PodcastRx

On this episode, we welcome back Deborah Milito, director of clinical and consultant services for Diamond’s long-term care division, to talk about the threat of candida auris. Since first appearing in Japan in 2009, this drug-resistant fungus has showed up around the world and poses a threat to the sickest of the sick, especially in places like skilled nursing facilities. Deborah gives us the rund...

On this late summer episode, Chris Bender of the OPTICS clinical pharmacy team sheds light - sunlight in particular - on drug-induced photosensitivity. He breaks down phototoxicity and photoallergy and how exactly the sun causes these conditions, cites the most common medications susceptible to photosensitivity, and talks about treatment. We also discuss the relationship between drugs and heat-rel...

On this episode, we're joined once again by Dr. Deborah Milito of Diamond's long-term care division, to discuss recent changes to the CMS State Operations Manual for long-term care facilities. We review a number of revisions and updates related to infection control, immunizations, medication stewardship, and more. It's an easy-listening regulatory roundup for any skilled care pharmacist or profess...

On this episode, pharmacist Henry So from the OPTICS team returns for a straightforward clinical discussion of bariatric surgery.  We talk about history of bariatric procedures, their efficacy, and the risks and downstream effects of surgery. We also cover what role pharmacists have in post-bariatric patient care and what Henry and his team have done to assist providers in this area.

On this bonus episode of PodcastRx, we're joined by Deborah Milito, Diamond’s director of clinical and consultant services for the long-term care division, for a quick and concise conversation about psychotropic stewardship. Deborah explains the CMS regulatory reasons behind her recent focus in this area, what psychotropic medications are of interest to CMS surveyors, and what ideal psychotropic s...

With our many previous discussions about opioid-related topics on this show, it was given that OPTICS pharmacist Chris Bender would return to discuss the latest news surrounding the over-the-counter approval of Narcan nasal spray. We look at how naloxone products work, why 4 mg NARCAN nasal spray in particular was chosen for OTC status, concerns over costs and accessibility, and what the designati...

OPTICS clinical pharmacists Chris Bender and Nancy Chia stop by to give a sneak preview of their upcoming presentations at the NCCHC Spring Conference on correctional healthcare. We find out what topics they're focusing on, the novel ways they're presenting the information, and what they hope attendees will take away from the conference. We also discuss the opportunities that presenting at NCCHC p...

Before John Crupie became a pharmacist supervisor for Diamond, he spent nearly 30 years ascending the heights of retail pharmacy management with Kmart. With his many years working for a big chain, John was the perfect guest to discuss the ongoing pharmacist shortage plaguing retail pharmacies across the country. We get John’s thoughts on the systemic factors driving the phenomenon and what possibl...

On this special two-part episode, clinical pharmacist supervisor Zane Gray and pharmacist Chris Bender from the OPTICS team join us for a look at drug shortages and the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act. In part 1, Zane discusses some of the current shortages of prescription and over the counter drugs affecting Diamond customers, the factors behind these shortages, and how Diamond ultimately h...

On this episode, we welcome SapphireHealth Sales and Implementation Coordinator Nikki Tuskey and Lead Architect and developer Geff Caruso. When Diamond Pharmacy decided to develop corrections-focused eMAR and EHR software over a decade ago, Nikki and Geff were there at the ground level. Our conversation goes back to those early days to learn about the people and processes instrumental in building...

We welcome back OPTICS clinical pharmacist Christopher Bender to talk about the rising popularity of GLP-1 agonists - semaglutide in particular. We talk about these drugs profound impact on diabetes and weight loss management and how drugs like Ozempic have become in-demand among celebrities and social media influencers. Of course, we also cover the basics: How they work, safety concerns, prescrib...

On this episode, Henry So of the OPTICS clinical team stops by to address questions related to transgender patient care. We discuss the steps pharmacists can take to optimize care for transgender patients, take a closer look at available hormone therapies, and talk about common questions that Henry and his OPTICS colleagues receive from providers. Recording Date: 10/31/2022 Further reading: Transg...

RN consultant and nurse practitioner Debbie Yackuboskey returns for a quick discussion of influenza. We explore the expected severity of the upcoming flu season, review the available vaccines, dive into vaccine hesitancy, and discuss the ultimate protections afforded by an annual flu shot. Link to "2022 National Survey: Attitudes about Influenza and Pneumococcal Disease, and the Impacts of COVID-1...

On this episode, we welcome OPTICS clinical pharmacist supervisor Zane Gray and special guest Mitchell Tonkin to the show. Mitch is in his final year of pharmacy school at Duquesne University and had the opportunity to intern with Zane and the OPTICS clinical team. We talk to Mitch about his formative pharmacy experiences, what makes Duquesne University a great pharmacy school, and of course, what...

Pharmacist Henry So from Diamond's OPTICS clinical team makes his first repeat visit to the show for a discussion of monkeypox. We go over its origins, symptoms, transmission, and even the reason behind its unusual name. We also talk about the available vaccines and antiviral treatment options and what OPTICS is doing to help educate correctional healthcare partners about monkeypox. Recording Date...

OPTICS pharmacist Chris Bender is back for a rundown of a some timely COVID-19 clinical topics. We discuss the Novavax vaccine, the anticipated rollout of fall booster shots, the use(or underuse)of Evusheld, the Paxlovid rebound, and more. Chris also takes a moment thoroughly go over all the current clinical guidance for booster shots. Recorded 8.12.2022 Link to CDC guidance for booster shots: www...

On this episode, our very own Dr. Deborah Milito returns to talk her big election win as President Elect of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. We talk about Deborah’s history with the ASCP and senior care pharmacy, the many professional opportunities ASCP provides pharmacists, and a few of Deborah’s visions for the presidency. And we also take a brief digression to discuss the recent...

On June 23, 2022, Diamond Drugs CEO, President, and owner Mark Zilner will be inducted in the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to the local economy and leadership in business. Since joining his parents’ company over 30 years ago, Mark has helped Diamond grow from a largely local business into the nation’s largest correctional pharmacy provider and one...

On this episode, Chris Bender of the OPTICS clinical pharmacy team breaks down recent developments surrounding the pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, and Shingles vaccines. We discuss the impact of new vaccines on the market for pneumococcal and Hepatitis B and how they compare with what’s already available. We also talk about the updated CDC recommendations for all three vaccines. Recorded 4.28.2022 Link...

From a tender age, OPTICS pharmacist Henry So recognized the difference that patient advocacy and education could make in healthcare outcomes. As the child of an immigrant family, Henry watched his diabetic father grapple with language barriers, rigid prescription guidelines, and uncomfortable side effects from medication as he struggled with the disease. In these difficult moments, Henry could se...

On this episode, Chris Bender, clinical pharmacist with Diamond’s OPTICS team, gives us a rundown on the latest oral therapies for COVID-19 patients: paxlovid and molnupiravir. We look at how these therapies work, how they compare to existing COVID therapies like monoclonal antibodies, and what side effects and safety considerations they carry. And we also talk with Chris about the overall accessi...

In late 2021, Diamond Pharmacy’s Drug Information Center was renamed the Office of Pharmacy Therapeutics and Integrated Clinical Services, or OPTICS. Since 2015, the clinical pharmacists of the Drug Information Center had been an invaluable resource to healthcare providers looking for answers to difficult medication questions. But in recent times, it became clear that these pharmacists had more to...

On this episode, it’s Part 2 of our roundtable discussion with the clinical pharmacists of Diamond’s Office of Pharmacy Therapeutics and Integrated Clinical Services, or OPTICS. On this side of the discussion, we get a bit personal to learn why the OPTICS team chose careers in clinical pharmacy and what OPTICS has done for their professional growth so far. And then we talk about the future of OPTI...

PodcastRx listeners- we’d like to thank you all for another year of continued support. It’s very encouraging to see our listenership continue to grow. In fact, we’ve noticed people tuning in from new states and new countries with each episode. For this little show out of Indiana, Pennsylvania, that’s really exciting. And of course we hope that number and reach continues to go up in the coming year...

On this episode, Dr. Deborah Milito, director of skilled and consultant services for Diamond’s skilled division, returns to answer a fresh round of frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine questions. We delve into common queries about boosters, children’s vaccines, natural immunity and more. And we also briefly chat about her recent experiences leading the Diamond Strike Force immunizers, along with her...