MelisRxScripts: Recent Episodes
Melissa Murer Corrigan
MelisRxScripts podcast is a series of lively conversations with friends, colleagues and various leaders in health care, pharmacy and beyond. Host Melissa Murer Corrigan and guests share prescriptions for life that you can apply each day.
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 majority of both student pharmacists and pharmacy practitioners. Sara’s leadership in pharmacy, especially through mentoring, scholarship, and research in leadership development lives on in the lives of so many impacted along with the patients that she served over many years. Make sure that you stay to the end of this special episode where I have included an example of Sara’s impact on pharmacy residents.
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 industry, academia, nonprofits and government to accelerate solutions for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare issues. Tiffani loves giving back to organizations like Joy Bus and is a servant leader. Finally, we chat about her 2024 travel adventures and travel dreams for 2025.
https://www.joybus.org/
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-Champaign/Urbana. Her most recent hospital leadership positions include medical director of anesthesia and President of Medical Staff. She also is currently pursuing an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. We dive into her experiences breaking barriers as a woman in male-dominated fields and explore lessons learned along the way especially related to the art of balancing leadership, clinical practice and family life. Mentorship and colleague relationships have played a crucial role in shaping her success.
https://kelley.indianapolis.iu.edu/programs/physician-mba/index.html
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 Achievement Award (Recent Graduate) for leadership on the USP COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit. Farah is committed to empowering women in pharmacy and leads the APhA Foundation’s Women in Pharmacy Committee. Register here for the October 2024 Women in Pharmacy Fall Event
https://www.aphafoundation.org/wip2024fallevent
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 effects of treatment and how it will affect daily life. As a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist, she collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team. Kristen also shares examples of how to build your professional network, prepare for your clinical rotations, and land your dream job including her experience with pharmacy residency training and oncology pharmacy specialty certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
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, discusses being an advocate for collaboration and bringing people together in health care to advance innovation. As a mentor, Melissa champions connection, well-being and resilience.
Read Working Together: Summary and Recommendations of the 2022 Bridging Pharmacy Education and Practice Summit here.
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 her experiences as an educator, author, speaker and volunteer leader with multiple pharmacy organizations including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Finally, she describes her mentoring impact on the lives of 4,000 student pharmacists over multiple decades and how she is inspired to learn and grow every single day.
https://harveywhitney.org/lectures/diane-b-ginsburg/
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 times with family and treasuring every moment together. Finally, she honors her mentors who have supported her career journey.
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 difference by serving Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Beyond her pharmacy career, Erin shares a deep love for dogs, cultivated through decades of involvement in dog showmanship and training. We did a deep dive on her furry friends, Indy, Shannon, Maggie, and Baron. Indy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, shares love as a therapy dog at airports. Instagram: @Indy_the_speedy_cavalier
www.therapydogs.com
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, Emmeline reveals a big dream and thrilling adventure in the works.
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 to pandemic responses. Ready to lead change? Tune in to this MelisRxScripts podcast and be empowered to make a difference in pharmacy!
https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(23)00297-2/abstract
https://www.aphafoundation.org/honorees2022
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 & Communications Fellow. Jennifer, a seasoned pharmacist and educator reflects on legislative advocacy, training for pharmacy technicians and expanding pharmacists’ services. Tune in as we explore, mentors, resilience and the important role of state associations.
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, with education about the importance of lifestyle and how they may empower themselves to improve their health. Recorded during Women’s History Month, we also explored women’s health and the books The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks, The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body Healing of Trauma, by Sean Pratt, Bessel A. van der Kokl, et al.
Instagram: @Rootedinwellnessrx
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/deeannvalles
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 leadership journey and recognition as one of the APhA Foundation Women in Pharmacy Next 10 leaders. Finally, family is one of her biggest blessings and Magaly shares how she takes time to celebrate with them every day.
https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(23)00075-4/abstract
This paper summarizes the accomplishments of the ten contemporary women and documents their comments at the symposium, where they discussed their perspectives on practice innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, philanthropy, community service, and mentorship.
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 showing up with enthusiasm. Note: this episode was recorded as Emily departed for her pharmacy residency program Summer 2023 and is dedicated to our dear friend and mentor, Tom R Temple, past chief executive officer of the Iowa Pharmacy Association who passed away in September 2023.
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 ...
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 ...
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 then advocating for pharmacy at APhA. Ilisa reflects on embracing leadership through playing to your strengths. Finally, she shares her well-being experiences personally as a triathlete and describes APhA’s collaborative work on well-being.
Link to JAPhA article: https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00279-5/fulltext
Well-Being resources: https://www.pharmacist.com/wellbeing
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, she describes lessons learned from mentor and dear friend, Tom Temple, who previously served as IPA EVP and CEO from 1977-2012.
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 collaboratively going after it to improve healthcare access. Finally, she shares her passion for mentoring and increasing awareness of the pharmacists’ role.
Link to JAPhA article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1544319123000754
Importance of Having a Medical Advocate
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 opportunities. Finally, she shares her passion for storytelling, championing health equity with real world examples including being a featured panelist at The White House COVID-19 Health Equity – What Works Summit in 2022.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
In Episode 43, Melissa talks with pharmacist Kimber Boothe, a Strategic Pharmacy Coach and Consultant. Kimber has been described as a Connector and Pharmovator. They discuss her mentors and influencers ...
In Episode 42, Melissa talks with third-year student pharmacist Kennedy Erickson. Kennedy is the 2021-2022 APhA-ASP National President-elect and looks forward to celebrating in person for APhA2022 in San Antonio, ...
In Episode 41, Melissa talks with Certified Pharmacy Technician Sara Dreyer and Kelly Kent, Towncrest pharmacy co-owner. Recorded to celebrate Pharmacy Technician Day during Pharmacists Month, they discuss Sara’s career ...
In Episode 40, Melissa catches up with Kellie Musch, Site Manager, Pharmacy Services for Ohio Health Grant Medical Center and celebrates Pharmacists Month and National Pharmacy Week. They discuss Kellie’s ...
In Episode 39, Melissa talks with Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Loma Linda University, School of Pharmacy and a Critical Care Infectious Disease pharmacist. They discuss ...
In Episode 38, Melissa talks with Jann Skelton, President of Silver Pennies Consulting and a 2020 APhA Fellow. They discuss her experiences being part of a multi-generation pharmacy family along ...
In Episode 37, Melissa celebrates Season 3 and highlights a prescription or life lesson from her outstanding guests. There are so many insights on taking advantage of opportunities, setting goals, ...
In Episode 36, Melissa talks with Sandra Leal, an Executive Vice President for Tabula Rasa HealthCare and now serving as the 166th President for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). They ...
In Episode 35, Melissa talks with Christina Martin who recently returned to pharmacy practice at NIH Clinical Center and previously served as Director, Office of Member Relations at the American ...
In Episode 34, Melissa talks with Marialice Bennett, the recipient of the 2021 Remington Honor Medal the profession of pharmacy’s highest recognition. They discuss her pioneering vision for advancing patient ...
In Episode 33, Melissa talks with Jimmi Hatton Kolpek who currently serves as President of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). They discuss her passion for research, scholarship and ...
In Episode 32, Melissa talks with Vibhuti Arya, a Clinical Professor at St John’s University College of Pharmacy and racial dialogue expert. They discuss her work to bridge the gap ...
In Episode 31, Melissa talks with our first Dean and student pharmacist pair with Drake University’s Renae Chesnut and Olivia Welter. They discuss navigating change and innovation. Renae highlights Drake’s ...
In Episode 30, Melissa talks with Candace Webb who used a tragic family experience with healthcare to shape her passion for public health and addressing health disparities. They discuss her ...
In Episode 29, Melissa talks with Nancy Bell, a current member of the Board of Trustees for the Iowa Pharmacy Association. They discuss her passion for science and serving as ...
In Episode 28, Melissa talks with Jannet (Jan) Carmichael, a Past President of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and trailblazer on cutting edge pharmacy practice. Recorded to celebrate ...
In Episode 27, Melissa talks with Wendy Weber, currently serving on the APhA Board of Trustees and a Mom of two littles. They discuss integrating life and career and share ...
In Episode 26, Melissa talks with Valerie Prince, a clinical pharmacy specialist and recipient of the Linwood F Tice Friend of APhA-ASP Award. They discuss her leadership experiences and passion ...
In Episode 25, we kick off Season 3 of the MelisRxScripts podcast. Melissa talks with Michele Williams, Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship for the University of Iowa Tippie College ...
In Episode 24, Melissa celebrates Season 2 and highlights a prescription or life lesson from her outstanding guests. There are so many gems and insights on leadership, lifelong learning, innovation ...
In Episode 23, Melissa talks with Parisa, known as “Risa” Vatanka, Senior Director of Corporate Alliances at the American Pharmacists Association. They discuss her student pharmacist and pharmacy resident experiences ...
In Episode 22, Melissa talks with Lakesha Butler who is Immediate Past President of the National Pharmaceutical Association and proudly educates both students and patients in her role as Clinical ...
In Episode 21, Melissa talks with Erin Albert, a multi-passionate leader and a pharmacist, author, attorney, and podcaster. They discuss thinking broadly about opportunities for pharmacists and why it’s important ...
In Episode 20 of 2020, Melissa talks with Megan Coder, Executive Director of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance. They discuss her passion for digital therapeutics and navigating innovation and new healthcare ...
In Episode 19, Melissa talks with Sara J White, ASHP Past President and Harvey AK Whitney Lecture recipient. They discuss her innovative research on leadership, insights from training almost 100 ...
In Episode 18, Melissa talks with Connie Connolly, currently Chairman of the Board of the Iowa Pharmacy Association and clinical pharmacist with Osterhaus Pharmacy. They discuss being a first-generation college ...
In Episode 17, Melissa talks with Metta Lou Henderson, a research pioneer in the history of women in pharmacy. Recorded to celebrate Women Pharmacist Day during Pharmacists Month, they discuss ...
In Episode 16, Melissa talks with our first twin sister duo, Ashley and Brooke Barlow known as @theABofPharmaC on Twitter. These PGY2 pharmacy residents share how to get started in ...
In Episode 15, Melissa talks with ASHP Past President Lisa Gersema. They discuss leadership during these unprecedented times and the important role for pharmacy. Navigating without a playbook, collaboration, communication, ...
Welcome to Season 2! In Episode 14, Melissa talks with Sanela Bilic, founder and CEO of Vanadro which provides drug development consulting. They discuss her childhood, surviving in a war-torn ...
In Episode 13, Melissa celebrates Season 1 and highlights a prescription or life lesson from her outstanding guests. There are so many gems including leadership lessons, mentoring and relationships. The ...
In Episode 12, Melissa talks with Lynette Bradley-Baker who recently earned the ASAE Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential and serves as Senior Vice President for the American Association of Colleges ...
In Episode 11, Melissa talks with Rebecca (Becky) Snead who has proudly served as a preceptor for schools and colleges of pharmacy across the nation for 30 years. They discuss ...
In Episode 10, Melissa talks with Jeanine Abrons, an educator, international health professional, innovator and entrepreneur. They discuss life lessons learned from global health such as doing research, take the ...
In Episode 9, Melissa talks with Brianne Bakken, a member of the Midwest Pharmacy Workforce Research Consortium and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Science at the Medical ...
In Episode 8, Melissa talks with our first Mother/Daughter Duo Jan Engle and Liz Donnelly. Recorded before Stay Home measures during these unprecedented times, they discuss the Pharmacy White Coat ...
In Episode 7, Melissa talks with Nancy Alvarez, the 2020 Gloria Francke Leadership Mentor Award recipient. They discuss the importance of having people on your leadership journey encourage and lift ...
In Episode 6, Melissa speaks with Lisa Wilhelm, a Medication Safety and Compliance Specialist practicing in the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” Hershey, PA. They discuss her mentor, Mary Jo Reilly, ...
In Episode 5, Melissa talks with Jenelle Sobotka, a first-generation college graduate who is a nationally and internationally recognized pharmacy leader. They discuss her lessons learned from her high school ...
In Episode 4, Melissa talks with final year student pharmacist Kelli Jo Welter. Kelli Jo currently serves as APhA-ASP President and represents approximately 34,000 student pharmacist members across the United ...
In Episode 3, Melissa talks with Susan C. Winckler. Susan is a pharmacist and attorney and serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). ...
In Episode 2, Melissa talks to Sarah Gardial. Dr. Gardial is the first woman Dean in the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and soon will be returning south ...
In this inaugural episode, Melissa talks to Lucinda L. Maine. Dr. Maine is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. They discuss what ...