October 6, 2023 • 28 mins
As a pharmacist, I’m sure you're all too familiar with the constant revolving door cycle our healthcare system puts our patients in.
But how can we help break the endless cycle plaguing our patients and truly make a change so they can start feeling better for good?
I’m Dr. Tamar Lawful and just like you, I asked myself that same question throughout my career. That’s why I made it my mission to unlock the unending potential we as pharmacists have to transform the way we think about health care through the lens of nutrigenomics. I’m thrilled you’ve decided to join me on this journey, so stay tuned because we’ve got a lot to cover!
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
But how can we help break the endless cycle plaguing our patients and truly make a change so they can start feeling better for good?
I’m Dr. Tamar Lawful and just like you, I asked myself that same question throughout my career. That’s why I made it my mission to unlock the unending potential we as pharmacists have to transform the way we think about health care through the lens of nutrigenomics. I’m thrilled you’ve decided to join me on this journey, so stay tuned because we’ve got a lot to cover!
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
- How a seemingly successful medication initiative led to a major lightbulb moment.
- Why the way we as pharmacists have been trained to treat common issues may be more of a “band-aid over a bullet wound” approach than an actual solution.
- The key to unlocking your full potential so you can start treating the whole patient, not just their symptoms.
LET'S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
- Loved the episode? Screenshot and tag me @drtamarlawful I’d love to repost your takeaway!
WANT MORE SUPPORT ON YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY?
- Book your FREE Health & Wellness Consultation
- Learn how to safely use weight loss medications in Empowerment Hour
- Get a free sample nutrigenomics report
- Join our Facebook Community for support, accountability, and resources
PRACTITIONERS, COACHES & HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
- Join the Unlock the Blueprint Masterclass and learn how to Tailor nutrition, fitness & supplements for thriving wellness
- Want to refer clients or patients to us? Schedule a call
FOLLOW DR. TAMAR LAWFUL ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram/LinkedIn/Tiktok: @drtamarlawful
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Tamar (00:00):
As pharmacists, you're all too familiar with the
drive-through revolving doorcycle of our healthcare system.
You know the long lines ofpatients dropping off
prescriptions, irritatedpatients taking up medications,
the limited time you have tocounsel them, the company
metrics and politics, short andshallow consultations All of
this only to see the samepatients again and again for the
(00:21):
same ailment.
At some point you've probablywondered is what I'm doing
actually helping my patients?
Am I just maintaining theirchronic condition or am I
helping them get better?
These are questions Idefinitely asked myself
throughout my career.
How can we get out of thedrive-through and off the
revolving door to have ameaningful impact on the health
(00:41):
of our patients so that they canfeel better, reduce the need
for medications and you canstart feeling fulfilled in your
career because you are making adifference?
How can we go from being anexpert in disease maintenance to
a powerful guide for healingand optimal health?
I'm going to show you how intoday's episode.
Welcome to Pivoting Pharmacywith Nutrigenomics.
(01:05):
Part of the Pharmacy PodcastNetwork, a must-have resource
for pharmacist entrepreneursseeking to enhance patient care
while enjoying career and life.
Join us as we pivot intoNutrigenomics, using pharmacy
and nutrition for truepatient-focused care.
Explore how to improve chronicconditions rather than just
(01:27):
manage them.
Celebrate entrepreneurialtriumphs and receive priceless
advice.
Align your values with a careerthat profoundly impacts
patients.
Together, we'll raise thescript on health and pivot into
a brighter future.
Hello, hello and welcome to thefirst episode of Pivoting
(01:50):
Pharmacy with Nutiogenomics.
I'm Tamar, your guide in thisexciting new journey.
Brace yourselves as we're aboutto deep dive into the unending
potential we, as pharmacists,have to transform healthcare,
and the juicy part.
It involves studying thefascinating crossroads of what
you eat and your genes.
(02:11):
Now to lay down some of my ownjourney.
A few years ago, I found myselfsteering a transition of care
service in a hospital setting.
One of our unique offerings wasa med-to-bed program.
Picture this At discharge, mypatients will leave not only
with a 30-day supply of theirmedications, but also with real,
(02:31):
deep insight about their healthcondition.
Partnering with my All-StarPharmacy technician, we'd sort
their doctor's appointments anddiligently follow up
post-discharge.
We became a constant in thehospitalist team, keeping a
watchful eye on our patients andoffering crucial therapeutic
recommendations.
You know what's coming right.
(02:53):
This initiative was a smash hit.
30-day hospital re-emissionrates dropped for those enrolled
in the program.
We didn't just improve healthoutcomes, we also saved a pretty
penny.
The notable victory was in partdue to having a passionate
pharmacist like you on the teamto make sure that patients
receive the right medications,dodging interactions, minimize
(03:16):
inside effects and avoidingtherapeutic duplications.
Still, among the high fives andcelebratory dances, there was a
little worm of worry thosepatients that still found their
way back.
What was their story?
The pattern was blatant.
When they were re-admitted,blood pressure reaching for the
(03:39):
moon.
Tack on another medication,blood glucose going haywire,
crank up the insulin dose, thequick fix seemed to revolve
around that buzz kill of aquestion what pill can we give
to patch this up?
This led to prescriptionspiling up higher and higher and
(04:00):
of course that meant a hardierpill load, side effects going
through the roof, routinehospital visits and healthcare
cost skyrocketing.
It dawned on me that themajority of these patients
needed more than medicationmanagement and a lightning fast
consultation.
As fellow pharmacists, I knoweach of you share my
understanding of these systemicissues plaguing our healthcare,
(04:22):
the ones looming over us likebig medicine walls blocking our
path to better patient outcomes.
So let's dive into today's hottopic.
The mother of all issues andimpedes the improvement of
patient outcomes by pivoting ourfocus from a medication-driven
approach to a holistic approachcentered on nutrition and
lifestyle, we can be betterequipped to provide patients
(04:44):
with the support needed toimprove their health.
The issue is that in ourday-to-day practice we do not
focus on nutrition and lifestylewith our patients.
But can you blame us?
As pharmacists, we've beentrained and practiced
relentlessly in the art ofmedication management.
We've got therapeuticindications, drug interactions,
(05:06):
kinetics and mechanisms ofactions down to a fine art.
But let's press the pause button.
Didn't someone along the wayalso whisper something about
coaching our patients onnutrition and lifestyle tweaks?
But ask yourself this how oftenare we really shining a light
(05:27):
on those aspects?
And when we do take a breatherto deal with nutrition and
lifestyle, how deep do we reallygo with our patients?
Let's be brutally honest here.
The roadblock we're up againstis twofold.
First, our main adversary thegross neglect of nutrition and
(05:48):
lifestyle and healthcaremanagement.
Hot on its heels comes oursecondary adversary the stark
deficit in reinforcementmechanisms to cheerlead our
patients as they navigate thetangled web of nutritional and
lifestyle overhauls.
Think about your own experience.
How often do you see patientsgiven a prescription along with
(06:10):
referrals to a nutritionist,dietitian, health coach or
personal trainer?
More often than not.
The narrative is dominated bymedications, while the support
for lifestyle and nutritionmodifications is kept on the
back burner.
So where does this lead us?
Straight to Sky High Hospitalre-emission rates.
My friends, the numbers don'tlie.
(06:31):
The Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services, cms, reveals
that as of 2022, there was a30-day hospital re-emission rate
of 15%.
Massachusetts seems to take thelead with nearly 16%
re-emission rates, and the lowerend of the spectrum includes
Utah, hawaii and Washington, allhovering around 14%.
(06:53):
Suffice to say, recurringhospital admissions are a
significant bottleneck inhealthcare, adding stress to
patients and contributing to thestrain of the overall
healthcare system.
The catch is, many of thesere-emissions are avoidable,
often attributed to poor chronicdisease management and
insufficient follow-up care.
(07:14):
Now, as I pointed out earlierupon re-emission, patients
typically experience one ofthree things with their
medications An upward doseadjustment, an additional
medication to their alreadyburdened regimen or a
combination of both.
Discharged patients often findthemselves on a larger slate of
medications than when they enterthe hospital.
(07:35):
This approach directly leads topolypharmacy.
Consequently, many patients arenow on five or more medications
.
Polypharmacy not only escalatesmedication costs, but also
places patients at risk formedication-related complications
, adverse drug events andunpalatable side effects.
(07:55):
The overemphasis on medicationsoften bypasses the root causes
of health issues, trapped inpatients in a relentless cycle
of prescriptions and sideeffects.
Now numerous instances come tomy mind.
Where my gung-ho pharmacyresidents or students would come
to me wide-eyed, unfolded acase where a patient was on as
(08:16):
many as 20 medications beforehospital admission.
Unsurprisingly, a majority ofthese medications were continued
upon admission, along withnewer ones added to the list.
Now, as pharmacists, our jobbecomes reviewing these for
necessity, checking for druginteractions, verifying
(08:38):
appropriate dosages and ensuringthey're not exacerbating the
patient's current condition.
Additionally, we also have toconfirm the accuracy of their
preadmission medication list viamedication reconciliation and
luckily, by following thesesteps, we can be prescribed and
reduce the number of medicationsa patient needs to take.
(08:59):
But the heart of the matterremains untouched the neglect of
nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Traditional healthcare modelsfrequently fail to acknowledge
the integral part nutrition andlifestyle play in our overall
health and wellness.
Band-aid solutions barelyscrape the surface of health
issues, leaving goldenopportunities for holistic
healing and optimal health onthe table.
(09:22):
Why are we missing the markhere?
As pharmacists, we rememberthose long college nights
studying right Our textbook, andprofessors taught us to promote
nutrition and lifestylealterations for chronic
conditions like diabetes,hyperlipidemia and hypertension,
before we even think aboutmedications.
(09:42):
But let's get real.
Was our training as filled withnutrition and lifestyle
intervention strategies as itwas with pharmacology?
I can hear you shaking yourheads.
Even though lifestylemodification always sounded like
a great idea, our toolbox toactually implement it was
embarrassingly sparse, and Ihave a sneaky suspicion
(10:04):
physicians might be feeling thesame way.
And what's our attempt at asolution?
Given our bare bones educationon nutrition and lifestyle, our
counseling on medications andchronic conditions often
culminates in quick pep talks,touching on basic guidelines
like reducing salt intake,limiting sugar and carbs and
getting, say, 150 minutes ofexercise per week.
(10:26):
But can these snippets ofadvice really help our patients
make profound healthtransformations?
Keeping on with this band-aidapproach has a pretty hefty
price tag.
In 2019, the CDC reported thata staggering 130 million
American adults were living withdiabetes or pre-diabetes, with
(10:47):
an estimated 1.4 million newcases of diabetes diagnosed that
year among adults 18 and older.
This number continues toincrease annually and will
undoubtedly persist if we failto pivot from our current
medication centric healthcaremodel.
It's high time we dug deeperwith a firm resolve to invest in
(11:08):
our patients' outcomes in amore holistic and sustainable
manner.
You know as well as I do thatour roles as pharmacists goes
beyond just swiftly dispensingmedications and dishing out
basic, cookie cutter healthadvice.
We're called to aim higher andpush boundaries.
Our patients are counting on usfor more.
They need that consistent,personalized support that sees
(11:31):
them through their journey toimproved health.
It's not about a one-offconversation on diet, exercise
and medications.
It's about ongoing, tailoredguidance.
We have a unique opportunity toreshape our patients' health by
meshing our services withpersonal needs, lifestyle and
genetic makeup and beyond.
By marrying our pharmaceuticalknowledge with emerging fields
(11:54):
like nutrigenomics, we delveinto the heart of personalized
medicine, adopting a holisticviewpoint to understand each
patient's nutritional patternsand lifestyle.
This means having profoundconversations with our patients,
helping them devisepersonalized dietary plans,
assessing their adherence tomedications, tracking their
physical activities and evenlending an ear to their mental
(12:17):
health concerns and other lifecircumstances.
Yes, this is how we can forgean all-encompassing health plan
that doesn't just manage chronicconditions, it improves them
and truly encourages patientengagement in their health
journey.
And guess what?
We already got two powerfultools in our arsenal for this
mission Health coaching andnutrigenomics.
(12:40):
When paired together, they forman unparalleled duo that
elevates our personalizedpatient care to new heights.
So pivot with me and picturethis.
You're in a typical pharmacysetting.
It's just another Friday, thephone is ringing off the hook,
medication orders are spillingout of printers and sanitized
(13:00):
smell of pills are in the air.
Patients come and go with somevariation of advice in hand Eat
healthier, exercise more, watchyour blood sugar.
But you know what?
As healthcare professionals,you and I, we're way too savvy
to think it's that simple,aren't we?
We see that.
(13:20):
Look in our patient's eyes theoverwhelm, the uncertainty and
yes, even there.
They know they should eathealthier, but they're not sure
exactly what to eat.
They know they need to managetheir diabetes, but they have
trouble grappling with the dailypressures while maintaining
their health, with glucosereadings becoming more of a
(13:43):
bitter foe than a guiding friend.
You've probably asked yourselfwhat I have often asked myself.
What if we tore up therepetitive scripts?
What if we could do more thanjust manage our patient symptoms
?
What if we could empower themto take control of their own
health journey?
(14:03):
This is where health coachingcomes in, stepping up to bridge
that knowledge action gap.
It's not about dishing outone-size-fits-all advice, but
rather about tailoring a planthat fits the specific lifestyle
challenges and goals of eachpatient.
Think of health coaching as adynamic duo of guidance and
(14:24):
support.
It's your patient's trustysidekick, helping them navigate
their health journey, providingthem with the map and the tools,
but ultimately allowing them todrive their own wellness
vehicle.
Now, why is this so important?
Consider the diabetes epidemic.
We know, and our patients tooknow, that diet plays a
(14:46):
substantial role in itsdevelopment.
Yet despite this knowledge,race of diabetes aren't
decreasing.
Instead, they're on theirritating, perpetually upward
trend.
Managing this chronic conditionseems like mounting the same,
frustrating, endlessmerry-go-rounds.
But with health coaching,there's an opportunity to flip
(15:07):
the script.
Health coaching invitespatients to become active
participants in their healthcarejourneys rather than passive
recipients.
It empowers patients tounderstand their unique triggers
, create healthier habits and,most importantly, to sustain
these habits in the long run.
Now, as pharmacists whetherdealing with the challenges of
(15:28):
patient care or the ups anddowns of entrepreneurship
integrating health coaching intoyour practice can be a game
changer.
Not only could it transform howyour patients view and manage
their health, but it could alteryour role as a pharmacist, too.
You could become not justdispensers of medications, but
(15:48):
dispensers of empowerment,guidance and long-lasting change
.
Health coaching isn't just achange in strategy.
It's a reinvention of ourpatient care approach.
It's about finding that balancebetween treatment, prevention
and patient empowerment.
You're doing fantastic workalready, but remember, even a
(16:09):
load of changes can foster bigtransformations.
Let's dig deeper into healthcoaching.
Let's empower patients to livefully and violently, because
anyone's health journey can be achallenging one, but with
health coaching it doesn't haveto be a journey they take alone.
Now let's pivot again andpicture yourself in a cozy,
sunlit kitchen catching up withyour oldest and dearest friend.
(16:32):
You're both so engaged inconversation that the warm steam
from your cups of tea is gentlyfogging up your glasses.
Your friend shares a recentrevelation it's amazing how two
people can eat the exact samemeal, yet one person feels
energized when the other feelsfluggish and bloated.
You nod with a knowing smilebecause you too have witnessed
(16:56):
similar scenarios.
It's in these moments that werealize the power of our
individuality when it comes tohealth and wellness.
This is where the magic ofNutrigenomics enters the scene.
Nutrigenomics is all aboutdiving deep into the intricate
dance between nutrition andgenetics to create a
(17:18):
personalized wellness blueprintunique to each individual.
You see, we all possess thegenetic makeup that is
beautifully diverse, which meansthat our bodies react
differently to various foods andnutrients.
What if, as pharmacists, wecould become wellness architects
(17:39):
, capable of helping patientsbuild a tailor-made foundation
of health based on their uniquegenetic profile?
Imagine giving each patient theultimate compass, guiding their
every nutritional decision toaddress the root of their health
challenges.
Sounds amazing, right?
While the idea of implementingNutrigenomics in your practice
(18:00):
might seem foreign andoverwhelming, trust me, it's not
as daunting as it seems.
It could simply start withestablishing relationships with
genetic testing labs, gettingtrained in interpreting genetic
test results and using thatinformation to create
personalized nutrition andlifestyle recommendations.
Remember, even the tinieststeps forward bring us closer to
(18:25):
creating a greater impact.
Now you might be wonderingabout the cost associated with
Nutrigenomics, and of course,that's a valid concern.
Providing the service mightinitially require an upfront
investment in training and testkits, but the value it could
bring to both your patients andyour practice is extraordinary.
It does not have to break thebank.
(18:45):
There are scalable options tofit different budgets and levels
and involvement.
Using Nutrigenomics into yourpractice could revolutionize the
way you help your patientsachieve their healthiest lives.
It's an opportunity to not onlyalleviate symptoms, but to
equip patients with unmatchedpower to prevent and even
possibly reverse certain healthchallenges through personalized
(19:07):
nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Imagine how powerful it wouldbe to have a plan that truly
resonates with your unique needsand possibilities.
That's what you offer patientswith Nutrigenomics, coupled with
health coaching, personalizedprograms that emphasize
nutrition, exercise, even stressmanagement and sleep, giving
(19:27):
your patients a holisticguidance necessary to live a
healthy and happy life.
By providing personalizednutrition and lifestyle guidance
based on your patient's geneticprofile, you can better manage
chronic conditions and preventcomplications that lead to
hospital re-emissions.
You can truly deprescribe nipand polypharmacy in the bud and
(19:48):
reduce the need for multiplemedications and their associated
costs.
This not only benefits patientsbut also eases the burden on
our healthcare system.
Incorporating Nutrigenomicsinto our pharmacy practice can
shift the focus of healthcaretowards a more holistic,
patient-centric approach,emphasizing the importance of
nutrition and lifestyle andachieving optimal health.
(20:11):
Now I have a little secret totell you, because earlier I
mentioned getting all thistraining in Nutrigenomics so you
can interpret labs.
But I have a secret to tell youwhen a Nutrigenomics report
lands on your desktop whetherit's in paper form or it's on
your screen, your computerscreen it's brimming with
potential.
It describes the types of foodspatients should consider
(20:33):
including in their diet insightson managing stress, effective
exercises and potentialsupplements customized to their
genetic profile.
And with such an invaluableguide, our role shifts from
working with genericrecommendations to guides of
personalized wellness map forthe patients standing right in
(20:53):
front of us.
As pharmacists, we get theincredible privilege of serving
our patients in their worst,vulnerable moments.
We are part of the solution forimproving patient outcomes.
We are uniquely positioned tointegrate Nutrigenomics into our
practice and lead the charge intransforming healthcare.
And now, with Nutrigenomics inour toolkit, we get to steer
(21:19):
that privilege towards makingtangible, lasting differences.
We are at the heart of a shiftin paradigm, the unique
gatekeepers poised to bring anexciting transformation in
healthcare.
Now listen closely, because Ihave another secret to tell you.
Although I am now a certifiednutritional genomic specialist,
(21:39):
at the beginning of my journey,my introduction to
Neutrogenomics was met with apinch of skepticism.
I can still rememberquestioning can this really help
my patients in a way thattraditional medicine hasn't
Spoiler alert?
The answer was a resounding yes.
In fact, the meticulousness andprecision of the results were
(22:04):
astonishing.
It was like being handed thekeys to a secret map of each
individual patient's health.
I'll never forget oneparticular client who had a
history of seizures.
She sought my help for weightloss and mood stabilization,
instead of just handing her ageneric diet plan, her
Neutrogenomics report allowed usto home in on her brain health.
(22:28):
We had overwhelming amounts ofdata pointing to precise dietary
recommendations specificallydesigned for her.
But it didn't stop at diet.
Our action plan extended toadaptations around her sleep and
stress management.
This holistic, personalizedapproach marked the beginning of
her transformative journey.
(22:48):
She didn't just see changes.
They were significant shiftspaving away to her improved
health and quality of life.
Stories like hers underlinedthe power and potential of
Neutrogenomics.
Now here's my message to you.
It's easy to feel overwhelmedin the maze-like structure of
today's healthcare system.
But remember, you didn't enterthis field to be stuck in a
(23:11):
revolving door of unfilling roteresponsibilities.
You poured your heart and soulinto becoming a pharmacist
because you wanted to impactlives, to make a difference.
So who said you must accept thestatus quo?
It's time we disrupt theassembly line mentality.
Imagine stepping out of thatmonotonous fast food style
(23:32):
drive-through and instead inviteyour patients to sit at the
table with you, fosteringmeaningful conversations and
architecting plans tailored forthem.
My friends, this is how you canplay a better and more
fulfilling role in their healthjourney.
This is how you can reducetheir reliance on a medicine
(23:52):
cabinet full of prescriptions,because, at the end of the day,
a happy, healthy patientreflects a successful and
satisfied pharmacist.
Being custodians of patienthealth is not just about
dispensing medications.
It's equally about dispensingknowledge, understanding,
(24:13):
inspiration and hope.
And trust me, no careersatisfaction can parallel the
gratification of knowing youhave made a significant
difference in someone else'slife, don't you agree?
So let's keep exploringNutrigenomics and step into our
role as builders of personalizedwellness and health superheroes
(24:33):
.
Let's grasp the potential toempower our patients to take
control of their health, allwhile staying true to ourselves
and staying connected to thereason we became pharmacists in
the first place to help others.
Think of it as beginning thenext chapter in your pharmacist
superhero story, where youembark on new adventures in the
(24:57):
world of Nutrigenomics andtogether we redefine the
landscape of patient care.
Now let's get to work and pivotinto Nutrigenomics and raise
the script on health.
That is all I have for youtoday.
Thank you for joining me on thisfirst episode of Pivoting
Pharmacy with Nutrigenomics.
(25:17):
The excitement in the air ispalpable, isn't it?
Especially when you considerthe revolutionary changes that
Nutrigenomics holds for ourhealth care system and for our
dear patients' lives.
Are you loving what you'rehearing?
If yes, I have a favorite ask.
Picture a fellow pharmacistentrepreneur in your mind.
(25:38):
Perhaps they're at a crossroadsin their business or struggling
to incorporate unconventionalservices like Nutrigenomics, or
maybe they've just startedopening up and about feeling a
bit stuck lately, not knowingwhich direction is steer their
business.
Would you share this episodewith them?
By doing so, you're not onlyadding value to their journey
(25:59):
and fostering nurturingconnections in your community,
but also joining in an excitingcommunal endeavor raising the
bar in health care for ourpatients.
After all, we're all comradesin this grand mission, aren't we
?
It starts small just by sharingthis episode, and if you've
appreciated how we spenttogether on this show, let the
(26:21):
world know.
Leave a review.
It's as simple as that.
Open your Apple Podcast app,scroll down and give it a five
star rating.
Maybe share a sentence or twoabout what you enjoyed.
That action, as tiny as itmight seem, would mean the
universe to me.
Plus, it also lets otherkindred souls know that our show
is worth a listen in theirprecious time.
(26:43):
Together, we can make adifference in the world of
health care.
Are you up for it?
Coming up next week on the show, we'll dive deeper into the
science behind Neutrogenomicsand discuss how you can begin
implementing it in your practice, because this may be the first
time you're hearing aboutNeutrogenomics.
If it's not, you're probablywondering why it should matter
(27:04):
to you as a pharmacist and howyou could possibly start using
it with your patients.
So tune in next week, don'tmiss it.
As pharmacists, you're all too familiar with the
drive-through revolving doorcycle of our healthcare system.
You know the long lines ofpatients dropping off
prescriptions, irritatedpatients taking up medications,
the limited time you have tocounsel them, the company
metrics and politics, short andshallow consultations All of
this only to see the samepatients again and again for the
(00:21):
same ailment.
At some point you've probablywondered is what I'm doing
actually helping my patients?
Am I just maintaining theirchronic condition or am I
helping them get better?
These are questions Idefinitely asked myself
throughout my career.
How can we get out of thedrive-through and off the
revolving door to have ameaningful impact on the health
(00:41):
of our patients so that they canfeel better, reduce the need
for medications and you canstart feeling fulfilled in your
career because you are making adifference?
How can we go from being anexpert in disease maintenance to
a powerful guide for healingand optimal health?
I'm going to show you how intoday's episode.
Welcome to Pivoting Pharmacywith Nutrigenomics.
(01:05):
Part of the Pharmacy PodcastNetwork, a must-have resource
for pharmacist entrepreneursseeking to enhance patient care
while enjoying career and life.
Join us as we pivot intoNutrigenomics, using pharmacy
and nutrition for truepatient-focused care.
Explore how to improve chronicconditions rather than just
(01:27):
manage them.
Celebrate entrepreneurialtriumphs and receive priceless
advice.
Align your values with a careerthat profoundly impacts
patients.
Together, we'll raise thescript on health and pivot into
a brighter future.
Hello, hello and welcome to thefirst episode of Pivoting
(01:50):
Pharmacy with Nutiogenomics.
I'm Tamar, your guide in thisexciting new journey.
Brace yourselves as we're aboutto deep dive into the unending
potential we, as pharmacists,have to transform healthcare,
and the juicy part.
It involves studying thefascinating crossroads of what
you eat and your genes.
(02:11):
Now to lay down some of my ownjourney.
A few years ago, I found myselfsteering a transition of care
service in a hospital setting.
One of our unique offerings wasa med-to-bed program.
Picture this At discharge, mypatients will leave not only
with a 30-day supply of theirmedications, but also with real,
(02:31):
deep insight about their healthcondition.
Partnering with my All-StarPharmacy technician, we'd sort
their doctor's appointments anddiligently follow up
post-discharge.
We became a constant in thehospitalist team, keeping a
watchful eye on our patients andoffering crucial therapeutic
recommendations.
You know what's coming right.
(02:53):
This initiative was a smash hit.
30-day hospital re-emissionrates dropped for those enrolled
in the program.
We didn't just improve healthoutcomes, we also saved a pretty
penny.
The notable victory was in partdue to having a passionate
pharmacist like you on the teamto make sure that patients
receive the right medications,dodging interactions, minimize
(03:16):
inside effects and avoidingtherapeutic duplications.
Still, among the high fives andcelebratory dances, there was a
little worm of worry thosepatients that still found their
way back.
What was their story?
The pattern was blatant.
When they were re-admitted,blood pressure reaching for the
(03:39):
moon.
Tack on another medication,blood glucose going haywire,
crank up the insulin dose, thequick fix seemed to revolve
around that buzz kill of aquestion what pill can we give
to patch this up?
This led to prescriptionspiling up higher and higher and
(04:00):
of course that meant a hardierpill load, side effects going
through the roof, routinehospital visits and healthcare
cost skyrocketing.
It dawned on me that themajority of these patients
needed more than medicationmanagement and a lightning fast
consultation.
As fellow pharmacists, I knoweach of you share my
understanding of these systemicissues plaguing our healthcare,
(04:22):
the ones looming over us likebig medicine walls blocking our
path to better patient outcomes.
So let's dive into today's hottopic.
The mother of all issues andimpedes the improvement of
patient outcomes by pivoting ourfocus from a medication-driven
approach to a holistic approachcentered on nutrition and
lifestyle, we can be betterequipped to provide patients
(04:44):
with the support needed toimprove their health.
The issue is that in ourday-to-day practice we do not
focus on nutrition and lifestylewith our patients.
But can you blame us?
As pharmacists, we've beentrained and practiced
relentlessly in the art ofmedication management.
We've got therapeuticindications, drug interactions,
(05:06):
kinetics and mechanisms ofactions down to a fine art.
But let's press the pause button.
Didn't someone along the wayalso whisper something about
coaching our patients onnutrition and lifestyle tweaks?
But ask yourself this how oftenare we really shining a light
(05:27):
on those aspects?
And when we do take a breatherto deal with nutrition and
lifestyle, how deep do we reallygo with our patients?
Let's be brutally honest here.
The roadblock we're up againstis twofold.
First, our main adversary thegross neglect of nutrition and
(05:48):
lifestyle and healthcaremanagement.
Hot on its heels comes oursecondary adversary the stark
deficit in reinforcementmechanisms to cheerlead our
patients as they navigate thetangled web of nutritional and
lifestyle overhauls.
Think about your own experience.
How often do you see patientsgiven a prescription along with
(06:10):
referrals to a nutritionist,dietitian, health coach or
personal trainer?
More often than not.
The narrative is dominated bymedications, while the support
for lifestyle and nutritionmodifications is kept on the
back burner.
So where does this lead us?
Straight to Sky High Hospitalre-emission rates.
My friends, the numbers don'tlie.
(06:31):
The Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services, cms, reveals
that as of 2022, there was a30-day hospital re-emission rate
of 15%.
Massachusetts seems to take thelead with nearly 16%
re-emission rates, and the lowerend of the spectrum includes
Utah, hawaii and Washington, allhovering around 14%.
(06:53):
Suffice to say, recurringhospital admissions are a
significant bottleneck inhealthcare, adding stress to
patients and contributing to thestrain of the overall
healthcare system.
The catch is, many of thesere-emissions are avoidable,
often attributed to poor chronicdisease management and
insufficient follow-up care.
(07:14):
Now, as I pointed out earlierupon re-emission, patients
typically experience one ofthree things with their
medications An upward doseadjustment, an additional
medication to their alreadyburdened regimen or a
combination of both.
Discharged patients often findthemselves on a larger slate of
medications than when they enterthe hospital.
(07:35):
This approach directly leads topolypharmacy.
Consequently, many patients arenow on five or more medications
.
Polypharmacy not only escalatesmedication costs, but also
places patients at risk formedication-related complications
, adverse drug events andunpalatable side effects.
(07:55):
The overemphasis on medicationsoften bypasses the root causes
of health issues, trapped inpatients in a relentless cycle
of prescriptions and sideeffects.
Now numerous instances come tomy mind.
Where my gung-ho pharmacyresidents or students would come
to me wide-eyed, unfolded acase where a patient was on as
(08:16):
many as 20 medications beforehospital admission.
Unsurprisingly, a majority ofthese medications were continued
upon admission, along withnewer ones added to the list.
Now, as pharmacists, our jobbecomes reviewing these for
necessity, checking for druginteractions, verifying
(08:38):
appropriate dosages and ensuringthey're not exacerbating the
patient's current condition.
Additionally, we also have toconfirm the accuracy of their
preadmission medication list viamedication reconciliation and
luckily, by following thesesteps, we can be prescribed and
reduce the number of medicationsa patient needs to take.
(08:59):
But the heart of the matterremains untouched the neglect of
nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Traditional healthcare modelsfrequently fail to acknowledge
the integral part nutrition andlifestyle play in our overall
health and wellness.
Band-aid solutions barelyscrape the surface of health
issues, leaving goldenopportunities for holistic
healing and optimal health onthe table.
(09:22):
Why are we missing the markhere?
As pharmacists, we rememberthose long college nights
studying right Our textbook, andprofessors taught us to promote
nutrition and lifestylealterations for chronic
conditions like diabetes,hyperlipidemia and hypertension,
before we even think aboutmedications.
(09:42):
But let's get real.
Was our training as filled withnutrition and lifestyle
intervention strategies as itwas with pharmacology?
I can hear you shaking yourheads.
Even though lifestylemodification always sounded like
a great idea, our toolbox toactually implement it was
embarrassingly sparse, and Ihave a sneaky suspicion
(10:04):
physicians might be feeling thesame way.
And what's our attempt at asolution?
Given our bare bones educationon nutrition and lifestyle, our
counseling on medications andchronic conditions often
culminates in quick pep talks,touching on basic guidelines
like reducing salt intake,limiting sugar and carbs and
getting, say, 150 minutes ofexercise per week.
(10:26):
But can these snippets ofadvice really help our patients
make profound healthtransformations?
Keeping on with this band-aidapproach has a pretty hefty
price tag.
In 2019, the CDC reported thata staggering 130 million
American adults were living withdiabetes or pre-diabetes, with
(10:47):
an estimated 1.4 million newcases of diabetes diagnosed that
year among adults 18 and older.
This number continues toincrease annually and will
undoubtedly persist if we failto pivot from our current
medication centric healthcaremodel.
It's high time we dug deeperwith a firm resolve to invest in
(11:08):
our patients' outcomes in amore holistic and sustainable
manner.
You know as well as I do thatour roles as pharmacists goes
beyond just swiftly dispensingmedications and dishing out
basic, cookie cutter healthadvice.
We're called to aim higher andpush boundaries.
Our patients are counting on usfor more.
They need that consistent,personalized support that sees
(11:31):
them through their journey toimproved health.
It's not about a one-offconversation on diet, exercise
and medications.
It's about ongoing, tailoredguidance.
We have a unique opportunity toreshape our patients' health by
meshing our services withpersonal needs, lifestyle and
genetic makeup and beyond.
By marrying our pharmaceuticalknowledge with emerging fields
(11:54):
like nutrigenomics, we delveinto the heart of personalized
medicine, adopting a holisticviewpoint to understand each
patient's nutritional patternsand lifestyle.
This means having profoundconversations with our patients,
helping them devisepersonalized dietary plans,
assessing their adherence tomedications, tracking their
physical activities and evenlending an ear to their mental
(12:17):
health concerns and other lifecircumstances.
Yes, this is how we can forgean all-encompassing health plan
that doesn't just manage chronicconditions, it improves them
and truly encourages patientengagement in their health
journey.
And guess what?
We already got two powerfultools in our arsenal for this
mission Health coaching andnutrigenomics.
(12:40):
When paired together, they forman unparalleled duo that
elevates our personalizedpatient care to new heights.
So pivot with me and picturethis.
You're in a typical pharmacysetting.
It's just another Friday, thephone is ringing off the hook,
medication orders are spillingout of printers and sanitized
(13:00):
smell of pills are in the air.
Patients come and go with somevariation of advice in hand Eat
healthier, exercise more, watchyour blood sugar.
But you know what?
As healthcare professionals,you and I, we're way too savvy
to think it's that simple,aren't we?
We see that.
(13:20):
Look in our patient's eyes theoverwhelm, the uncertainty and
yes, even there.
They know they should eathealthier, but they're not sure
exactly what to eat.
They know they need to managetheir diabetes, but they have
trouble grappling with the dailypressures while maintaining
their health, with glucosereadings becoming more of a
(13:43):
bitter foe than a guiding friend.
You've probably asked yourselfwhat I have often asked myself.
What if we tore up therepetitive scripts?
What if we could do more thanjust manage our patient symptoms
?
What if we could empower themto take control of their own
health journey?
(14:03):
This is where health coachingcomes in, stepping up to bridge
that knowledge action gap.
It's not about dishing outone-size-fits-all advice, but
rather about tailoring a planthat fits the specific lifestyle
challenges and goals of eachpatient.
Think of health coaching as adynamic duo of guidance and
(14:24):
support.
It's your patient's trustysidekick, helping them navigate
their health journey, providingthem with the map and the tools,
but ultimately allowing them todrive their own wellness
vehicle.
Now, why is this so important?
Consider the diabetes epidemic.
We know, and our patients tooknow, that diet plays a
(14:46):
substantial role in itsdevelopment.
Yet despite this knowledge,race of diabetes aren't
decreasing.
Instead, they're on theirritating, perpetually upward
trend.
Managing this chronic conditionseems like mounting the same,
frustrating, endlessmerry-go-rounds.
But with health coaching,there's an opportunity to flip
(15:07):
the script.
Health coaching invitespatients to become active
participants in their healthcarejourneys rather than passive
recipients.
It empowers patients tounderstand their unique triggers
, create healthier habits and,most importantly, to sustain
these habits in the long run.
Now, as pharmacists whetherdealing with the challenges of
(15:28):
patient care or the ups anddowns of entrepreneurship
integrating health coaching intoyour practice can be a game
changer.
Not only could it transform howyour patients view and manage
their health, but it could alteryour role as a pharmacist, too.
You could become not justdispensers of medications, but
(15:48):
dispensers of empowerment,guidance and long-lasting change
.
Health coaching isn't just achange in strategy.
It's a reinvention of ourpatient care approach.
It's about finding that balancebetween treatment, prevention
and patient empowerment.
You're doing fantastic workalready, but remember, even a
(16:09):
load of changes can foster bigtransformations.
Let's dig deeper into healthcoaching.
Let's empower patients to livefully and violently, because
anyone's health journey can be achallenging one, but with
health coaching it doesn't haveto be a journey they take alone.
Now let's pivot again andpicture yourself in a cozy,
sunlit kitchen catching up withyour oldest and dearest friend.
(16:32):
You're both so engaged inconversation that the warm steam
from your cups of tea is gentlyfogging up your glasses.
Your friend shares a recentrevelation it's amazing how two
people can eat the exact samemeal, yet one person feels
energized when the other feelsfluggish and bloated.
You nod with a knowing smilebecause you too have witnessed
(16:56):
similar scenarios.
It's in these moments that werealize the power of our
individuality when it comes tohealth and wellness.
This is where the magic ofNutrigenomics enters the scene.
Nutrigenomics is all aboutdiving deep into the intricate
dance between nutrition andgenetics to create a
(17:18):
personalized wellness blueprintunique to each individual.
You see, we all possess thegenetic makeup that is
beautifully diverse, which meansthat our bodies react
differently to various foods andnutrients.
What if, as pharmacists, wecould become wellness architects
(17:39):
, capable of helping patientsbuild a tailor-made foundation
of health based on their uniquegenetic profile?
Imagine giving each patient theultimate compass, guiding their
every nutritional decision toaddress the root of their health
challenges.
Sounds amazing, right?
While the idea of implementingNutrigenomics in your practice
(18:00):
might seem foreign andoverwhelming, trust me, it's not
as daunting as it seems.
It could simply start withestablishing relationships with
genetic testing labs, gettingtrained in interpreting genetic
test results and using thatinformation to create
personalized nutrition andlifestyle recommendations.
Remember, even the tinieststeps forward bring us closer to
(18:25):
creating a greater impact.
Now you might be wonderingabout the cost associated with
Nutrigenomics, and of course,that's a valid concern.
Providing the service mightinitially require an upfront
investment in training and testkits, but the value it could
bring to both your patients andyour practice is extraordinary.
It does not have to break thebank.
(18:45):
There are scalable options tofit different budgets and levels
and involvement.
Using Nutrigenomics into yourpractice could revolutionize the
way you help your patientsachieve their healthiest lives.
It's an opportunity to not onlyalleviate symptoms, but to
equip patients with unmatchedpower to prevent and even
possibly reverse certain healthchallenges through personalized
(19:07):
nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Imagine how powerful it wouldbe to have a plan that truly
resonates with your unique needsand possibilities.
That's what you offer patientswith Nutrigenomics, coupled with
health coaching, personalizedprograms that emphasize
nutrition, exercise, even stressmanagement and sleep, giving
(19:27):
your patients a holisticguidance necessary to live a
healthy and happy life.
By providing personalizednutrition and lifestyle guidance
based on your patient's geneticprofile, you can better manage
chronic conditions and preventcomplications that lead to
hospital re-emissions.
You can truly deprescribe nipand polypharmacy in the bud and
(19:48):
reduce the need for multiplemedications and their associated
costs.
This not only benefits patientsbut also eases the burden on
our healthcare system.
Incorporating Nutrigenomicsinto our pharmacy practice can
shift the focus of healthcaretowards a more holistic,
patient-centric approach,emphasizing the importance of
nutrition and lifestyle andachieving optimal health.
(20:11):
Now I have a little secret totell you, because earlier I
mentioned getting all thistraining in Nutrigenomics so you
can interpret labs.
But I have a secret to tell youwhen a Nutrigenomics report
lands on your desktop whetherit's in paper form or it's on
your screen, your computerscreen it's brimming with
potential.
It describes the types of foodspatients should consider
(20:33):
including in their diet insightson managing stress, effective
exercises and potentialsupplements customized to their
genetic profile.
And with such an invaluableguide, our role shifts from
working with genericrecommendations to guides of
personalized wellness map forthe patients standing right in
(20:53):
front of us.
As pharmacists, we get theincredible privilege of serving
our patients in their worst,vulnerable moments.
We are part of the solution forimproving patient outcomes.
We are uniquely positioned tointegrate Nutrigenomics into our
practice and lead the charge intransforming healthcare.
And now, with Nutrigenomics inour toolkit, we get to steer
(21:19):
that privilege towards makingtangible, lasting differences.
We are at the heart of a shiftin paradigm, the unique
gatekeepers poised to bring anexciting transformation in
healthcare.
Now listen closely, because Ihave another secret to tell you.
Although I am now a certifiednutritional genomic specialist,
(21:39):
at the beginning of my journey,my introduction to
Neutrogenomics was met with apinch of skepticism.
I can still rememberquestioning can this really help
my patients in a way thattraditional medicine hasn't
Spoiler alert?
The answer was a resounding yes.
In fact, the meticulousness andprecision of the results were
(22:04):
astonishing.
It was like being handed thekeys to a secret map of each
individual patient's health.
I'll never forget oneparticular client who had a
history of seizures.
She sought my help for weightloss and mood stabilization,
instead of just handing her ageneric diet plan, her
Neutrogenomics report allowed usto home in on her brain health.
(22:28):
We had overwhelming amounts ofdata pointing to precise dietary
recommendations specificallydesigned for her.
But it didn't stop at diet.
Our action plan extended toadaptations around her sleep and
stress management.
This holistic, personalizedapproach marked the beginning of
her transformative journey.
(22:48):
She didn't just see changes.
They were significant shiftspaving away to her improved
health and quality of life.
Stories like hers underlinedthe power and potential of
Neutrogenomics.
Now here's my message to you.
It's easy to feel overwhelmedin the maze-like structure of
today's healthcare system.
But remember, you didn't enterthis field to be stuck in a
(23:11):
revolving door of unfilling roteresponsibilities.
You poured your heart and soulinto becoming a pharmacist
because you wanted to impactlives, to make a difference.
So who said you must accept thestatus quo?
It's time we disrupt theassembly line mentality.
Imagine stepping out of thatmonotonous fast food style
(23:32):
drive-through and instead inviteyour patients to sit at the
table with you, fosteringmeaningful conversations and
architecting plans tailored forthem.
My friends, this is how you canplay a better and more
fulfilling role in their healthjourney.
This is how you can reducetheir reliance on a medicine
(23:52):
cabinet full of prescriptions,because, at the end of the day,
a happy, healthy patientreflects a successful and
satisfied pharmacist.
Being custodians of patienthealth is not just about
dispensing medications.
It's equally about dispensingknowledge, understanding,
(24:13):
inspiration and hope.
And trust me, no careersatisfaction can parallel the
gratification of knowing youhave made a significant
difference in someone else'slife, don't you agree?
So let's keep exploringNutrigenomics and step into our
role as builders of personalizedwellness and health superheroes
(24:33):
.
Let's grasp the potential toempower our patients to take
control of their health, allwhile staying true to ourselves
and staying connected to thereason we became pharmacists in
the first place to help others.
Think of it as beginning thenext chapter in your pharmacist
superhero story, where youembark on new adventures in the
(24:57):
world of Nutrigenomics andtogether we redefine the
landscape of patient care.
Now let's get to work and pivotinto Nutrigenomics and raise
the script on health.
That is all I have for youtoday.
Thank you for joining me on thisfirst episode of Pivoting
Pharmacy with Nutrigenomics.
(25:17):
The excitement in the air ispalpable, isn't it?
Especially when you considerthe revolutionary changes that
Nutrigenomics holds for ourhealth care system and for our
dear patients' lives.
Are you loving what you'rehearing?
If yes, I have a favorite ask.
Picture a fellow pharmacistentrepreneur in your mind.
(25:38):
Perhaps they're at a crossroadsin their business or struggling
to incorporate unconventionalservices like Nutrigenomics, or
maybe they've just startedopening up and about feeling a
bit stuck lately, not knowingwhich direction is steer their
business.
Would you share this episodewith them?
By doing so, you're not onlyadding value to their journey
(25:59):
and fostering nurturingconnections in your community,
but also joining in an excitingcommunal endeavor raising the
bar in health care for ourpatients.
After all, we're all comradesin this grand mission, aren't we
?
It starts small just by sharingthis episode, and if you've
appreciated how we spenttogether on this show, let the
(26:21):
world know.
Leave a review.
It's as simple as that.
Open your Apple Podcast app,scroll down and give it a five
star rating.
Maybe share a sentence or twoabout what you enjoyed.
That action, as tiny as itmight seem, would mean the
universe to me.
Plus, it also lets otherkindred souls know that our show
is worth a listen in theirprecious time.
(26:43):
Together, we can make adifference in the world of
health care.
Are you up for it?
Coming up next week on the show, we'll dive deeper into the
science behind Neutrogenomicsand discuss how you can begin
implementing it in your practice, because this may be the first
time you're hearing aboutNeutrogenomics.
If it's not, you're probablywondering why it should matter
(27:04):
to you as a pharmacist and howyou could possibly start using
it with your patients.
So tune in next week, don'tmiss it.
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