The pharmacy landscape is ever evolving, and with challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, those changes seem to happen faster than ever. In this episode of the PharmacyNow Podcast, our host, Scott Vondeylen, sits down to discuss these changes with Sandra Leal, PharmD, MPH, CDE, Executive Vice President for Tabula Rasa HealthCare, and President-elect of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

Following an in-depth conversation covering legislation for prescribing authority, testing opportunities for pharmacies, and gaps in state and federal regulations, here are our top 3 takeaways:

1. APhA

The APhA serves as a top resource for pharmacists on the frontlines of COVID-19. The organization, founded in 1852, represents 60,000 practicing pharmacists, scientists, and interprofessional stakeholders and is a leading advocate for the pharmacy profession. As President-elect, Dr. Leal remains committed to advancing the field of clinical pharmacy, and to continue the recognition of the pharmacist seen during the developing pandemic. The APhA is also a resource for CE and COVID-19 related information to help pharmacies overcome challenges associated with the pandemic. Visit their website at pharmacist.com.

2. COVID-19 Testing

As the nation’s most accessible care provider, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help flatten the curve throughout the country. By securing testing opportunities, pharmacies can serve their communities as accessible and trusted healthcare destinations. Dr. Leal also notes that pharmacists are at the ready to serve their communities further through vaccinations – especially once a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.

3. Access for All

Dr. Leal has been instrumental in the implementation of the APhA Foundation’s Project IMPACT: Diabetes Prevention, a collaborative program conducted in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program, committed to national diabetes prevention, leverages telehealth capabilities to deliver curriculum to thousands of at-risk adults in underserved communities in the United States.

Links to learn more about Sandra Leal:

Sandra's Twitter

Sandra's LinkedIn

Follow us:

twitter.com/PrescribeWell

instagram.com/prescribewellness

linkedin.com/company/prescribewellness

Subscribe:

blog.prescribewellness.com/podcast/

Love what you heard? Leave us a review!

We want to hear from you!

Write in and let us know what you think about the show, who you’d want us to interview on future episodes, and any feedback you have for our team.