Pharmacy Innovators Podcast

Halfway through 2026, one trend has become impossible to ignore: health systems are beginning to split into two very different camps. Some are playing defense—focused on reimbursement pressures, Medicaid shifts, workforce challenges, and tightening margins. Others are taking an opportunistic approach, using these same market forces to expand specialty pharmacy, strengthen infusion services, optimi...

Health system pharmacy is under more pressure — and expected to deliver more value — than ever before. In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson is joined by Dr. Kate Schaafsma, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Rush University Health System, and Dr. Jeff Oliver, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Orlando Health, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping modern health syst...

What does it take to turn pharmacy into a true enterprise asset? In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson is joined by Derek Imars, Executive Director of Pharmacy Supply Chain at IU Health, and Steve Rough, Chairman at Visante, to explore how pharmacy supply chain is evolving—from managing drug shortages to enabling growth in infusion and specialty services—through more connected, end-to-end strategies...

In this episode of Innovators Podcast, host Jim Jorgenson speaks with Dr. Sam Wetherill, VP and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Penn State Health, about his journey from Penn State pharmacy student to health system leader and how his 22 years of Army service shaped his leadership approach. They also discuss Penn State Health’s strategic priorities, the evolving role of pharmacy within health systems, an...

In this episode, Visante CEO Amy Amick and Chairman Steve Rough join host Jim Jorgenson to spotlight three powerful forces from Visante’s Top 10 Forces Shaping Pharmacy in 2026 — and why pharmacy is rapidly emerging as a strategic growth platform for health systems. This conversation is designed for both pharmacy and health system leaders who are responsible for margin, strategy, and overall enter...

As the 340B Rebate Model Pilot approaches, hospitals and health systems are preparing for one of the most significant shifts the program has faced in years. In this episode, Jim Jorgensen is joined by Kristin Fox-Smith, Managing Director, and Jerame Hill, Chief Strategy Officer at Visante, to break down what the new rebate model means for covered entities.   This conversation is especially importa...

In this episode of Pharmacy Innovators, host Jim Jorgenson sits down with Jim Jacobsohn, Chief Growth Officer at Visante, and Joelle Hall, Director of Infusion Strategy, to explore how infusion services are becoming a strategic lever for hospitals and health systems. The conversation highlights how shifting care delivery models, increasing consumer expectations, payer pressures, and new market dis...

In this episode, Jamie Leonard shares her journey from clinical pharmacist to Director of Pharmacy at Benefis Health System in Great Falls, Montana. She oversees pharmacy operations across the continuum of care, including acute care, cancer and infusion centers, long-term care, critical access hospitals, and Benefis’ 340B program. Jamie discusses the unique challenges of serving a largely rural an...

In this episode of Ask the Innovators, Jim Jorgenson sits down with Visante’s Angela De Ianni, Managing Director, and Nivedha Poondi, Consultant, to unpack the rapid changes happening across the 340B program. From the transition to a rebate model to the ongoing challenges around DSH eligibility, our guests break down what these shifts mean for covered entities and share practical advice on how hos...

In this episode of Pharmacy Innovators, host Jim Jorgenson sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Dawn Moore, Vice President of Pharmacy at Community Health Network in Indiana. With a career grounded in both strategy and service, Dawn shares her journey through health system leadership, her approach to ambulatory pharmacy growth, and the ways she's navigated competitive pressures in spec...

In this episode of The Innovators Podcast, host Jim Jorgenson is joined by pharmacy revenue cycle experts Maxie Friemel and Tim Miller to explore the often underestimated, and increasingly critical, world of pharmacy finances. The conversation goes well beyond billing, diving into key issues such as prior authorizations, denials, biosimilar adoption, charge structures, and payer audits. For hospit...

In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson sits down with returning guest Dr. Alex Varkey to discuss big changes—both personal and professional. Since his last appearance, Alex has completed his term as President of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and made a major career move, leaving a successful role in health-system leadership to join Visante. Alex shares what motivated his transition, wha...

In this episode of the Pharmacy Innovators Podcast, host Jim Jorgenson is joined by two powerhouse voices in the 340B space: Kristin Fox Smith, Visante’s own 340B expert, and Ted Slafsky, Publisher & CEO of the 340B Report. Together, they dive into the latest political and regulatory shifts shaking the 340B landscape — from new Congressional leadership and pending legislation to the major reor...

In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson talks with Dr. Brianne Bakken, PharmD, MHA, Associate Professor at The University of Iowa College of Nursing, about the National Pharmacist Workforce Study (NPWS) and its impact on pharmacy. They explore key findings on burnout, job satisfaction, and staffing shortages, as well as how AI, telepharmacy, and policy changes are reshaping the profession. Dr. Bakken...

In this episode of the Pharmacy Innovators Podcast, Visante CEO Steve Rough and President Phil Brummond dive into Visante’s Top Ten Issues Facing Health System Pharmacy in 2025 . This insightful discussion covers key topics such as alternative payment models, revenue cycle optimization, centralized medication access, and more—critical areas shaping the future of pharmacy practice. Join them as the...

In this episode, we address audience-submitted questions about the 340B Program with Kristin Fox Smith and Sean Hall, two leading experts from Visante. Topics range from potential legislative changes and manufacturer rebate models to operational challenges and future program expectations. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or simply curious about the 340B Program, this episode offers valuabl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Hager, Managing Director at Visante, and Lynn Thoma, Senior Director at Visante, as they share their key takeaways from the ASHP Midyear Conference. Dave and Lynn dive into the major themes shaping pharmacy practice, highlight perspectives that challenged or inspired them, and discuss how the conference content aligns with the current trends and challenges fac...

In this episode, host Jim Jorgenson welcomes Dr. Jenna Swindler, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at McLeod Health System in South Carolina. Dr. Swindler shares her career journey and provides an overview of McLeod Health’s pharmacy operations. The conversation dives into the critical role of "systemness" in multi-hospital organizations, highlighting how McLeod defines and implements this conce...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kendrea Jones, Director of Pharmacy at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in pediatric pharmacy. Dr. Jones shares her career journey, insights into the specialized pharmacy services at Arkansas Children’s, and how the hospital is tackling workforce shortages, high-cost therapies, and drug shortages. We al...

In this episode, Jim Jorgenson talks with Joe Lassiter, Ghalib Abbasi from Houston Methodist and robotics expert Frederik Ebert about the growing role of AI in healthcare, focusing on medication use and technology. They discuss how AI enhances clinical decision-making and automation, while also addressing its potential to reduce administrative costs in hospitals. Tune in to explore how AI is trans...

The 340B landscape is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities for healthcare providers. Visante is committed to helping organizations navigate the complexities that come with a 340B program.  To stay informed, listen to our latest podcast on all things 340B. Our guests, Ted Slafsky, Publisher and CEO of 340B Report, and Kristin Fox-Smith, Senior Vice President at Visante,...

In this episode of Pharmacy Innovators, we delve into the critical roles of leadership and advocacy within hospital pharmacy settings. Hospital pharmacists are not only frontline healthcare providers but also leaders driving impactful change in patient care. Join us as we sit down with St. Luke's Vice President & Chief Pharmacy Officer, Kelley Curtis, who shares her insights on navigating the...

In this special edition of our Innovators podcast, we address your questions about infusion services and site-of-care strategies. Join our guests, Erick Siegenthaler, PharmD, MHA, and Dale Drizd, Pharm D, RPh, as they chat with Jim Jorgenson about setting up a home infusion program, optimizing pharmacy revenue, preventing costly leakage, and much more. Gain valuable insights to enhance patient acc...

Delivering quality pharmacy care to communities across remote, often wintry Northern Canada presents unique challenges. Kevin McDonald and Sammu Dhaliwall from North West Telepharmacy Solutions join Jim Jorgenson to discuss overcoming geographical, weather, language, technology, and financial barriers to provide essential medications and clinical care. Kevin McDonald, Director of North West Teleph...

Don't miss this transformative opportunity to join Majid Tanas, a respected pharmacy executive and leader, for an enlightening discussion on mastering the complexities of today's healthcare landscape. Majid delves into the critical role of hospital pharmacy in enhancing the full patient experience, the strategic design of organizational structures to boost collaboration, and the imperative to aban...