Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast

Episode 10. Women's Health Series 2 - Empowering Access: The Role of Pharmacists in Prescribing Hormonal Contraception

In this episode of The Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Micaela Hayes and Dr. Morgan Grier explore the pivotal role of pharmacists in expanding access to hormonal contraception. They discuss the benefits of pharmacist-prescribed contraception, from reducing unintended pregnancies to overcoming common access barriers, especially for individuals in underserved communities. The episode covers various state protocols, legislative frameworks, and challenges in reimbursement that impact pharmacists' ability to prescribe.

Episode 09. Women’s Health Series - Contraception

In the first episode of The Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast "Women’s Health Series," co-hosts Micaela Hayes, PharmD, and Morgan Grier, PharmD, tackle the topic of contraception. They explore various contraceptive options—from combination hormonal methods like pills and patches to progestin-only options and emergency contraception—highlighting each method's benefits, risks, and effectiveness. With practical advice, real-life case studies, and a myth-busting Q&A, Micaela and Morgan guide listeners through choosing the best contraception for individual needs.

Episode 8: Collaborative Pharmacy Consulting and Expanding Ambulatory Roles

In this episode, host Micaela Hayes, PharmD, welcomes Jaron Stout, PharmD, FASCP, to discuss the dynamic field of collaborative pharmacy consulting and the expanding roles within ambulatory care. Dr. Stout shares his insights on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing patient care, the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists in ambulatory settings, and strategies for integrating pharmacy services into primary care. This episode highlights real-world examples and practical tips for pharmacists looking to broaden their impact in healthcare.

Episode 7. Collaborative Practice Agreements with Jessica and Marianna

In this episode, host Micaela Hayes, PharmD, delves into the world of collaborative practice agreements and the crucial role of pharmacists in this dynamic field. Joined by two experts from the Avant Institute, Dr. Jessica Sinclair, Director of Education and Research Outcomes at Avant Pharmacy and Wellness Center and Director of the Fellowship at Avant Institute, and Dr. Mariana Wilbur, faculty pharmacist and Assistant Director of the Fellowship at Avant Institute, the discussion covers the ins and outs of collaborative practice, best practices, and the future of pharmacy in ambulatory care. This informative and engaging episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the evolving role of pharmacists.

Episode 6. The Great Debate: Unpacking the Controversy of GLP-1 Agonists

In this episode, Micaela and Morgan delve into the controversy surrounding GLP-1 medications, exploring its various dimensions from the lens of ambulatory care pharmacy. They discuss the role of social media in shaping perceptions, the challenges posed by compounding and online pharmacies, as well as the impact of backorders and supply chain issues on patient care and healthcare providers.

Episode 5. Diving Deep: The Literature on GLP-1 Agonists

In this episode of the Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast, the hosts discuss various studies and trials related to GLP-1 medications for weight management and cardiovascular outcomes. They provide updates on their personal lives and share their experiences with different vehicles, such as Jeeps and Broncos. The studies discussed include the Surmount 1 study, which showed significant weight loss in patients without diabetes; the Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated with GLP-1s study, which highlighted potential side effects of GLP-1 medications; the SELECT trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of semaglutide in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular disease; and a phase 2 trial of Retro-True Tide, a triple hormone receptor agonist that showed impressive weight loss results. The hosts also discuss the limitations and implications of these studies.

Takeaways

• GLP-1 medications have shown significant weight loss in patients without diabetes.
• GLP-1 medications may have gastrointestinal side effects, but the overall risk is small compared to the potential benefits.
• Semaglutide has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
• Retro-True Tide, a triple hormone receptor agonist, has shown impressive weight loss results in a phase 2 trial.
• It is important to consider the limitations and implications of these studies when evaluating the use of GLP-1 medications.

Episode 4. GLP-1 Agonists Unveiled Series: Introduction to GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity

In this episode of the Pharm So Hard Podcast, the hosts discuss GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and to treat obesity. They provide an overview of the history and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, highlighting their clinical superiority and various benefits. The hosts also explain the role of GLP-1s in the body, including their glucose-dependent insulin secretion and effects on gastric emptying. They discuss the impact of GLP-1s on hunger and mental health, emphasizing the reduction of food noise and improvement in satiety levels. Additionally, they differentiate GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and weight loss and explore their indications and guideline positioning.

Takeaways 

• GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and to treat obesity.

• GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown clinical superiority to other anti-hyperglycemic drugs, improving glycemic control, reducing weight loss and blood pressure, and providing cardio-protective benefits.

• GLP-1s increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion, block glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying, leading to improved blood sugar control and increased satiety.

• GLP-1 receptor agonists have a positive impact on mental health, reducing food noise and helping individuals make healthier food choices.

• Different GLP-1 receptor agonists have specific indications for diabetes and weight loss, and their use is guided by clinical guidelines.

• GLP-1 receptor agonists are FDA-approved for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and for the treatment of obesity.

• The choice of GLP-1 receptor agonist depends on factors such as comorbidities, weight loss goals, and patient preferences.

• GLP-1 receptor agonists have different dosing regimens, and the specific dose may vary based on the indication and the product.

• Common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these side effects often improve with continued use and proper management. GLP-1 agonists can cause loss of appetite as a side effect.

• GLP-1s are being used off-label for conditions such as NAFLD and depression.

• GLP-1s may have positive effects on bone health and blood pressure.

• The high cost of GLP-1s poses challenges for patient access.

Episode 3. From the Pharmacy to Your Playlist: Meet Our Co-host, Micaela

In this episode, Morgan Grier and Micaela Hayes discuss Micaela's personal and professional journey to becoming an ambulatory care pharmacist. Micaela shares her early interest in softball and how it led her to explore pharmacy as a career. She talks about her educational path, including her undergraduate studies in biochemistry and her decision to pursue pharmacy school at Wingate University. Micaela also discusses her passion for ambulatory care and her goals for the Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast, which include promoting the versatility of ambulatory care practice and advancing the pharmacy profession. In this conversation, Micaela Hayes discusses her vision for the podcast, which includes a deeper dive into ambulatory care and reviewing clinical topics. She also shares her plans for engaging with the audience through social media and other platforms. Micaela highlights the challenges of reimbursement and limited acknowledgement of pharmacists as providers in ambulatory care, as well as the successes of pharmacists in demonstrating their value to the healthcare team. She offers advice to aspiring pharmacists, emphasizing the importance of seeking out opportunities and mentorship. Outside of pharmacy, Micaela enjoys horses, music, and dancing. She also shares her excitement about her upcoming low-maintenance wedding in October.

 

Takeaways

• Micaela's journey to becoming an ambulatory care pharmacist started with her early interest in softball and her love for working on a team.

• She pursued pharmacy as a career after her sister suggested it as a good fit for her interests in math and science.

• Micaela's passion for ambulatory care stems from her desire to work in an interdisciplinary healthcare team and spend one-on-one time with patients to improve their health.

• The Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast aims to create a community of ambulatory care pharmacists, provide valuable content, and promote and advance the pharmacy profession. The Pharm So Hard Ambulatory Care Podcast will focus on ambulatory care and clinical topics, providing insights into different roles and models in ambulatory care and discussing guideline updates.

• Engaging with the audience will be done through the podcast, social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, and LinkedIn.

• Challenges in ambulatory care include reimbursement issues and the need to advocate for the value of pharmacists in the healthcare system.

• Successes in ambulatory care include demonstrating the value of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes and contributing to preventative care.

• Aspiring pharmacists should seek out opportunities to explore their interests, connect with mentors, and advocate for the experiences they want.

• Micaela's hobbies include horses, music, and dancing. She is also excited about her upcoming low-maintenance wedding in October.