MelisRxScripts

This is a Special Episode of the MelisRxScripts podcast where we return to hear from ASHP Past President and pharmacy legend, Sara J White who recently passed away. In December, I attended the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in New Orleans.  It was an inspiring meeting and I reconnected with many pharmacy friends. I also attended the Celebration of Life for Sara J. White. Women now make up the major...

In Episode 67, Melissa talks with Tiffani Shaw, CEO of Stead Impact Ventures & the Stead Foundation for an insightful conversation on leadership, innovation in healthcare, and philanthropy. Tiffani shares her career journey which includes gaining experience and expertise from outstanding mentors along the way. We dive deep into her current role in building collaborative ecosystems that unite i...

In Episode 66, Melissa talks with Dr Sasha Demos, a results-oriented leader and board certified anesthesiologist with over two decades of clinical experience.  Sasha’s career is impressive and diverse, she holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago, an MD from the University of Chicago and undergraduate degree in biophysics from the University of Illinois-Cham...

In Episode 65, Melissa talks with Farah Towfic, Senior Director of Healthcare Quality and Safety Center of Excellence with the US Pharmacopeia (USP). We discuss Farah’s passion for innovative technology and advancing medicines quality worldwide. She shares her experiences working as a pharmacist with the world-renowned Osterhaus pharmacy.  Farah also received the 2022 University of Iowa Alumni Ach...

In Episode 64, Melissa talks with Kristen Peterson, a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist with RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center and the recipient of the 2023 University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Genesis Alumni Award. They spend time talking about next steps for patients after a cancer diagnosis. Kristen describes the important role of an oncology pharmacist to answer cancer treatment questions on side ef...

In episode 63, Melissa is joined by pharmacist Gretchen Brummel. Gretchen “flips the script” and interviews Melissa, a pharmacist and Certified Association Executive, who also was recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy (January 2023). Gretchen and Melissa explore launching MelisRxScripts during the pandemic and how to start a podcast. Melissa, a servant leader, discus...

In Episode 62, Melissa talks with Diane B. Ginsburg, Associate Dean for Healthcare Partnerships at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy and the recipient of the 2024 Harvey AK Whitney Lecture Award ,  health-system pharmacy’s highest award. They discuss her Whitney lecture, “Pharmacy’s Golden Circle” and Call to Action. A servant leader, Diane shares insights on giving back and he...

In Episode 61, Melissa talks with Rucha Bond, Assistant Dean for Experiential Education at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. They discuss Rucha’s passion for research, scholarship and collaboration. Rucha is a graduate of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Academic Leadership Fellows Program and recently completed her EdD. Rucha reflects on navigating tough...

Looking to enrich your career as a pharmacist and preceptor? Check out MelisRxScripts episode 60 with Erin Keen, a clinical pharmacist focused on home-based primary care with the VA. As a preceptor and mentor, Erin fosters a supportive environment with active listening and engaging learning experiences.  She is dedicated to guiding future generations of pharmacists and committed to making a differ...

In Episode 59, Melissa talks with Emmeline Paintsil, an educator, pharmacist, and artist. Emmeline’s journey includes a deep commitment to making a positive impact on healthcare and paying it forward through mentoring. They reflect on their collaboration on the Zada Cooper Leadership Symposium and shared commitment to fostering belonging and empowering others to be the best they can be. Finally, E...

In Episode 58, Melissa connects with Jenny Bingham, a pharmacist, educator, innovator and advocate for health equity. Jenny shares her insights on leadership, mentoring, and paying it forward. Learn how to navigate career challenges with resilience and discover her pillars of wellness. Finally, Jenny shares highlights of her collaborative research on the history of American pharmacy contributions...

In Episode 57, join us as we dive into the world of community pharmacy practice innovation and advocacy with student pharmacist Haley McKeefer and her mentor, pharmacist Jennifer Fix. Haley, a 2024 PharmD candidate, recently recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy, shares her student learning journey and preparation for her upcoming role as a Health Policy & Communicat...

In Episode 56, Melissa celebrates Season 5 and highlights a prescription or life lesson from her outstanding guests. There are many takeaways on leadership, learning from failure, and paying it forward. Finally, there are reflections on the  importance of pausing to reduce stress and improve overall health.

In Episode 55, Melissa talks with Dee Ann Valles, a Functional Wellness Coach and AFMC Certified Practitioner. They discuss Dee Ann’s journey navigating health challenges along with family and pharmacy career transitions which then opened new opportunities for her. Dee Ann radiates joy and builds resilience during these dynamic times. She shares her mission for helping women, especially in midlife...

Want to transform pharmacy practice? Get real-world tips from Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, Associate Dean for Clinical Service and Practice Transformation at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. In Episode 54, Melissa talks with Magaly about her mentors that helped her build confidence to bring her passion for innovation & entrepreneurship in pharmacy to life. She also describes her...

  In Episode 53, Melissa talks with Emily Gajda, a PGY1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership resident. They chat about her experiences serving as a student ambassador and 2023 recognition as a Zada Cooper Leadership Award recipient. Emily and Melissa discuss mentors and serving as a role model. Emily emphasized the importance of getting involved in leadership activities and...

In Episode 52, Melissa talks with Christy Cheung, a Digital Health Enthusiast and co-founder of the AI Collective . They discuss her experiences improving digital foundational literacy and empowering pharmacists. She also gives insights on user experience and lessons learned from hackathons. Finally, Christy’s creative endeavors include content creation and sharing cooking and baking experiments t...

In Episode 51, Melissa talks with Hillary Blackburn, Founder & Host of the Talk to Your Pharmacist Podcast. They discuss Hillary’s passion for pharmacy and entrepreneurship along with the importance of taking the first step and getting version 1.0 out there. As she prepares to expand her family this summer, Hillary reflects on seasons of life, and related opportunities and challenges. Finally,...

In Episode 50, Melissa talks with Ilisa Bernstein, Interim CEO & Executive Vice President of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and recipient of the 2023 Alumni Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. They discuss Ilisa’s passion for both pharmacy and law, supporting her path to a 30-year career with the Food and Drug Administration and th...

In Episode 49, Melissa talks with Kate Gainer, Executive Vice President (EVP) of the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) and Mom of 4 under the age of 11. They discuss practical tips on work-life integration along with how to prevent burnout. Kate shares her personal experience of not matching in residency and that failure is an important component of both a successful career and a happy life. Finally...

In Episode 48, Melissa talks with Dr Anjanette Wyatt, President of the APhA Foundation. They discuss her middle school/high school education that sparked her interest in STEM and led to her pharmacy school education at Texas Southern University, one of the nation’s largest historically black universities. Anjanette reflects on her leadership journey, seeing a need in the community and collaborativ...

In Episode 47, Melissa talks with Dr Christina Madison, an award winning clinical pharmacist and founder of the public health consulting firm, The Public Health Pharmacist, PLLC. They discuss her leadership in advocating for the profession of pharmacy and communicating the value of the pharmacist.  Christina reflects on setting yourself up for success including hiring help and evaluating opportuni...

In Episode 46, Melissa talks with Kelly Brock, Executive Director of the Community Pharmacy Foundation.  They discuss her experiences making the most out of whatever circumstances and unexpected things come your way. She reflects on mentors who served as role models for both professional and personal activities. Kelly also describes integrating family life, being a Mom with a passion for community...

In Episode 45, Melissa celebrates Season 4 and highlights a prescription or life lesson from her outstanding guests. There are so many gems including insights on how to be bold and strategic, support women colleagues, navigate doubt and take care of your mental health.

In Episode 44, Melissa talks with Sharon Karina who works in prescription digital therapeutics and is a MBA Candidate with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. They discuss how her military family upbringing and frequent moves provided experiences to start over and adapt to challenges which although difficult, has served her well throughout her life. Sharon also shares insights from...