PHARMACY 50 AWARDS
The Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023, 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy. Coming in at number one is, Nadia Ahmad, PharmD, who works at a Walgreens pharmacy in Middlesboro, KY. Ahmad works as a dispensing pharmacist for Walgreens in Middlesboro, KY. She is cited for exemplary leadership, customer care and for her support for mental health issues, writing a book about being a pharmacist, and even incorporating a successful pet medication aspect of the pharmacy.
The 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy program was launched in 2021 by the PPN as a way to draw attention to industry professionals whose thoughts, actions, accomplishments and leadership have helped solve clinical, customer service and financial problems.
Unlike other awards program that focus on a particular aspect of pharmacy the Pharmacy 50 is designed to identify and honor people in all aspects of the industry. Eury says this goal is aligned with the mission of the PPN. He says with more than 40 different podcast hosts, and more than 100,000 monthly listeners, the PPN distributes original content that serves nearly all aspects of the industry.
This year’s event saw a 300% increase in the number of votes cast. Eury credits much of that growth to the number of positive press reports on past winners and the addition of two major sponsors to the program. He says, “Cardinal Health and the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) saw the value of a program that puts a spotlight on the people who are solving problems and advancing the role of pharmacists. Their participation in promoting the program made a big difference.”
Darren Thieding, Chief Operating Officer at Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) commented: “The excellence demonstrated by the winners of the Pharmacy 50 awards should give everyone confidence that pharmacy is poised to succeed in 2024 and beyond. With such great operators, healthcare professionals, and innovators at the helm we can work collectively towards tackling and overcoming the challenge of moving the industry forward. IPC is proud to be a partner in recognizing the excellent work done by these award winners. ”
WATCH THE PHARMACY 50 AWARDS HERE
Unlike other awards program that focus on a particular aspect of pharmacy the Pharmacy 50 is designed to identify and honor people in all aspects of the industry. Eury says this goal is aligned with the mission of the PPN. He says with more than 40 different podcast hosts, and more than 100,000 monthly listeners, the PPN distributes original content that covers the entirety of the industry.
Jay Phipps, PharmD, owner of 5 pharmacies, also known as The Pharmacy Gladiator, earned the number two spot. Phipps is the immediate past president of the Tennessee Pharmacist Association who’s efforts resulted in Tennessee passing major PBM reform in 2023. Rounding out the list, at number 50, is Nancy Banoub, R.Ph. Banoub adds an international component to the program as she practices at University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada, where she focuses on Specialty Medications.
Michael Hogue, EVP and CEO of the American Pharmacist Association had this to say about one of his colleagues and this year's honorees coming in the 19th position, Senior Vice President Dr. Ilisa Bernstein PharmD: "The profession is fortunate to have such a strong advocate at work every day fighting for our profession. Ilisa's dynamic, collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing some of the toughest challenges facing our profession in the federal and state regulatory world has a significant impact on pharmacists and pharmacies. I'm delighted she's been recognized in this way."
# 50 Nancy Banoub is a certified specialty pharmacist at Bayshore specialty pharmacy in Canada and certified Multiple Sclerosis specialist. With over 15 years as a pharmacist in Egypt and Canada, she has developed and demonstrated core competencies in specialty pharmacy, oncology, multiple sclerosis(MS), inflammatory diseases, HIV, and other complex and rare conditions. Nany’s focus and passion are towards MS due to personal reasons. She says that her purpose is to help patients feel empowered and live their best life during their treatment journey, by providing them with education, advocacy, and support. Nancy also enjoys mentoring and teaching pharmacy students as an APPE Preceptor at the University of Toronto, as well as creating digital content on complex and rare diseases. She mentions that her goal is to leverage her pharmacy, communication, and digital skills to reach and impact more people, and to contribute to the advancement of the pharmacy profession. Nancy also led her pharmacy team to join MS Canada during the MS walk event in 2023 to help fundraising for ongoing research and raise awareness. Nancy also has an online blog “The MS pharmacist “on Canadian Healthcare Network. Have been featured as a pharmacy innovator on pharmacy practice and business, a Canadian healthcare professionals’ magazine in May 2023.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-banoub%F0%9F%9A%80-rph-bsc-pharm-mscs-csp-2102857a/
# 49 Leslie Banuelos, PharmD, is a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, and has early committed to a PGY-2 in Emergency Medicine. She attended pharmacy school at Western University of Health Sciences, where she created her blog @LeslieBPharmD (formerly @pharmdtobe2023). Through this blog, she has been mentoring pre-pharmacy and pharmacy students and has become a brand ambassador for FIGS and ASHP.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-banuelos/
#48 DeArcy Vaughan, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, CDCES, CTTS is a highly accomplished executive pharmacy leader at McKesson with more than 20 years of experience in retail community pharmacy and managed care. She’s a champion for independent pharmacy engaging with Health Mart pharmacy franchise owners and their McKesson sales teams to improve the clinical, operational, and financial performance of Health Mart stores while providing excellent care to the communities they serve. You can find her on LinkedIn showcasing the stories of her pharmacy owners and discussing her passion for improving the lives of healthcare professionals through life coaching.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dearcy-vaughan/
#47 Behnaz Sarrami is a pharmacogenomics (PGx) Medical Science Liaison with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is a true trailblazer who thinks outside the box, developed continuing educations (CEs) on the topic of PGx, is a research consultant on grants at Washington University and contributes to their Public Health blog, co-author to various works related to precision medicine and med management for older adults, and host to PGx for Pharmacists Podcast. Behnaz received her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Georgetown University and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Creighton University. This is Dr. Sarrami’s 2nd time making the Pharmacy 50.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behnazs/
#46 Lindsay Dymowski Constantino is the dynamic force behind Centennial Pharmacy Services and the Long-Term Care at Home Pharmacy Network. Her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have not only reshaped the industry narrative for Long Term Care Pharmacy but also propelled the continuous advancement of the Long-Term Care at Home space. Lindsay pioneers this field while concurrently supporting conventional community and LTC pharmacy practices, emphasizing patient-centric care and elevating the pivotal role of long-term care pharmacy in the community setting.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-dymowski-constantino-0b354b76/
#45 Dr. Tara Schneider, PharmD. is an experienced pharmacy leader with a demonstrated history of providing and implementing revenue generating clinical services. Her mission is to empower pharmacists to maximize the profitability of Point of Care Testing and to improve patient outcomes. She specializes in implementing Point of Care Testing (POCT) services for independent pharmacies across the US. Her vision is to be the trusted source for pharmacists who are ready to advance their knowledge of POCT. Being an independent pharmacy owner herself, she understands the day to day struggles that pharmacists face. Many pharmacists have great intentions to start a new clinical service line but lack the time. That is where POCTi has been so impactful. She offers turnkey solutions for compliance, protocols, marketing strategy, implementation, guidance, and ongoing support to generate new revenue while improving patient outcomes through POCT. She believes in meeting her clients where they are in their journey to help them be successful in reaching their goals with POCT.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-schneider-pharm-d-43a8701ba/
#44 Sammy Yafai PharmDis currently the pharmacy supervisor at NYC HHC South Brooklyn Hospital. He graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy (Class of 2016). Prior to working at a hospital pharmacy, he was a pharmacy manager at CVS, who not only had district-level responsibilities but was responsible for Immunization performance at a regional level. He has demonstrated his influential abilities to lead the entire region of CVS pharmacies to meet Immunization target goals. During that time, he obtained his MBA degree to further supplement his business and leadership skills. When working with the team, his main goal is to lead an efficient team, but more importantly, to produce future leaders.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammyyafai/
# 43 Robert Kress, RPh is a pharmacist and a Functional Medicine Specialist. Robert leads the Mens # Health Program and consults with patients through the Soul of Medicine with Kay Corpus MD. Robert trains and educates other medical practitioners through his landmark training, Beyond the Labs- Clinical Protocols for Wellness. Robert has been named the ‘GodFather of Functional Pharmacy‘ by pharmacy professionals who have known and worked with Robert for over 20 years. “Robert’s dedication to functional medicine and pharmacy care is exceptional” commented Todd Eury, “Rob is delivering incredibly useful content for pharmacists across the country interested in shifting their practices to including more functional and holistic approaches to everyday living. Rob offers courses to Pharmacists on his website: https://www.functionalpharmacy.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkress/
# 42 Lisa Faast, PharmD With over 20 years of experience as a pharmacy owner, consultant, compounder, and businesswoman, Dr. Lisa Faast brings a unique perspective to independent pharmacy problems. Her passion is helping independent pharmacy owners thrive by shoring up cash flow and then focusing on diversifying and growing revenue streams. She is currently CEO at DiversifyRx, founder of Pharmacy Profit Summit and Pharmacy Badass University, and a multi-store pharmacy owner, in addition to being a wife and mom of 4.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisafaast/
# 41 Janan Sarwar, PharmD
Dr. Janan Sarwar is a dynamic publishing professional and pharmacist based in Louisville, Kentucky. She is the CEO and founder of Global Bookshelves International, an independent publishing house focused on creating a more empathetic world and co-founder of Publishing in Doses, a self-publishing consulting agency. Janan is a TEDxOcala 2023 speaker, giving a speech on the transformative power of books. She spent the last decade in the publishing industry, working within traditional and independent domains, publishing over 50 titles with over 200 authors – actively living a life of informed decision making.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janansarwar/
# 40 Chris Antypas is currently serving as President of Asti’s Pharmacies, which includes a retail, LTC, and 340b pharmacy, and Perigon Pharmacy 360, a nationally licensed and dual-accredited specialty pharmacy located in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to pharmacy ownership, Chris is a pharmacy consultant, specializing in employer benefits programs with medium and large, self-funded employers. He is the acting President of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association and an active participant/board member of many state and national organizations, with a passion to advance the profession and highlight the value delivered by community pharmacists to patients everywhere.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-antypas-6a331213/
#39 Shaun Jensen brings over twenty fives years of executive experience and a proven track record of success designing innovative Healthcare solutions. He is passionate about software improving patient’s lives and Pharmacy operations. Since 2004, Shaun has been the founder & CEO of JB Consulting, a technology firm providing consulting services and custom solutions to the Specialty Pharmacy industry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunjensenjbcg/
#38 Hussam Hamoush PharmD is the owner of Stonebriar Pharmacy and host of the Sports Pharmacy Podcast. He is a dedicated leader in his community and continues to hold the profession of pharmacy at a high level. Hussam is planning to build monthly content about pharmacists in athletic & sports medicine.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hhamoush/
#37 Daniel Bundrick RPh, CEO, has been a licensed pharmacist since 1985 who graduated from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. He has worked in many long term care pharmacies and corporate employee based pharmacies, and owned a local independent pharmacy for several years called Surfside Beach Pharmacy. He has been married to a pharmacist since 1985 and now has two sons and two grandchildren. I’m known as “Pop Pop” to them, the greatest name ever. Daniel won ISMP Cheers Award, Innovative Pharmacist, Preceptor of the Year twice. Currently, Dr. Bundrick is currently working on “green medicine” technology and educating health professionals on natural options of Integrative Medicine as Founder and CEO of Farm To Pharm Wellness.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bundrick-65502b71/
#36 Olivia Buckoski is a clinical pharmacist practicing at an FQHC in Asheville, NC. She graduated in 2012 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wingate University and is a credentialed American Academy of HIV Medicine pharmacist. Her professional interests include advocating for and providing care to LGBTQ+ youth and adults in Western North Carolina.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-buckoski-pharmd/
# 35 Dr. Sue Ojageer, is a pharmacist with over 15 years of experience. She is the founder of both PharmaSue, a revolutionary concierge health practice and Pharmacy Mentors an innovative online mentoring platform designed to deliver essential and practical knowledge to pharmacists, technicians, and pharmacy students. She is a trendsetter in pharmacy, influencer, and educator dedicated to driving positive changes and delivering valuable content through digital and print solutions.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueojageer/
# 34 Reuben Saba, PhD plays a crucial role in developing and implementing growth and expansion strategies for the Marley Drug brand. His commitment goes beyond mere involvement, demonstrating a strong dedication to driving growth and enhancing the brand’s market presence. With his expertise, Marley Drug is poised for success in the ever-evolving landscape.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubensaba/
# 33 Dr. Jesica Thomason Mills is a Pharmacist, Naturopath, Healer, Educator, Coach, Speaker, and Functional Medicine Practitioner with a mission to educate and empower everyone she meets on the journey of wellness. Dr. Jesica sees clients for wellness consultations, genetic testing, weight loss, infertility, lab interpretation, and wellness regimen planning. She is passionate about helping independent pharmacies thrive and adapt to new challenges, growing her businesses, educating and empowering her patients and private clients, and spending time with her three children.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesicamills/
# 32 Dr. Myla F. Marshall is a 2020 graduate who has spent her last 3 professional years completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Research and Development Quality Compliance and has since launched her career as a Clinical Oncology Risk Manager for Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Johnson and Johnson. In her free time she serves as a mentor for student pharmacists with aspirations of launching careers in industry as the CEO of MBRx Career Solutions and as the Director of Industry Coaches for PILs Inc. Through these experiences, Dr. Marshall has been able to showcase her passion for coaching and cultivating the future leaders and innovators of healthcare. To date, she has successfully supported the transition of over 30 students into the pharmaceutical industry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myla-marshall-pharmd-rph-665a48132/
# 31 Joshua Pirestani, BS a passionate champion for patients and independent pharmacies, gained prominence in the pharmacy industry following a life-altering experience. An independent pharmacist’s astute identification of a dangerous drug interaction led to hospitalization, ultimately saving Joshua’s life. This pivotal event, coupled with a subsequent diagnosis of a rare form of brain cancer and its complex medication management within independent pharmacies, fueled Joshua’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the indispensable role these establishments play in ensuring patient safety and well-being.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-r-272494b8/
#30 Fiona Sartoretto Verna is an Italian architect that leads the internationally acclaimed Sartoretto Verna firm in Rome, specializing in innovative pharmacy design &; fixtures with a 58-year legacy. Fiona is passionate about impacting pharmacy care by helping pharmacies to stand out in a competitive landscape of healthcare options. She’s an author of the book “Do You Speak Pharmacy?” Her global perspective, shaped by extensive travels and diverse cultural experiences, positions her as a leading expert in worldwide pharmacy design. Fiona boasts a rich portfolio of over 2500 pharmacies worldwide.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-sartoretto-verna/
#29 Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi is the Co-founder, President, and lead pharmacist of Honeybee Health – an accredited online pharmacy and pharmacy services platform with a focus on improving access to affordable generic prescription medications for patients and healthcare brands. In 2020, Honeybee Health became the first pharmacy to ship medication abortion pills on behalf of providers and in 2023, Honeybee Health officially became the first pharmacy certified by the FDA to dispense the medication abortion drug mifepristone. Today, Honeybee is the largest distributor of medication abortion and pharmacy partner to some of the countries biggest telehealth brands. Dr. Jessica was featured on the Time 100 Next in 2022 and Honeybee Health was on the Time 100 Most Influential Companies in 2023. Honeybee Health operates in 49 US states and territories. Follow Dr. Jessica on Instagram and Twitter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicanouhavandipharmd/
# 28 Dr. Courtney B. Smith PharmD, CSP, BCMTMS, is a 2014 graduate of Wilkes University. Since graduating, she continues to serve her pharmacy profession as the current Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA) Central Region Director and past board member of the International Society of Cannabis Pharmacists (ISCPh). Courtney continues to advocate for the enhancement and patient education of state medical cannabis programs in addition to lecturing a first of its kind medical cannabis elective course at her alma mater. Most recently, Courtney transitioned to a specialty clinical pharmacist role at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she uses her past direct patient care experience, in both traditional and alternative medicine, to provide disease state management and specialty medication education within the specialty pharmacy’s rheumatology service.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneybrookesmith/
# 27 Dr. Tamar Lawful, an Advanced Practice Pharmacist and Certified Nutritional Genomics Specialist distinguishes herself as a leader in the personalized health domain through her successful role as CEO and Founder of LYFE Balance. With the mission to empower women and decrease dependency on medications, she encourages transformative health journeys within the InHer Glow® health coaching program and pioneers the integration of nutrigenomics in health care practice via her forward-thinking Raise the Script™ training program.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtamarlawful/
#26 Nadia Malik, PharmD, experienced 20 years as a pharmacist within various industries including: retail, PBM, pharma and specialty pharmacy. The past 12 years, she has specialized in specialty pharmacy working as an Operations Supervisor, complex specialty drug launches, managing pharma clients to obtain network access, developing pharmacy patient services and managing pharmacy digital patient innovations.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-malik-pharmd-8652a41/
#25 Dr. Jill Boyett has been a Medical Science Liaison in Rare Diseases for a little over a year and absolutely loves working in this role. Prior to becoming an MSL, she was a Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacist for the University of Florida in Jacksonville, working closely with adults who were undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. She also held positions in Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research, and other supportive roles in the pharmacy department at UF Jacksonville. She graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina in 2003. Her career as a pharmacist span over 20 years and includes roles in retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, specialty compounding, consulting, and various leadership positions.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillboyett/
# 24 Dr. Tanoe is a Pharmacist in Oklahoma and the founder of the social media campaign #PizzaIsNotWorking which is public stand against poor working conditions in major chains like Walgreens, CVS, Rite aid and others. Dr. Tanoe started the campaign in 2021 and as of today, it has been an avenue of changes within states and has helped raised awareness through national and local media as well as media in the UK, Canada and Australia. Learn more about this monumental change in the profession of pharmacy by going to the Pharmacy Guild, a growing effort to unionize retail chain pharmacy.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bled-tanoe-pharmd-12215b108/
#23 David Randolph BS Pharm is an independent pharmacy owner in rural Western Nebraska that strives to provide advanced services with excellent patient care. He also endeavors to further the pharmacy profession through education, advocacy, mentoring, and action. In his free time, you can catch me doing fun educational content on tiktok.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-randolph-5608653a/
#22 Eric Huckins PharmD graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy Program and has over 10 years of health system specialty pharmacy experience, managing operations, business development, clinical programs, quality programs, patient access programs and strategic partnerships. In his current role, he oversees industry relations, health system strategy, payer strategy, and business analytics at Lumicera Health Services.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-huckins-2904b8a0/
# 21 Dr. Kenneth O’Shea (he/him) is a proud transman who uses his unique position as both a retail pharmacist and patient, to protect the health of people who are often marginalized and overlooked by the healthcare system. As pharmacy manager, he also makes sure to provide opportunities in the healthcare field for those who might not have them otherwise. A proud alum of the illustrious Hampton University, he is invited back every year as a guest lecturer for the School of Pharmacy’s Health Disparities course, specializing in queer health. This is Dr. O’Shea’s 2nd appearance on the #Pharmacy50
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-oshea/
# 20 Dr. Nhu Truong PharmD, brings over 13 years of industry expertise from a hospital Clinical Pharmacist entrenched in Corporate America to a holistic visionary, her transformative journey is fueled by mindfulness and meditation. Dr. Truong is a dedicated advocate, mentor, and business development partner, committed to guiding individuals towards well-being and supporting like-minded entrepreneurs in addressing mental health and burnout. Embark on a transformative journey with Dr. Nhu Truong, connecting today to unlock your true potential, craft a life radiating positivity, and cultivate empowerment, mindfulness, and purpose in a life-changing partnership.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nhu-truong/
# 19 Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA, is Senior Vice President at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), where she leads APhA’s strategies, policies, and programs related to pharmacy practice, advocacy, and partnerships, and guides APhA as the voice of pharmacists in all practice settings. From June 2022 to July 2023, Dr. Bernstein was Interim CEO and Executive Vice President at APhA, the first woman to lead as CEO in the 170-year history of APhA. For over 30 years, Dr. Bernstein worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she held several senior leadership positions, and has been a mentor to hundreds of students and leaders over the years.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilisa-bernstein-b67222174/
# 18 Libby Shelton PharmD, RPh is recent Purdue PharmD grad, entrepreneur, and industry fellow with Rutgers University. Being a first-generation college student ignited Libby’s passion for connecting students with the resources they need to thrive and inspired her to start Learn with Libby LLC. Learn with Libby is is a platform that empowers the next generation of pharmacists through mentoring services and digital resources.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libertyshelton/
# 17 Easton Bryant PharmD is an independent pharmacy owner and consultant in Kentucky who believes “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong!” He enjoys coloring outside the lines and says, “If you’re not standing out, you might as well be invisible,” when it comes to showcasing what independent pharmacies have to offer. Not only is Easton passionate about equipping the masses with impactful knowledge and resources, he is an advocate for the health of independent pharmacies as well. He heads up The Rx Grid, a collaborative roster of compounding pharmacies from around the country.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eastonbryant/
# 16 Shannon Reidt PharmD began her career as a practicing pharmacist and educator who spent time in a variety of clinical environments including family medicine clinics, home care, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. She leveraged her practice expertise to pivot to analytical software design and management. She current serves on the Corporate Strategy team at Surescripts where she leads research and analytics efforts.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-reidt-62470710/
# 15 Dr. Brittany Radomski is the Health Equity Program Director for Bethany Community Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Homewood, PA. Her team of pharmacists and nurses provide vaccinations, health screenings, and patient education at community sites in underserved neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh. She is a proud Pitt graduate and a 2023 recipient of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Award for her dedication to increasing vaccination rates in the community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-radomski-009bb827/
#14 Aniqa Azad PharmD is a Doctor of Pharmacy student at UCSF and graduates this upcoming May. Aniqa is currently a Lead Intern Pharmacist at the UCSF Medical Center, where she works with a diverse population of patients. She is passionate about providing equitable care, especially within BIPOC communities, and hopes to become an Oncology or Solid Organ Transplant pharmacist.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniqaazad/
# 13 Darshan Kulkarni PharmD, Esq Principal attorney at the Kulkarni Law Firm with over 25 years of experience as a pharmacist. Adjunct Professor at Drexel University School of Law, previously Visiting Professor at the University of the Sciences, advises on legal, regulatory and compliance issues for pharmacies. Darshan is an incredible content producer, podcaster, and writer. You can find his podcast here called ‘DarshanTalks’.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshankulkarni/
# 12 Patrick Hussey PharmD MBA, his wife, and their two young children reside in Pittsburgh, PA. With a PharmD and MBA, he offers 13 years of diverse expertise in long-term care pharmacy, guided by a commitment to servant leadership. His strategic approach, enhancing partnerships and operational efficiencies, is always guided by improving resident care and satisfaction.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hussey-pharm-d/
# 11 Sharon Faust PharmD, MBA is the Vice President, Specialty Pharmacy at Lumicera Health Services, a wholly-owned Navitus subsidiary and full service national specialty pharmacy accredited by both URAC and ACHC. With the company since its inception in 2014, she provides strategic direction and oversight at Lumicera, supporting its unique business model, growth and regulatory needs. In addition, her responsibilities also include oversight of pharmacy operations, clinical and quality programs, trade relations and strategic vision. Prior to joining Lumicera, Sharon worked as a clinical pharmacist in both retail and health system pharmacies. In these roles, she developed a clinical and patient-care foundation, conducting comprehensive medication reviews for patients with complex therapies and providing patient-centered consultations.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-faust-specialty-pharmacy/
# 10 Ben Heiser PharmD MBA Since joining Lumicera Health Services in 2015, Ben has been integral to the growth and success of the organization. Ben has an immense amount of pride in leading all the teams that deliver the exceptional clinical and customer service Lumicera is known for. Ben is excited for the future growth of Lumicera and helping to transform the specialty pharmacy industry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-heiser-pharmd-mba-csp-lssgb-2657178a/
# 9 Haley McKeefer is a passionate, bold Class of 2024 PharmD Candidate based in Fort Worth, TX. Haley serves as the current Chair of the Texas Pharmacy Association’s Academy of Student Pharmacists where she is a staunch advocate for the student pharmacist voice in pharmacy advocacy, mental health, and transformational leadership. Haley also is the Founder & CEO of BoldRx Communications, a personal branding company that helps young professionals dispense their best bold selves.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleymckeefer/
# 8 Dr Shane Jerominski is an online healthcare social media personality and labor organizer. Shane has been a practicing pharmacist in the state of California for 16 years in both retail and hospital settings. His page, The Accidental Pharmacist, has helped launch the Pharmacy Guild an organization that seeks to help the industry unionize on a national scale.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-jerominski-09a63013/
# 7 Joseph Friedman RPh ran a recognized and one of the first medical cannabis dispensaries, PDI Medical, in the state of Illinois. Joe is committed to delivering the best patient care when cannabis makes sense and says his Patients always came first. In the fall of 2016 PDI Medical was the first medical cannabis dispensary in the nation to host 4th year pharmacy students from two Illinois colleges of pharmacy to do one of their required 6-week clinical rotations for the first time in a medical cannabis dispensary. Friedman was the preceptor for these students.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephfriedman1/
#6 Shahida Choudhry PharmD was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is a proud mother of 2 children. Shahida is the owner of Palms Pharmacy, in Tampa Florida which has had an astounding 7 years in business. She’s made the Pharmacy 50 list in previous years and is a constant bright light for the profession of pharmacy.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahida-c-39a6461a/
# 5 Matt Lewis As Chief Commercial Officer for SPS Health, Matt leads through innovation and relentless focus on solving complex challenges facing the long-term care industry.
Prior to his current role, Matt was co-founder of LithiaRx and StatimRx, and worked for many years in the GPO and PSAO space, where he led account management and sales teams, and managed various pharma trade relations initiatives. Known for his positive attitude, smiling face, and ability to connect all the dots in a complicated industry, Matt’s passion and deep industry knowledge continue to be an asset to his clients, business partners, colleagues, and the teams he leads.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lewis-5394a436/
# 4 Joy Morrow PharmD is a driven and determined individual who will be graduating in May of 2024 from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD). Joy has over 18 years of working experience in the pharmacy field as a certified pharmacy technician and more recently, a pharmacy intern in both retail, prescriber dispensary, independent, and hospital pharmacy settings. Upon graduating from pharmacy school, Joy will be pursuing a pharmacy residency to obtain certification as a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joymorrow/
#3 Sami Shafiq, the late Dr. Shafiq is remembered as a resilient mother of three who overcame challenges to graduate from NSU COP in 1996. Widowed at 40, she continued her 27-year career, leaving a significant mark at Home Medical Supply, North Broward Hospital District, Walgreens/WBA, BMS, and ViiV Healthcare. Engaging in research, publications, and community outreach, Dr. Shafiq became an inspiring mentor, earning accolades such as the TED Conference Award, Next Generation Pharmacist, Mentorship and Alumnus of the Year. Her legacy as an exceptional pharmacist and mentor will be fondly remembered.
Find her memorial here: https://everloved.com/life-of/amtus-shafiq/
# 2 Dr. Jay Phipps, a Pharmacy Gladiator, is the founder, President and CEO of Phipps Pharmacy, an independent community pharmacy, with 5 pharmacies located in Tennessee and Mississippi. He currently serves pharmacy as the Immediate Past President of the Tennessee Pharmacist Association and Chair of the Tennessee Pharmacy Research & Education Foundation, as well as his community as a District 8 Commissioner for Carroll County, and the Vice-Chair of the Carroll County Drug Prevention Coalition. Dr. Phipps also serves as a keynote speaker inspiring audiences to Conquer the Coliseum in their Communities by passionately pursuing their purpose and REMAINING RELENTLESS!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjayphipps/
#1 Nadia Ahmad PharmD, Nadia Ahmad is a registered pharmacist with 11.6 years of experience. She is skilled in basic life support, medication therapy management, and healthcare. Nadia has worked in various pharmacy settings, including community pharmacies and pharmacy practice. She is certified in immunization and has experience in patient counseling and clinical pharmacy. Nadia is currently based in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and is licensed to practice pharmacy in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-ahmad-429240b2/
“As I accept the prestigious Top 50 Most Influential Pharmacist in the Community Retail Chain category, securing the #1 rank with overwhelming support, I find myself deeply humbled, honored, and profoundly grateful. This recognition ignites a heightened passion within me to amplify the vital, life-saving contributions of community pharmacists. Together, let's forge unity, growth, and upliftment within our profession and beyond. Thank you for this incredible honor and opportunity to make a meaningful impact.”
With over 305,000 active pharmacists in the United States, the ‘Pharmacy 50’ Awards aim to recognize and honor the individuals who have made remarkable strides in various categories within the pharmacy profession. These categories include Independent Pharmacy, Specialty Pharmacy, Long-term Care Pharmacy, Advocacy, Academia, and nine others, showcasing the diverse and impactful roles within the industry.
The ‘Pharmacy 50’ Awards ceremony will be broadcasted live for a global audience on multiple platforms, including YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, starting at 12:30 PM ET on Wednesday January 17th. Viewers can tune in to witness this exciting event and join the celebration of these remarkable pharmacy leaders.
“This year’s ‘Pharmacy 50’ Awards event promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable celebration of the outstanding individuals who have contributed immensely to the pharmacy profession,” said Todd Eury, CEO at PPN. “We are thrilled to bring together these influential pharmacy leaders, both in person and virtually, to honor their remarkable achievements.”
In addition to the live awards presentation, the event will feature insightful discussions, engaging interviews, and valuable networking opportunities, making it a must-attend occasion for anyone passionate about the pharmacy industry.
The Pharmacy Podcast Network extends its gratitude to the sponsors, partners, and all those who have contributed to making this event possible. Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Cardinal Health are this year’s awards sponsors. Their support has been instrumental in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of these 50 pharmacy leaders.
Thank you to our co-author of the #Pharmacy50 Awards Bruce Kneeland. Connect with Bruce via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-kneeland-96a271/
