Pharmacy In Practice Podcast

When expertise is no longer enough: Power, leadership, and the future of Pharmacy in the age of AI

OverviewIn this thought-provoking episode, Johnathan sits down with Professor Zubin Austin to explore how the traditional foundations of pharmacy — knowledge and expertise — are being disrupted by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and changing societal values. Together, they unpack what this means for pharmacists’ professional identity, leadership, and the evolving power dynamics within healthcare.Key Themes & Discussion Points:The Myth of the “Expert in Medicines”Pharmacy’s historical reliance on expert power as defined by French & Raven’s classic social power model.The self-anointed nature of expertise — and why it may no longer be enough.AI and the Erosion of Informational PowerHow AI democratises knowledge and challenges professional authority.The rise of “health influencers” and the collapse of shared truth in the post-expert era.Leadership and the Power Gap in PharmacyInsights from research showing pharmacists’ discomfort with using power explicitly.Why leadership education must evolve beyond charisma toward genuine influence and accountability.Learning from Nursing: The Power of CareNursing’s success in defining itself through care rather than knowledge.The origins of pharmaceutical care in the 1990s — and how it can be reimagined today.Can pharmacists redefine their identity around care, empathy, and patient outcomes?Pharmaceutical Care 2.0 — The Five PillarsPut patients firstDefine clear, reproducible standards of careIntegrate fully across health professionsDeliver measurable outcomes through innovationAlign payment with system-wide valueThe Central Question:When expertise is no longer enough, is the power of care enough?Looking Ahead:This conversation sets the stage for the 2026 Pharmacy in Practice Conference, themed around “Power, Leadership, and the Future of Pharmacy.”📅 Date: March 25th, 2026📍 Location: Novotel Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh🎟️ Registration: Now open at [Pharmacy in Practice website]Credits:Hosted by Johnathan LairdGuest: Professor Zubin AustinProduced by Pharmacy in Practice

Paul Bennett: Leadership, the RPS, and the Future of Pharmacists

In this episode of the Pharmacy in Practice Podcast, host Johnathan Laird and guest Chief Executive of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Paul Bennett discuss leadership challenges, the evolution of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and the future of pharmacists.Key Discussion Points:Discussion and acknowledgement of leadership challenges, particularly in balancing diverse organisational interests.Discussion on the RPS and its evolving relevance to pharmacists.Bennett provides insights into the RPS's transformation since 2010, including membership decline and efforts to demonstrate value.Debate over whether the RPS prioritises organisational survival over representing pharmacists' interests.Exploration of the potential establishment of a Royal College of Pharmacy and its implications for the profession.Discussion on maintaining independence while ensuring organisational sustainability.Explanation of the upcoming Special Resolution Vote on RPS’s Royal Charter changes.Key questions about the RPS’s mission, independence, and expected changes for pharmacists were raised.Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership, governance, and the evolving landscape of pharmacy.

Exploring AI and the evolving role of pharmacists with Steve Smoke

In this episode of the Pharmacy in Practice podcast, host Johnathan Laird sits down with U.S. pharmacist Steve Smoke for an insightful conversation spanning the current political climate in the U.S., the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmacy, and innovative approaches to patient care. We are also joined by our fantastic new editor, Grace Lewis, and we are revealing our new podcast jingle. Johnathan and Steve share their unique perspectives, shaped by their experiences in Scotland and the U.S., respectively. Highlights include: AI in Pharmacy: Johnathan’s enthusiasm for AI and its potential to revolutionize pharmacy. Steve’s candid discussion about the intimidation many pharmacists feel towards AI due to insufficient training. A call for foundational conversations to demystify AI and equip pharmacists with the tools they need to embrace it. Steve’s Professional Journey: Transitioning from clinical pharmacy to informatics, a path shaped by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. His upcoming role as the lead informatics pharmacist for his health system. Innovative Concepts in Pharmacy: Johnathan introduces "technoceutical care," an approach that leverages technology to enhance patient outcomes. Contrasting perspectives on pharmacy practice in hospital versus outpatient settings. Vaccination and Antimicrobial Resistance: Steve’s advocacy for current vaccines and the potential for new vaccines to combat resistant pathogens. Johnathan’s critical view of the pharmaceutical industry's motives sparked a balanced discussion on the role of vaccines in public health. The Role of AI in Pharmacy: Categorizing AI’s potential applications into clinical pharmacy, operations, and administrative tasks. Ethical considerations surrounding "Sovereign Data" and the importance of individual data ownership and transparency. The transformative potential of AI and the challenges of integrating it into pharmacy practice. Key Takeaway:Johnathan and Steve’s conversation provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersections between technology, public health, and the evolving role of pharmacists. As they reflect on the future, they share a vision of reconvening in a decade to assess how far the field has come. Tune in to Learn: How AI is shaping the future of pharmacy. The innovative concept of "technoceutical care." Insights into vaccination strategies to address antimicrobial resistance. Ethical and practical considerations for adopting new technologies in pharmacy practice. Follow Us: Stay updated with the latest episodes and discussions by subscribing to the Pharmacy in Practice podcast.

Breaking the cycle: How pharmacists can lead the fight against Scotland's drug death crisis

Breaking the Cycle: How Pharmacists Can Lead the Fight Against Scotland's Drug Death Crisis Guest: Professor Catriona Matheson Episode Summary:In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Professor Catriona Matheson, an accomplished pharmacist, researcher, and advocate for harm reduction in tackling Scotland’s drug-related death crisis. With one of the highest drug-related mortality rates in Europe, Scotland faces a pressing challenge. Professor Matheson shares her insights, highlighting the crucial role pharmacists and pharmacy teams play in reducing harm, saving lives, and addressing stigma in the community. We discuss: Professor Matheson’s career journey, from her early days in community pharmacy to becoming a leading voice in harm reduction. How pharmacies can act as accessible, trusted hubs for at-risk individuals. The evolution of harm reduction strategies and the vital role of naloxone in preventing overdoses. Insights from drug-related death reviews in Aberdeen and how they inform better practices. The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance’s mission to innovate and collaborate across the profession. Practical ways pharmacists can reduce stigma and create a welcoming environment for vulnerable populations. This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a vision for the future of pharmacy in tackling substance misuse. Key Takeaways: Pharmacies are frontline responders: With accessibility and trust at the heart of their role, pharmacies are uniquely positioned to offer life-saving services like naloxone distribution and harm reduction advice. Early intervention saves lives: Pharmacists are often the first to notice signs of distress, providing critical opportunities for early support. Stigma is a barrier: Addressing stigma through training, empathy, and trauma-informed care is essential to building trust with vulnerable populations. Collaboration drives innovation: The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance is pioneering new approaches, such as embedding pharmacists in outreach teams to serve the homeless and other vulnerable groups. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Learn more about the Scottish Pharmacy Alliance. Information on take-home naloxone kits and their distribution in Scotland. Training resources for pharmacists on harm reduction and trauma-informed care. Upcoming Event: 📅 Don’t miss the Pharmacy in Practice Conference on 12th March 2025 at The Novotel Edinburgh Park! Join us for a day of impactful sessions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights to shape the future of pharmacy. Register at www.pharmacyinpractice.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your colleagues. Let’s keep the conversation going about how pharmacy can transform lives and communities.

Is the collaborative care model the next big thing in pharmacy?

I was very pleased to be joined by Paul Forsyth and Barry Maguire to discuss the application of the collaborative care model in pharmacy. Paul, Barry and I explore how the collaborative care model may be applied to the pharmacy profession. Alienation, detachment general demoralisation and isolation are all consequences of pharmacists not feeling truly empowered to work autonomously in their role. Key questions discussed What is the value of collaboration in the workplace? How can the profession of pharmacy promote collaboration and autonomy among its members to improve job satisfaction and patient care? How can the profession of pharmacy address the issue of alienation and anxiety among its members? What is the impact of the changing roles in pharmacy on job satisfaction and professional identity? Why is debate and discussion about values and identity important? Read the full paper below The Collaborative Care Model: Realizing healthcare values and increasing responsiveness in the pharmacy workforce