About this episode
Welcome to another episode of TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy, where we break down the most important developments impacting the pharmacy profession. This week’s show features leaders from across community pharmacy, health systems, healthcare advocacy, and international patient engagement. From PBM reform to patient-centered care and health system growth in Western Pennsylvania, this episode brings together voices shaping the future of pharmacy.
Sponsored by
Sykes & Company, P.A.
Accounting, tax strategy, and advisory services dedicated exclusively to independent pharmacy operators.
Segment 1
Austin Murray
Communications and Marketing Director – Sykes & Company, P.A.
We kick off TWIRx with Austin Murray from Sykes & Company, discussing the NCPA Consumer Marketing Campaign designed to educate the public about the value of community pharmacies.
Austin shares insights on:
• The importance of telling the community pharmacy story directly to consumers
• Why independent pharmacies remain essential healthcare access points
• The evolving state of independent pharmacy nationwide
• Continued momentum around PBM Reform
• Strategic accounting and tax advantages pharmacy operators should understand in today’s challenging reimbursement environment
Austin also explains how pharmacy-focused accounting firms like Sykes & Company help owners navigate reimbursement pressure, tax planning, and business strategy.
Segment 2
Mark Duman
Pharmacy 50 Award Winner – United Kingdom
International healthcare thought leader Mark Duman joins TWIRx to discuss one of the most important principles in healthcare transformation:
The patient must come first.
Mark shares his perspective on:
• Why healthcare systems must remain patient-centered
• How pharmacy can lead the way in improving patient outcomes
• Lessons learned from patient engagement initiatives in the UK healthcare system
• Why meaningful healthcare innovation always begins by focusing on the patient experience
Mark emphasizes that when healthcare professionals keep the patient as the constant focus, better pharmacy care and stronger health systems follow.
Segment 3
Dr. Laura Mark, PharmD
Vice President of Pharmacy – Allegheny Health Network
Next, we welcome Dr. Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), who shares exciting news about new pharmacy operations facilities recently built in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
Todd and Laura also reflect on their shared roots growing up in Butler County, while discussing how AHN is investing in the future of pharmacy.
Topics include:
• The new pharmacy operations infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania
• How AHN is expanding pharmacy services across the Greater Pittsburgh region
• The role of health s
