The J & J Pharmacy Podcast

Season 2: Episode 7 - From Grad to Pharmacist: Managing the Mental Load

After a one-week break, the boys are back with Part 2 of our conversation on mental health. In this episode, we focus on the realities of managing mental health as a practicing pharmacist.
We reflect on the challenges we faced as new grads entering the workforce, the pressures that come with life behind the counter, and the lessons we learned along the way. From imposter syndrome and workload stress to finding balance early in your career, we share honest experiences from our transition into practice.
We also dive into practical advice for 4th-year pharmacy students; what to expect when you start working, how to prepare mentally for the demands of the profession, and strategies to protect your well-being while building confidence as a pharmacist.
If you’re a pharmacy student, new grad, or practicing pharmacist trying to navigate the mental side of the profession, this episode is for you.

Season 2: Episode 6 - Burnout Before Boards? Mental Health in Pharmacy School (Part 1)

Board exams. Long study nights. Clinical rotations. Constant pressure. Pharmacy school pushes students to their limits and mental health often takes the hit.
In Part 1 of this miniseries, Jared and Jordan share raw insights into their own journeys through pharmacy school. They discuss managing stress during board prep, lessons learned the hard way, and practical tools to protect your well-being.
This isn’t just for students; it’s for anyone in pharmacy who understands the pressure of the profession. In part 2 we will focus on navigating mental health as a practicing pharmacist so stay tuned for that next week!

Season 2; Episode 5 - Breaking Down APA: Inside the Additional Prescribing Authorization Application (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our APA series, we go beyond the application itself and examine what happens behind the scenes at the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP). How is the Additional Prescribing Authorization (APA) application actually reviewed? What standards are assessors applying and how consistent is the process?
In this episode of the J and J Pharmacy Podcast, we break down ACP’s review framework, discuss where we see gaps and inconsistencies in the evaluation process, and explore the unintended consequences those shortcomings may have on pharmacist confidence and practice development.
Most importantly, we share our perspective on what meaningful improvements could look like; from clearer expectations and more transparent feedback to a review model that better reflects real-world clinical practice. Our goal isn’t just critique; it’s to spark conversation about how the APA process could better support pharmacists in delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
If you haven’t listened to Part 1, where we unpacked the full APA application requirements, be sure to start there for context before diving into this follow-up discussion.
 

Season 2: Episode 4 - Breaking Down APA: Inside the Additional Prescribing Authorization Application (Part 1)

You asked for it so we’re finally talking APA. In this episode of the J and J Pharmacy Podcast, we break down the Additional Prescribing Authorization (APA) application process step by step. We cover what’s required, what makes the process challenging, and which parts of the application we strongly disagree with.This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next episode, the guys take a hard look at how ACP reviews the APA applications and the problems we see with that process.

Season 2: Episode 3 - Hospital Residency, Rotations & Boards: What Pharmacy Students Need to Know

In this episode of the J and J Pharmacy Podcast, Jared breaks down his experience in a hospital residency program; what it’s really like, what he learned, and the honest reasons he chose to leave. The guys also dive into fourth-year rotations, how to make the most of them, and share practical tips to help pharmacy students prepare for the board exams. A must-listen for anyone considering hospital pharmacy or navigating their final year of pharmacy school.

Season 2: Episode 2 - Ozempic Obsession and an ED Case That Sparks the Conversation

Ozempic is dominating headlines, and pharmacy counters. This week on the J & J Pharmacy Podcast, we unpack the reality behind generic Ozempic, share a revealing erectile dysfunction case, and discuss how pharmacists can manage expectations when patient wants collide with clinical judgment.

Season 2 Premiere: A New J, A New Chapter

After a three-year hiatus, The J & J Pharmacy Podcast is officially back, and better than ever. Season 2 kicks off with a fresh look, a renewed vision, and an exciting addition to the team as Jordan joins the podcast as the newest “J.”
In this premiere episode, the hosts reflect on the journey that brought the podcast back to life and give a heartfelt thank you to John for the time, effort, and dedication he poured into the original J & J Pharmacy Podcast, without which this reboot wouldn’t be possible. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, the guys dive into what this next chapter holds.
While pharmacy topics remain at the core of the show, Season 2 promises lighter, more relatable conversations with the addition of humor and everyday topics to keep things fun and engaging. In today’s episode, the guys catch up on what life has been like since graduating university, discuss the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program, and even share some important (and practical) workout recommendations.
A new season, a new J, and the same passion for pharmacy. Welcome back to The J & J Pharmacy Podcast!
 
Link to the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness page: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/repay/assistance/student-loan-forgiveness.html
 

Episode 107: Pharmasave Miniseries - Mehul Patel (Clive, Alberta)

Please email your resume and cover letters to: Pharmasaveclive@gmail.com 
 
To help round out our Pharmasave Miniseries, we had the fantastic opportunity to interview Mehul Patel, the owner of the Clive location.
 
It’s almost a recurring theme at this point, but Mehul also had an interesting career journey, actually working as a scientist before deciding to switch to pharmacy as he was eager to seek connection with patients. From there, he worked in the corporate world for almost 10 years before partnering with one of his best buddies to open 2 pharmacies, something that he wishes that he would have done earlier.
 
A fun fact about Mehul is that despite being a vegetarian and having never tasted liquor in his life, he actually owns a Steakhouse restaurant!
 
This was a fantastic last episode and Mehul was able to share some amazing wisdom about why rural pharmacy is so awesome and the reasons why you should consider doing it yourself.
 
Disclaimer: These episodes are sponsored by Pharmasave. However, the content and opinions expressed by the owners are explicitly their own and were not influenced in any way by Pharmasave.

Episode 106: Pharmasave Miniseries - Merv and Lauri-Ell (Jasper, Alberta)

Please email your resume and cover letters to: jasperpharmasave317@gmail.com 
 
Joining us on the next installment of the Pharmasave Miniseries is another tandem, Merv and Lauri-Ell, owners of the Pharmasave location in Jasper.
 
For 28 years and counting, Merv has been a community pharmacist and business owner, and not one year has his love for it waned. Starting off strong following graduation from pharmacy school, Merv actually directly partnered with a long-standing community pharmacy in Hinton. It wasn’t until 16 years later did he open his Jasper location under the Pharmasave banner. Although the space was small and old school, the locals loved it and he was still able to provide exceptional pharmacy services.
 
Of course, Merv would not have been able to accomplish this without his partner Lauri-Ell. Lauri-Ell plays an integral role in making sure the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy keep moving forward smoothly, and also heads HR, so be sure to make a good impression if you’re interested in working at this location!
 
Speaking of location, due to COVID and the aforementioned small space, both Merv and Lauri-Ell actually made the decision recently to expand from the original location, but still bringing the best, friendly, “how can we help” customer service, for which they’ve actually been awarded a few times now from the Chamber of Commerce.
 
This was undoubtedly a fantastic episode, and hey, you never know, maybe you’ll find yourself working at this pharmacy and also joining Merv in his Heli Skiing that he’s been doing for 10 years now!
 
Disclaimer: These episodes are sponsored by Pharmasave. However, the content and opinions expressed by the owners are explicitly their own and were not influenced in any way by Pharmasave.

Episode 105: Pharmasave Miniseries - Heather Brown (Hanna, Alberta)

Please email your resume and cover letters to: pharmasave.3035.harvestsky@gmail.com 
 
Continuing with our Pharmasave Miniseries, we next interview Heather Brown, another exceptional pharmacist and owner of the Hanna Pharmasave location.
 
Graduating with her Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1988, Heather had actually worked right out of the gates at the same pharmacy for 33 years! Then, she finally decided to open her own store, and as she puts in her own words - not because I really wanted to, but because there was a need for it in our community. Since then, her emphasis for her pharmacy location has always been towards providing learning opportunities for students and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, thus establishing a sense of belonging and togetherness when working to help care for the community. A fun fact about Heather is that not only does she sell drugs (legally), but she also sings in a band and encourages entrepreneurial spirit in the community by also carrying homemade jams and pickles in her pharmacy.
 
As you can tell, Heather is a fantastic individual and hopefully her wise words will motivate you to consider working in rural pharmacy as she is eager to find the right pharmacist who is willing to explore their inner entrepreneur.
 
Disclaimer: These episodes are sponsored by Pharmasave. However, the content and opinions expressed by the owners are explicitly their own and were not influenced in any way by Pharmasave.