Welcome to a special episode of CPhT Connect,
the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike
Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they kick off part one of the
Top 10 Pharmacy Stories of 2024. This engaging episode
explores the major headlines, trends, and controversies shaping the
pharmacy world this year.
Top 10 Pharmacy Stories of 2024 (Part 1)
10. Pharmacists Gain Expanded Prescriptive
Authority
All 50 states and DC now allow pharmacists to prescribe
medications such as birth control, smoking cessation aids, and
vaccines. The hosts discuss the benefits for patient care and the
challenges posed to already overworked pharmacists, especially in
retail settings. Concerns about corporate misuse and competition
with doctors are also raised.
9. Technological Advancements in Pharmacy
AI and machine learning are revolutionizing pharmacy roles, with
applications in inventory management and error prevention. While
some fear job replacement, the hosts highlight AI’s potential to
enhance rather than replace pharmacy functions. However, skepticism
remains about retail chains prioritizing metrics over practical
solutions.
8. The GLP-1 Medication Craze
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained immense popularity,
contributing to the first decline in U.S. obesity rates in a
decade. The conversation touches on high costs, shortages, and
their controversial use as a weight-loss trend.
7. Formation of the Pharmacy Guild
Shane Jeromsky, Maurice Shaw, and Bled Tenoi lead efforts to
unionize retail pharmacies, targeting CVS and Walgreens locations,
including CVS’s corporate headquarters. The strategic moves,
challenges of location-based petitions, and long-term implications
are discussed.
6. Chain Pharmacies’ Stock Market Decline and
Leadership Changes
Both Walgreens and CVS have faced significant stock market
losses and CEO turnovers this year. Walgreens’ valuation plummeted
from $50 billion to $7.5 billion, while CVS stocks dropped 25% this
month. Concerns grow over Walgreens potentially going private under
a private equity firm, raising fears of worsened working conditions
for employees.