Independent Rx Forum

Immunizations are now an integral part of community pharmacy practice, but changing recommendations, vaccine hesitancy, reimbursement challenges, and declining vaccination rates are creating new hurdles. Kelly Goode of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy joins host John Beckner to discuss how pharmacists can rebuild momentum. They explore strong vaccine recommendations, engaging technicians and the entire pharmacy team, reaching younger adults, expanding into travel and childhood vaccines, and staying current as guidance evolves. Goode also reflects on nearly 30 years of pharmacist-administered immunizations and the profession's growing impact on public health. Listen for practical ideas to strengthen your pharmacy's immunization program.

After her year representing community pharmacy across the country and around the world, Kristen Riddle, NCPA's immediate past president, joins Independent Rx Forum hosts John Beckner and Ed Cohen to reflect on her term. Riddle shares highlights from more than 64,000 miles of travel, including conversations with lawmakers, pharmacy students, and international colleagues. She discusses growing awareness of PBM issues on Capitol Hill, the importance of preparing students for community pharmacy ownership and practice transformation, and the value of bringing pharmacists' firsthand experiences to policymakers. She also looks ahead to the leadership of NCPA's 2026-2027 president, Christian Tadrus, and the growing importance of technology in pharmacy. Listen for Riddle's reflections on a memorable year of leadership and advocacy.

NCPA continues to invest in our members and   in state-level advocacy with a new grant program designed to help state-based pharmacy advocacy organizations advance priority reforms that benefit community pharmacies and the patients they serve. NCPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Anne Cassity and Director of State Grant Programs and Advocacy Lucas Coody join hosts John Beckner and Ed Cohen on the floor of the expo hall at #NCPA2026 to explain NCPA's new State Advocacy Grant Program. They discuss who can apply, priority issues ranging from PBM reimbursements and audit reform to cost-of-dispensing surveys, and how funds could support advocacy staff, public relations campaigns, and other legislative strategies. Hear how NCPA plans to pair financial support with ongoing guidance and advocacy expertise to help state organizations and NCPA members build momentum for meaningful pharmacy reforms.    Learn more about the grant program here. 

What does independent pharmacy need to thrive in a changing health care landscape? NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey joins Independent Rx Forum hosts John Beckner and Ed Cohen on the expo hall floor of NCPA's Annual Convention to discuss growing momentum for community pharmacy, progress on PBM reform, and practical ways owners can turn new ideas into action. Hoey explains why pharmacy should be viewed not just as accessible health care, but essential health care infrastructure. The conversation also explores peer-to-peer learning, technology, the new #NCPA2026 how-to booths, and the value of bringing pharmacy teammates to industry meetings. Listen for Hoey's perspective on where independent pharmacy stands today and the opportunities ahead.

Hosting a legislator at your pharmacy can turn policy issues into personal conversations. Host John Beckner talks with NCPA member Dave Randolph, pharmacist, and owner of Dave's Pharmacy in Hemingford and Alliance, Neb., about his experience building relationships with elected officials. Randolph shares practical advice for securing a pharmacy visit, preparing for a short meeting, working with legislative staff and local media, and showing policymakers the services pharmacies provide. He also discusses how those relationships can keep community pharmacy priorities, from PBM reform to patient access, top of mind.    For resources on getting involved and hosting your legislator: https://ncpa.org/months-action

CMS is asking pharmacies to help shape the future of Medicare Part D contracting. From the podcast booth at #NCPA2026, Ronna Hauser, NCPA senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, joins host John Beckner to unpack CMS' request for information on reasonable and relevant Part D pharmacy contract terms. They discuss what CMS is seeking, why independent pharmacy owners' real-world experiences matter, and how to make comments specific, meaningful and data driven. The RFI is open through Nov. 23, 2026, and covers issues including reimbursement, dispensing fees, contracting practices, performance measures, and audits.   Personalize your submission with NCPA's template here.

What happens when NCPA puts national marketing muscle behind independent community pharmacy? Host John Beckner sits down with NCPA's senior vice president of public affairs, Jack Mozloom, to share an update on "Neighbors, Not Numbers,"NCPA's multi-year campaign promoting the personal, community-focused experience independent pharmacies provide. They discuss the campaign's move from national television to targeted digital advertising, early results, including over 220,000customers driven to member locations, and how NCPA members can download campaign materials or request customized ads for their pharmacies. The conversation also highlights the power of peer-to-peer learning ahead of the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.   Learn more about the campaign: https://ncpa.org/neighbors-not-numbers-branding-campaign    Personalize your ad: https://adcampaign.ncpa.org/    Statistics shared in this episode were accurate as of July 2026. As of September 2026, the campaign has generated over 220,000 customer visits.

This week, host John Beckner sits with Ed Cohen, founder and COO of PharmTeam Associates, to discuss the value of associations. For Cohen, involvement in associations is rooted in lifelong learning and incorporating your network into your professional life. Beckner and Cohen discuss the importance of keeping the door open to opportunities that can be found through state and national associations, as well as strategies to engage students and young professionals. The conversation rounds out with a peek behind the curtain of #NCPA2026, highlighting what you can expect from the meeting and how to get further involved in your professional home here at NCPA.

This week, host John Beckner and guest Ed Cohen, COO of PharmTeam Associates, explore the critical differences between retail and community pharmacy practices. They share insights on the evolving expectations of patients after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunity community pharmacy has to exceed those expectations through branding, mentorship, and personalized patient care. But it's not just a job for pharmacists, as Cohen emphasizes the role pharmacy schools and associations like NCPA must play in differentiating retail from community practice. This episode provides a fresh blueprint on how to set you and your pharmacy apart from the big chain down the street.

This week, Jay Phipps, pharmacy owner and NCPA member, reveals his secrets to building and maintaining a successful social media presence as a pharmacist. In a conversation with Jack Mozloom, NCPA senior vice president of public affairs, Phipps discusses everything from conquering his fear of posting to his practical tips for bringing the business of pharmacy to social media. They dive into what it takes to grow an audience, crack the algorithm, and build social media into a pharmacist's workflow. Phipps also touches on his role in the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention and leaves listeners with one key reminder: whether it's tackling social media or evolving your practice, you don't need to do it alone.