahead, Jeff's goals as the incoming NCPA President are ambitious yet essential. His focus will be on advocating for legislation that ensures fair and equitable pricing for pharmacy services. "We provide a premium product and should be compensated accordingly," Jeff emphasized. The relationships and insights gained at the WPC Conference will undoubtedly inform and enhance these advocacy efforts. Lessons to Apply to the Future of Community Pharmacy in the U.S. Jeff's personal experiences in Lisbon, including visiting local pharmacies and engaging with international leaders, have enriched his perspective and commitment to the global pharmacy community. As he prepares to take over the NCPA presidency in late October, his international engagement will play a crucial role in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future for pharmacies in the U.S. Cascadia Pharmacy Group is dedicated to supporting these efforts, confident that Jeff’s leadership and the global insights he brings will drive significant progress in our industry. Together, we are committed to advancing pharmacy practice and ensuring that our pharmacists are recognized and rewarded for their essential contributions to ...