Pharmacists, get ready: McKesson ideaShare, the nation’s premier community pharmacy event begins in just one week. From June 22 to 25, independent pharmacists will take over the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, for 4 days of empowerment, connection, and education.

McKesson ideaShare 2023 offers a slate of programming, with something for everyone. Attendees can earn up to 10 continuing education credits over the course of the meeting, as well as participate in roundtable discussions and learn from keynote speakers and networking events. New this year: McKesson has a track dedicated to pharmacy technicians featuring a CE sessions, a lunch and learn, roundtable and reception.

Session Previews: What To Look Forward To

Innovative Solutions to Elevate Community Pharmacy Practice

Thursday, June 22, 2023; 2:30-3:30 PM

On June 22, join Elizabeth Skoy, PharmD, associate professor at the North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy, for a session focused on how independent pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can make their pharmacy stand out from the crowd. Attendees will learn about the innovative ideas they can implement to better integrate them into the communities they serve.

The Sky is the Limit When Technicians Raise Up the Pharmacy Team

Friday, June 22, 2023; 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

At this lunch and learn round table, pharmacy technicians can come together to explore the tools and solutions they can use to make a noticeable impact at their pharmacies. From website improvements to managing the business, the tasks technicians can take on are endless.

Moving on Up: Pharmacy Life After the Pandemic

Saturday, June 24, 2023; 1:30-3:00 PM

Nichole D. Foster, MBA, Med, CPhT-Adv, manager of pharmacy technician and client education at CE impact, will lead this session around the challenges that pharmacy teams faced during the COVID-19 pandemic—and what subsequent challenges those teams can expect in the months and years to come.

Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year

Being able to stand out as a local pharmacy requires a few important steps: Of course, the business aspect of a pharmacy’s operation must run smoothly, but more than that, a local pharmacy is expected to connect with the community they serve. Forming real connections with the customers and patients they treat is what separates great community pharmacies from the corporate pharmacy world.

The 2023 Health Mart Pharmacy of The Year award will be presented at McKesson ideaShare during the Final Night Party on Saturday, June 24 at 6 PM PT. Meet the finalists for the award and learn more about the work they did to get here.

Eden Drug

Eden Drug, located in Eden, North Carolina, has been a Health Mart pharmacy since 2005. In those near-two decades, Eden Drug has remained a pillar of the community by going above and beyond for those it serves, from setting up a treatment room in the education center during the COVID-19 pandemic to teaching heart health classes at a local senior center. Eden Drug is a shining example of what a local pharmacy can provide for its people.

On the business end, Eden maintains a Med Sync program for 1800 patients. With accessibility paramount for local pharmacies, the staff also has a remote health program built into Eden Drug Quick Clinic.

Eden Drug has been nominated for Pharmacy of The Year because of the combination of positive patient relations, a smoothly run business, and community programs that reach beyond prescriptions and refills. “What we do is too hard not to feel good about, how we take care of our patients and employees,” said Eden Drug owner Peter Crouch, RPh.

Hazel Green Pharmacy

The staff at Hazel Green Pharmacy in Hazel, Alabama, understand that advocating for independent pharmacies to local lawmakers and legislators is one of the most effective ways to make sure those pharmacies are receiving the resources they need to serve their communities. Hazel Green pharmacists work with Bobby Giles of the Alabama Pharmacy Association to contact local legislators and pass PBM legislation, one of the most important issues for today’s pharmacies.

One clear sign of a pharmacy being plugged in to its community is when other businesses in the area are happy to collaborate. That is the case with Hazel Green, which partners with local businesses to provide flu vaccines, and a local gym to provide discounted supplements. Patients can also expect Lunch and Learn educational sessions conducted by Hazel Green staff with the help of local physicians. “Service is at the center of who we are,” said owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge Mike Powers. “We look for ways to serve our patients, serve our providers, and serve the community.”

Professional Pharmacy

Opening a second location is always a good sign for the direction of a business, and that’s what Professional Pharmacy plans to do this summer, a Baltimore-based pharmacy that has been with Health Mart since 2016. The Baltimore-based pharmacy has been with Health Mart since 2016. Staff at Professional Pharmacy understand that “members of the community” isn’t a demographic limited to just humans; staff supports the Baltimore Rescue Care Shelter by providing discounts to animal recues and shelters for compounded prescriptions, going beyond what is expected.

Physical health and mental health are more intertwined than many people realize. Professional Pharmacy understands this as well as any business, evidenced by work with patients who require mental health care. “We serve a large mental health population,” said owner Christine Lee, PharmD. “I consider myself blessed to have the talent, knowledge, and drive to survive in the current chaotic climate of independent pharmacy. All walks of life are welcome at Professional Pharmacy.”

Check back starting June 22 for our full coverage of McKesson ideaShare 2023.