November 10, 2023 • 21 mins
Pharmacists! Discover the secret to becoming a health coach without fear. Start empowering your patients to transform their lives.
Have you fallen into the trap of focusing on treating symptoms rather than the root cause?
Many pharmacists get caught in the cycle of reactively treating health issues as they arise instead of taking a proactive, personalized approach to patient care. This limits our ability to truly empower patients and improve health outcomes.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
•How to break free from the trap of reactive healthcare and shift to personalized, proactive care.
•Why health coaching allows you to build meaningful connections and make a lasting impact.
•Practical strategies to implement health coaching in your pharmacy.
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):
Ready to transform your pharmacy practice with
empowering health coachingstrategies?
Deepen your connections withpatients and become a catalyst
for real change.
Then join me in this episode ofPivoting Pharmacy
Nutrigenomics.
to Pivoting Pharmacy with ,part of the Pharmacy Podcast
Network, a must-have resourcefor pharmacists.
(00:22):
Entrepreneurs seeking toenhance patient care while
enjoying career and life.
Join us as we pivot into ,fusing pharmacy and nutrition
for true patient-focused care.
Explore how to improve chronicconditions rather than just
manage them.
Celebrate entrepreneurialtriumphs and receive priceless
(00:44):
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 toepisode 10 of Pivoting Pharmacy
with .
I'm Dr Tamar Lawful, Doctor ofPharmacy and Certified
Nutritional Genomics Specialist.
(01:06):
Before we jump in, I've got togive a shout out to our featured
listener of the week, daisy.
Daisy says that she's alwaysbeen interested in but really
didn't know how to get startedand implemented in her practice.
She says that tomorrow givesyou the goods, daisy.
Your words put such a big smileon my face because I'm thrilled
(01:27):
you're finding our podcasthelpful.
Getting started can feel likeyou're climbing the mountain,
but remember, every big journeybegins with small steps.
So keep bringing your curiosity.
I am here to give you all thegoods and remember, for those
listening, when you leave us afive-star review, you'll get the
chance to be featured as ournext listener of the week and
(01:50):
get a shout out on the show.
So now let's dive into ourepisode today.
When I think back to the earlydays of my pharmacy career, when
I was an intern at a retailpharmacy in Philadelphia, I can
almost hear the click-clack ofpill bottles like a soundtrack
of a time gone by.
I remember trying to catch aquick bite to eat behind a
(02:12):
counter because we had no truebreaks.
Then filling up prescriptionslike there was no tomorrow,
answering non-stop phone callsand questions about insurance
coverage and medications.
You guys, it was a whirlwind.
But you already know right,amidst all that hustle, there
was this little flame inside me,a flame that created more than
(02:33):
just dolling out medications,more than just answering
questions.
I yearned to create change,real change in the lives of my
patients.
The thing is, I didn't want theconnection to be transient, not
at all.
I wanted it to be more profound, more meaningful, more personal
.
I wanted to become a drive-inforce for good, for wellness and
(02:56):
for transformation, but theuniverse wasn't making it so
easy.
It took me almost 20 years ofbeing a pharmacist before I
discovered how to be thedrive-in force I wanted to be.
It took me almost 20 years tofind my new superpower
personalized health coaching.
And let me tell you the impact.
It's more titanic than aniceberg.
(03:18):
We're talking about empoweringpeople to take the reins of
their health into their ownhands, crafting their own
wellness stories.
But here's the key, my friends,this journey didn't just
reshape my pharmacy practice, itredefined it.
It was like unlocking a secretlevel in a game.
We all know and love life.
And now I want to share thissuperpower with all of you.
(03:40):
It's time to ramp up the way wepractice pharmacy and hit that
detox button on traditionalroutines and dive it deep into
the world of personalized healthcoaching to light up the path
for your patients towards ahealthier, happier and
medication-free life, if andwhen possible.
Of course.
We often find ourselvesensnared in the habitual
practice of administeringmedications, deeply rooted in a
(04:02):
philosophy that solely focuseson symptomatic treatment.
It's an all-to-common scenarioidentify health issue, manage
symptoms and problem solved.
In this scenario, weunknowingly find ourselves in an
unending rhythm, enthralled ina belief system that perceives
health as merely a process ofsymptom management.
(04:22):
However, let's rethink thisapproach.
Is this our primary purpose tomerely quell health symptoms, or
are we striving for a moreprofound connection with
wellness, one that surpasses thelimited scope of symptomatic
relief and engages with abroader perspective of
comprehensive well-being?
A transformative journey beginswhen we actually free ourselves
(04:43):
from the confines of previousbeliefs and open ourselves to
new, enabling outlooks.
When we disconnect ourselvesfrom the routine of symptom
control, we can consider, addand on methods of
healthcare-like nutrition,nutrition and lifestyle
modifications.
This shift enables us totransition from pharmacists to
(05:04):
custodians of holistic healthand wellness.
And listen, I'm not here toreign on your parade, far from
it.
I'm a pharmacist as well, andwhat we do, what you are doing
now, is essential and amazing,and I'm undoubtedly placing an
applause emoji here.
In our role as pharmacists, weare, by nature of our expertise,
(05:25):
predominantly concentrated onmedications.
This stems from our rigoroustraining, which shapes our
perspective and approach towardshealthcare.
Furthermore, we areintrinsically tied to the
protocols of the existinghealthcare system, a system that
often encourages a reactivehealth model more than a
proactive one.
Often, our work tends to focusmore on addressing specific
(05:47):
health issues when they pop up,rather than taking proactive
steps to prevent them?
Isn't it like trying to put aband-aid on a wound rather than
avoid an injury in the firstplace?
Addressing symptoms certainlygives quicker, easy-to-measure
results, making it a relativelysimpler path.
That's not to discount therelief it brings to folks in
(06:07):
discomfort.
Immediate results do matter,but finding the root cause of
these symptoms is like trying tofind a needle in a haystack it
takes time.
The million-dollar question wethen end up asking ourselves is
how do we squeeze out time fromour busy schedules to provide
personalized care and coaching?
This one-on-one tailoredapproach focused on preventative
(06:31):
healthcare is key, but it istough to manage with the
schedules we have in thepharmacy.
So once you recognize thesehurdles, you have to ask
yourself how can you merge yourabilities to adopt a model that
places equal importance onprevention like it does on
treatment?
It's like turning a new page,redefining your role as a
pharmacist from only prescribingtreatment or filling
(06:55):
medications to becomingchampions of preventative,
wellness-driven healthcare.
The actual costs associated withpharmacists focusing on symptom
treatment instead of addressingthe root causes is substantial
and multifaceted.
We know healthcare expenses ingeneral are exorbitantly high
due to a reactive as opposed toa proactive health strategy.
(07:17):
For example, it's predictedthat global spending on
prescription drugs is expectedto be $1.3 trillion, with the
United States alone expected tospend $350 billion.
A significant portion of thesecosts likely originates from a
symptom-based focus rather thana preventative or root cause
(07:38):
approach.
From a health outcomestandpoint, pharmacists focusing
solely on symptoms meansdiseases and conditions may not
be treated adequately or preventit, leading to fluctuating
control of diseases, morecomplications and likely
potential adverse drug events.
The World Health Organization'sGlobal Burden of Disease study
(07:59):
found that behavioral factorscaused 35% of all premature
deaths in the United States,suggesting that a significant
amount of disease could bepreventable if root causes,
lifestyle included, wereaddressed appropriately.
And finally, we need to considerthe additional expenses
associated with healthcare, howit impacts the patient's quality
(08:21):
of life, as well as the load onour healthcare system.
When we address only thesymptoms, we might be
inadvertently postponing theidentification and treatment of
underlying problems.
So, for example, imagine ascenario where a headache is
merely treated with a painkillerinstead of identifying a
(08:41):
potentially serious issue likehypertension, which might be the
root cause.
By not addressing theirhypertension, the condition
could worsen, causing thepatient increased suffering and
possibly more serious healthissues down the line.
That situation would be morepressure on our healthcare
system, calling for moreresources to tackle bigger and
(09:02):
more complex conditions.
Now, indeed, we must rememberthat as pharmacists, we do not
have the scope to diagnosediseases.
It's beyond our professionalboundaries.
However, we are in a strategicposition to guide and empower
our patients.
Our role can be likened to aguide and light on their health
journey, encouraging them tohave open, informed
(09:25):
conversations with their primarycare physicians about their
symptoms.
This way, we're helping themuncover a complete picture of
their health condition.
Our goal to make surehealthcare isn't just about
curing the problem, but alsoabout preventing potential
health issues before they getworse.
After all, isn't preventionbetter than cure?
(09:45):
This saves resources andpromotes better patient
well-being.
In the long run, it's cleartackling the root cause rather
than just the symptoms can leadto improved patient outcomes,
less expenses and more efficientuse of healthcare resources.
The step towardspatient-focused, preventative
healthcare could transform thehealthcare scene into a
cost-effective andhealth-centered system.
(10:06):
And remember, pharmacists, weplay a vital role in making that
transformation possible.
It's time we rise up to thatchallenge Now.
Stepping into the world oftailored health coaching can be
a bit like walking a tightropethe fear of the unknown, a hint
of doubt about our expertise orthe thought that we're short on
(10:26):
training can hang over us as weconsider the plunge.
We might question ourselveslike what, if I slip up, could I
end up harming instead ofhelping my patients?
It's a totally natural response, especially when we care so
deeply about our patients'welfare.
I get it, my friend.
I've been there.
When I thought about expandingmy role, I had butterflies in my
(10:47):
stomach too.
Fair of change is human.
Yet what truly scared me was afear of regret, a one day
looking back and realizing thatI could have made an even bigger
difference in my patient'slives.
But here's something I want youto know.
You've got this.
Of course, these worries areimportant to a knowledge, but
(11:08):
let's not let them side mine us,that nagging voice of doubt.
We can tune it out.
Remember, as a pharmacist, youare beacon of knowledge and
trust in healthcare and youabsolutely have the ability to
broaden your expertise, stepinto the world of individual
health coaching and make animpact.
Yes, it might demand some extratraining and dedication, but
(11:31):
improving our patient's livesisn't that worth the legwork.
This journey may push yourboundaries, but the potential to
better your patient's livesmakes every step worth it.
The only way to go is forward.
Now there's this conceptionthat, in the realm of wellness
coaching, you do have to haveintensive training, something
perceived beyond thecapabilities of a pharmacist.
(11:54):
However, let me reassess thisassumption.
You don't need to be an expertin health coaching from day one.
Think about when you firstdecided to be a pharmacist.
You didn't know everythingright at the start, did you?
Yet you engage in persistentlearning, working diligently to
acquire the expertise and skillsthat now define your role.
(12:15):
Similarly, the journey intowellness coaching can be
approached with the same spiritof persistence and learning.
Today, you stand tall as asteward in healthcare, making a
positive impact on yourpatient's lives every day.
The narrative of your growth asa pharmacist is a testimony to
your potential for evolving intoan empowering wellness coach.
(12:36):
You've done it before.
You can apply the same zeal anddedication to expand your role
as a healthcare professional.
We must remember that even thegreatest journey begins with a
single step.
Now, this misconception thathealth coaching requires
intensive training beyond yourcapabilities as a pharmacist can
have significant impacts onyour patient.
It may not be a financialimpact, but it can impact the
(13:00):
patient's health outcomes andefficiency of the healthcare
services they receive.
Personalized health coaching isincreasingly recognized as a
valuable tool to enhance patienthealth outcomes, especially in
managing chronic illnesses.
By empowering patients tomanage their health and make
positive behavior changes,health coaching can
significantly improve apatient's overall wellness,
(13:21):
reduce repeat hospitalizationsand decrease healthcare costs.
Now, if you were to shy awayfrom incorporating health
coaching as a pharmacist becauseyou feel that you don't have
the skill, your patients maymiss out on these benefits that
you are in a prime position tosupply to them.
Another cost is the missedopportunity for utilizing the
full potential of pharmacists asaccessible healthcare providers
(13:44):
.
You're highly trained, oftenseen as the most approachable
and convenient point of care bythe public, and if you're not
comfortable assuming the role ofa health coach, this could lead
to an underutilization of yourcapacity to contribute to
improving public health.
However, here's myheart-to-heart moment with you.
Want to know the kicker?
You yes, you can stretch yourprofessional muscles even more.
(14:09):
You can dive to new deaths,reaching further into
personalized health needs.
Embrace the power you have tomake not just a ripple, but a
splash in your patient's lives.
Take the scenic route andconsider this, instead of
finding yourself revolvingaround this orbital path of
reactive health.
What if just what if?
(14:30):
You put on the trekking bootsand started a proactive health
revolution?
That's where the healthcoaching comes in.
Health coaching is not somefancy term or a fad that's in
today and out tomorrow.
It's about wearing a differenthat From being the people who
respond to symptoms to becomingthe folks who empower and guide
patients towards proactivehealth management.
(14:51):
Imagine this shift as climbinga mountain.
The view from the ordinarytrail is pretty great, right,
but what if I tell you there'san even more awe-inspiring view
waiting for you?
That's health coaching.
It's about guiding yourpatients up that steep track,
working with them to find waysto optimize their health and
lifestyle, fully tailored totheir unique needs.
So let's make sure we getsomething straight here, though.
(15:12):
I'm not saying your currentrole is an amazing.
You're an actual superhero.
But why not add anothersuperpower to your arsenal?
With health coaching, you getto go beyond just treating
symptoms.
You become a catalyst in yourpatient's journey, promoting
wellness, lesson changes and ahealthier life.
That they control, understandthe specific needs and concerns
(15:33):
of each patient is a new path weneed to empower our patients
effectively Now.
The magic of pharmacy healthcoaching lies in its holistic
approach.
We're talking about focusing ona whole person mind, body and
soul.
Yep, we're going to go beyondjust medications.
Now you might be wondering whatmakes a holistic approach so
special.
Let me illustrate with thisexample.
(15:55):
Picture a patient.
Let's just say her name isJessica and she's struggling to
manage her diabetes.
In a conventional pharmacysetting she might get
medications and basic advice,but imagine if, as her
pharmacist's coach, you were herguide, her confidant, her
cheerleader.
You'd address her exercisehabits, eating patterns,
stressors, social support and,more Suddenly, jessica's life
(16:18):
story unfolds in front of you, acomplete picture that enables
you to truly understand herneeds.
That, my friends, is the beautyof pharmacy health coaching.
So what are the benefits forboth the patient and you as a
pharmacist?
Two words win-win.
For the patients, they getpersonalized care, they get
empowerment so they can take thereins on their health journey
(16:41):
and have the confidence to makethese lasting life changes, and
they, of course, are going tohave better outcomes.
And for you, as a pharmacist,you get to develop a deeper
connection with your patientsand you may even have more
satisfaction in your job becauseyou become more than just a
pill dispenser.
You're embracing your power tomake a lasting impact on the
(17:05):
lives of others, and you alsoget to spread your wings.
You keep those skills diverseand expanding as a pharmacy
health coach.
Those skills are transferrable,adaptable and keep your
profession exciting.
Take my word for it the rewardsof pharmacy health coaching are
nothing short oftransformational.
Let's empower our patientsourselves and transformer
(17:26):
communities for the better, onehealth coaching session at a
time.
So I want you to picture apatient with a genetic variant.
We're going to get a little bitinto nutrigenomics here.
Say, they have the geneticvariant like APOE4.
This is associated with highcholesterol levels and increased
risk for Alzheimer's.
Instead of focusing only oncholesterol lowering medications
(17:51):
, your patient's nutrigenomicstests suggest they may benefit
from a Mediterranean diet andspecific supplements like omega
three fatty acids.
You coach them through theirtailored plan, helping them feel
more in control and enablingthem to better manage their
health.
Now I want to say that innutrigenomics we don't focus on
(18:12):
only one genetic variant but forthe sake of an example, I'm
just pointing out this onevariant of the APOE4 for our
patient here.
So when you start incorporatinghealth coaching into your
practice, you're not turningyour back on your pharmacy
training.
You're simply collecting newtools to add to your toolbox new
skills, skills like activelistening, motivational
(18:32):
interviewing and collaborativedecision making.
These are techniques that canbe learned, just like everything
else you've mastered in yourcareer.
You're now in the business ofguiding, supporting, educating
and empowering and, mostimportantly, always remember to
refer your patients to theappropriate professional when
something is beyond your scopeof practice.
You've already got skills thatare needed for health coaching.
(18:55):
You have communication skills,empathy, knowledge and
experience.
The leap into health coachingrequires courage, but with the
right training and determinationyou can make that leap.
You have the foundationsalready.
You have the raw materials youneed within you.
It's all about deepening andbroadening those skills to
provide an even higher level ofcare.
(19:16):
Was transitioning or should Isay emerging health coaching
into my pharmacy practice easyfor me?
No, there were initialchallenges, but was it worth it?
Absolutely.
I promise you the impact youmake as a health coach will
astound you.
So let's push past this feartogether, trusting in our
ability to grow and make an evengreater impact on our patient's
(19:37):
lives.
Let's become pioneers inpatient care together and dive
into the world of healthcoaching.
I mentioned earlier that time isalso an issue.
How are you supposed to coach apatient amongst the busy
pharmacy environment, where youmay be the only pharmacist or
have other duties on your plateand, most of the time, don't
even have time for a true lunchbreak, right?
(19:59):
Integrating this healthcoaching into your routine or as
a service in your pharmacy?
It may be smoother than youimagined, but it may necessitate
some adjustments to yourworkflow.
And that's where Raise theScript comes in.
If you're an independentpharmacy owner keen on weaving
health coaching into yourpharmacy practice, my Raise the
(20:19):
Script program offers theperfect launch pad.
Our program provides ready toimplement health coaching
blueprints that propel you tothe front lines of innovative
pharmacy practices.
Raise the Script strives tointegrate health coaching,
nutritionomics, the fusion ofnutrition and genomics, and a
patient-centric approach intoyour arsenal.
Our aim to streamline yourjourney so that you can
(20:41):
comfortably master healthcoaching while managing your
primary pharmacy duties.
So you're invited to see how itworks and start your
transformative journey atwwwraisescriptcom, where you can
book a consultation with me.
Now, that's all I have for youthis week.
If any part of thisconversation sparked your
interest or resonated with you,I'd love to hear your thoughts.
(21:04):
Your five-star review andcomments can guide another
pharmacist on a similar journey.
Subscribe, rate and downloadthis episode to ensure you're
always in the loop.
Coming up next week on the show, we have an insightful episode
featuring an interview I didearlier in 2023 with my dear
friend and occupationaltherapist, jessica Mee Tang, on
(21:24):
her podcast Breaking Free fromChronic Pain, we highlight the
power of pharmacogenomics andnutritionomics in a two-part
series to explore how healthcareprofessionals and patients
alike can optimize treatmentsaccording to their unique
genetic makeup.
So tune in next Friday.
Until then, always remember inyour journey as a healthcare
professional, always raise theScripts on Health, because
(21:46):
together we can bring healthcareto higher levels.
Ready to transform your pharmacy practice with
empowering health coachingstrategies?
Deepen your connections withpatients and become a catalyst
for real change.
Then join me in this episode ofPivoting Pharmacy
Nutrigenomics.
to Pivoting Pharmacy with ,part of the Pharmacy Podcast
Network, a must-have resourcefor pharmacists.
(00:22):
Entrepreneurs seeking toenhance patient care while
enjoying career and life.
Join us as we pivot into ,fusing pharmacy and nutrition
for true patient-focused care.
Explore how to improve chronicconditions rather than just
manage them.
Celebrate entrepreneurialtriumphs and receive priceless
(00:44):
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 toepisode 10 of Pivoting Pharmacy
with .
I'm Dr Tamar Lawful, Doctor ofPharmacy and Certified
Nutritional Genomics Specialist.
(01:06):
Before we jump in, I've got togive a shout out to our featured
listener of the week, daisy.
Daisy says that she's alwaysbeen interested in but really
didn't know how to get startedand implemented in her practice.
She says that tomorrow givesyou the goods, daisy.
Your words put such a big smileon my face because I'm thrilled
(01:27):
you're finding our podcasthelpful.
Getting started can feel likeyou're climbing the mountain,
but remember, every big journeybegins with small steps.
So keep bringing your curiosity.
I am here to give you all thegoods and remember, for those
listening, when you leave us afive-star review, you'll get the
chance to be featured as ournext listener of the week and
(01:50):
get a shout out on the show.
So now let's dive into ourepisode today.
When I think back to the earlydays of my pharmacy career, when
I was an intern at a retailpharmacy in Philadelphia, I can
almost hear the click-clack ofpill bottles like a soundtrack
of a time gone by.
I remember trying to catch aquick bite to eat behind a
(02:12):
counter because we had no truebreaks.
Then filling up prescriptionslike there was no tomorrow,
answering non-stop phone callsand questions about insurance
coverage and medications.
You guys, it was a whirlwind.
But you already know right,amidst all that hustle, there
was this little flame inside me,a flame that created more than
(02:33):
just dolling out medications,more than just answering
questions.
I yearned to create change,real change in the lives of my
patients.
The thing is, I didn't want theconnection to be transient, not
at all.
I wanted it to be more profound, more meaningful, more personal
.
I wanted to become a drive-inforce for good, for wellness and
(02:56):
for transformation, but theuniverse wasn't making it so
easy.
It took me almost 20 years ofbeing a pharmacist before I
discovered how to be thedrive-in force I wanted to be.
It took me almost 20 years tofind my new superpower
personalized health coaching.
And let me tell you the impact.
It's more titanic than aniceberg.
(03:18):
We're talking about empoweringpeople to take the reins of
their health into their ownhands, crafting their own
wellness stories.
But here's the key, my friends,this journey didn't just
reshape my pharmacy practice, itredefined it.
It was like unlocking a secretlevel in a game.
We all know and love life.
And now I want to share thissuperpower with all of you.
(03:40):
It's time to ramp up the way wepractice pharmacy and hit that
detox button on traditionalroutines and dive it deep into
the world of personalized healthcoaching to light up the path
for your patients towards ahealthier, happier and
medication-free life, if andwhen possible.
Of course.
We often find ourselvesensnared in the habitual
practice of administeringmedications, deeply rooted in a
(04:02):
philosophy that solely focuseson symptomatic treatment.
It's an all-to-common scenarioidentify health issue, manage
symptoms and problem solved.
In this scenario, weunknowingly find ourselves in an
unending rhythm, enthralled ina belief system that perceives
health as merely a process ofsymptom management.
(04:22):
However, let's rethink thisapproach.
Is this our primary purpose tomerely quell health symptoms, or
are we striving for a moreprofound connection with
wellness, one that surpasses thelimited scope of symptomatic
relief and engages with abroader perspective of
comprehensive well-being?
A transformative journey beginswhen we actually free ourselves
(04:43):
from the confines of previousbeliefs and open ourselves to
new, enabling outlooks.
When we disconnect ourselvesfrom the routine of symptom
control, we can consider, addand on methods of
healthcare-like nutrition,nutrition and lifestyle
modifications.
This shift enables us totransition from pharmacists to
(05:04):
custodians of holistic healthand wellness.
And listen, I'm not here toreign on your parade, far from
it.
I'm a pharmacist as well, andwhat we do, what you are doing
now, is essential and amazing,and I'm undoubtedly placing an
applause emoji here.
In our role as pharmacists, weare, by nature of our expertise,
(05:25):
predominantly concentrated onmedications.
This stems from our rigoroustraining, which shapes our
perspective and approach towardshealthcare.
Furthermore, we areintrinsically tied to the
protocols of the existinghealthcare system, a system that
often encourages a reactivehealth model more than a
proactive one.
Often, our work tends to focusmore on addressing specific
(05:47):
health issues when they pop up,rather than taking proactive
steps to prevent them?
Isn't it like trying to put aband-aid on a wound rather than
avoid an injury in the firstplace?
Addressing symptoms certainlygives quicker, easy-to-measure
results, making it a relativelysimpler path.
That's not to discount therelief it brings to folks in
(06:07):
discomfort.
Immediate results do matter,but finding the root cause of
these symptoms is like trying tofind a needle in a haystack it
takes time.
The million-dollar question wethen end up asking ourselves is
how do we squeeze out time fromour busy schedules to provide
personalized care and coaching?
This one-on-one tailoredapproach focused on preventative
(06:31):
healthcare is key, but it istough to manage with the
schedules we have in thepharmacy.
So once you recognize thesehurdles, you have to ask
yourself how can you merge yourabilities to adopt a model that
places equal importance onprevention like it does on
treatment?
It's like turning a new page,redefining your role as a
pharmacist from only prescribingtreatment or filling
(06:55):
medications to becomingchampions of preventative,
wellness-driven healthcare.
The actual costs associated withpharmacists focusing on symptom
treatment instead of addressingthe root causes is substantial
and multifaceted.
We know healthcare expenses ingeneral are exorbitantly high
due to a reactive as opposed toa proactive health strategy.
(07:17):
For example, it's predictedthat global spending on
prescription drugs is expectedto be $1.3 trillion, with the
United States alone expected tospend $350 billion.
A significant portion of thesecosts likely originates from a
symptom-based focus rather thana preventative or root cause
(07:38):
approach.
From a health outcomestandpoint, pharmacists focusing
solely on symptoms meansdiseases and conditions may not
be treated adequately or preventit, leading to fluctuating
control of diseases, morecomplications and likely
potential adverse drug events.
The World Health Organization'sGlobal Burden of Disease study
(07:59):
found that behavioral factorscaused 35% of all premature
deaths in the United States,suggesting that a significant
amount of disease could bepreventable if root causes,
lifestyle included, wereaddressed appropriately.
And finally, we need to considerthe additional expenses
associated with healthcare, howit impacts the patient's quality
(08:21):
of life, as well as the load onour healthcare system.
When we address only thesymptoms, we might be
inadvertently postponing theidentification and treatment of
underlying problems.
So, for example, imagine ascenario where a headache is
merely treated with a painkillerinstead of identifying a
(08:41):
potentially serious issue likehypertension, which might be the
root cause.
By not addressing theirhypertension, the condition
could worsen, causing thepatient increased suffering and
possibly more serious healthissues down the line.
That situation would be morepressure on our healthcare
system, calling for moreresources to tackle bigger and
(09:02):
more complex conditions.
Now, indeed, we must rememberthat as pharmacists, we do not
have the scope to diagnosediseases.
It's beyond our professionalboundaries.
However, we are in a strategicposition to guide and empower
our patients.
Our role can be likened to aguide and light on their health
journey, encouraging them tohave open, informed
(09:25):
conversations with their primarycare physicians about their
symptoms.
This way, we're helping themuncover a complete picture of
their health condition.
Our goal to make surehealthcare isn't just about
curing the problem, but alsoabout preventing potential
health issues before they getworse.
After all, isn't preventionbetter than cure?
(09:45):
This saves resources andpromotes better patient
well-being.
In the long run, it's cleartackling the root cause rather
than just the symptoms can leadto improved patient outcomes,
less expenses and more efficientuse of healthcare resources.
The step towardspatient-focused, preventative
healthcare could transform thehealthcare scene into a
cost-effective andhealth-centered system.
(10:06):
And remember, pharmacists, weplay a vital role in making that
transformation possible.
It's time we rise up to thatchallenge Now.
Stepping into the world oftailored health coaching can be
a bit like walking a tightropethe fear of the unknown, a hint
of doubt about our expertise orthe thought that we're short on
(10:26):
training can hang over us as weconsider the plunge.
We might question ourselveslike what, if I slip up, could I
end up harming instead ofhelping my patients?
It's a totally natural response, especially when we care so
deeply about our patients'welfare.
I get it, my friend.
I've been there.
When I thought about expandingmy role, I had butterflies in my
(10:47):
stomach too.
Fair of change is human.
Yet what truly scared me was afear of regret, a one day
looking back and realizing thatI could have made an even bigger
difference in my patient'slives.
But here's something I want youto know.
You've got this.
Of course, these worries areimportant to a knowledge, but
(11:08):
let's not let them side mine us,that nagging voice of doubt.
We can tune it out.
Remember, as a pharmacist, youare beacon of knowledge and
trust in healthcare and youabsolutely have the ability to
broaden your expertise, stepinto the world of individual
health coaching and make animpact.
Yes, it might demand some extratraining and dedication, but
(11:31):
improving our patient's livesisn't that worth the legwork.
This journey may push yourboundaries, but the potential to
better your patient's livesmakes every step worth it.
The only way to go is forward.
Now there's this conceptionthat, in the realm of wellness
coaching, you do have to haveintensive training, something
perceived beyond thecapabilities of a pharmacist.
(11:54):
However, let me reassess thisassumption.
You don't need to be an expertin health coaching from day one.
Think about when you firstdecided to be a pharmacist.
You didn't know everythingright at the start, did you?
Yet you engage in persistentlearning, working diligently to
acquire the expertise and skillsthat now define your role.
(12:15):
Similarly, the journey intowellness coaching can be
approached with the same spiritof persistence and learning.
Today, you stand tall as asteward in healthcare, making a
positive impact on yourpatient's lives every day.
The narrative of your growth asa pharmacist is a testimony to
your potential for evolving intoan empowering wellness coach.
(12:36):
You've done it before.
You can apply the same zeal anddedication to expand your role
as a healthcare professional.
We must remember that even thegreatest journey begins with a
single step.
Now, this misconception thathealth coaching requires
intensive training beyond yourcapabilities as a pharmacist can
have significant impacts onyour patient.
It may not be a financialimpact, but it can impact the
(13:00):
patient's health outcomes andefficiency of the healthcare
services they receive.
Personalized health coaching isincreasingly recognized as a
valuable tool to enhance patienthealth outcomes, especially in
managing chronic illnesses.
By empowering patients tomanage their health and make
positive behavior changes,health coaching can
significantly improve apatient's overall wellness,
(13:21):
reduce repeat hospitalizationsand decrease healthcare costs.
Now, if you were to shy awayfrom incorporating health
coaching as a pharmacist becauseyou feel that you don't have
the skill, your patients maymiss out on these benefits that
you are in a prime position tosupply to them.
Another cost is the missedopportunity for utilizing the
full potential of pharmacists asaccessible healthcare providers
(13:44):
.
You're highly trained, oftenseen as the most approachable
and convenient point of care bythe public, and if you're not
comfortable assuming the role ofa health coach, this could lead
to an underutilization of yourcapacity to contribute to
improving public health.
However, here's myheart-to-heart moment with you.
Want to know the kicker?
You yes, you can stretch yourprofessional muscles even more.
(14:09):
You can dive to new deaths,reaching further into
personalized health needs.
Embrace the power you have tomake not just a ripple, but a
splash in your patient's lives.
Take the scenic route andconsider this, instead of
finding yourself revolvingaround this orbital path of
reactive health.
What if just what if?
(14:30):
You put on the trekking bootsand started a proactive health
revolution?
That's where the healthcoaching comes in.
Health coaching is not somefancy term or a fad that's in
today and out tomorrow.
It's about wearing a differenthat From being the people who
respond to symptoms to becomingthe folks who empower and guide
patients towards proactivehealth management.
(14:51):
Imagine this shift as climbinga mountain.
The view from the ordinarytrail is pretty great, right,
but what if I tell you there'san even more awe-inspiring view
waiting for you?
That's health coaching.
It's about guiding yourpatients up that steep track,
working with them to find waysto optimize their health and
lifestyle, fully tailored totheir unique needs.
So let's make sure we getsomething straight here, though.
(15:12):
I'm not saying your currentrole is an amazing.
You're an actual superhero.
But why not add anothersuperpower to your arsenal?
With health coaching, you getto go beyond just treating
symptoms.
You become a catalyst in yourpatient's journey, promoting
wellness, lesson changes and ahealthier life.
That they control, understandthe specific needs and concerns
(15:33):
of each patient is a new path weneed to empower our patients
effectively Now.
The magic of pharmacy healthcoaching lies in its holistic
approach.
We're talking about focusing ona whole person mind, body and
soul.
Yep, we're going to go beyondjust medications.
Now you might be wondering whatmakes a holistic approach so
special.
Let me illustrate with thisexample.
(15:55):
Picture a patient.
Let's just say her name isJessica and she's struggling to
manage her diabetes.
In a conventional pharmacysetting she might get
medications and basic advice,but imagine if, as her
pharmacist's coach, you were herguide, her confidant, her
cheerleader.
You'd address her exercisehabits, eating patterns,
stressors, social support and,more Suddenly, jessica's life
(16:18):
story unfolds in front of you, acomplete picture that enables
you to truly understand herneeds.
That, my friends, is the beautyof pharmacy health coaching.
So what are the benefits forboth the patient and you as a
pharmacist?
Two words win-win.
For the patients, they getpersonalized care, they get
empowerment so they can take thereins on their health journey
(16:41):
and have the confidence to makethese lasting life changes, and
they, of course, are going tohave better outcomes.
And for you, as a pharmacist,you get to develop a deeper
connection with your patientsand you may even have more
satisfaction in your job becauseyou become more than just a
pill dispenser.
You're embracing your power tomake a lasting impact on the
(17:05):
lives of others, and you alsoget to spread your wings.
You keep those skills diverseand expanding as a pharmacy
health coach.
Those skills are transferrable,adaptable and keep your
profession exciting.
Take my word for it the rewardsof pharmacy health coaching are
nothing short oftransformational.
Let's empower our patientsourselves and transformer
(17:26):
communities for the better, onehealth coaching session at a
time.
So I want you to picture apatient with a genetic variant.
We're going to get a little bitinto nutrigenomics here.
Say, they have the geneticvariant like APOE4.
This is associated with highcholesterol levels and increased
risk for Alzheimer's.
Instead of focusing only oncholesterol lowering medications
(17:51):
, your patient's nutrigenomicstests suggest they may benefit
from a Mediterranean diet andspecific supplements like omega
three fatty acids.
You coach them through theirtailored plan, helping them feel
more in control and enablingthem to better manage their
health.
Now I want to say that innutrigenomics we don't focus on
(18:12):
only one genetic variant but forthe sake of an example, I'm
just pointing out this onevariant of the APOE4 for our
patient here.
So when you start incorporatinghealth coaching into your
practice, you're not turningyour back on your pharmacy
training.
You're simply collecting newtools to add to your toolbox new
skills, skills like activelistening, motivational
(18:32):
interviewing and collaborativedecision making.
These are techniques that canbe learned, just like everything
else you've mastered in yourcareer.
You're now in the business ofguiding, supporting, educating
and empowering and, mostimportantly, always remember to
refer your patients to theappropriate professional when
something is beyond your scopeof practice.
You've already got skills thatare needed for health coaching.
(18:55):
You have communication skills,empathy, knowledge and
experience.
The leap into health coachingrequires courage, but with the
right training and determinationyou can make that leap.
You have the foundationsalready.
You have the raw materials youneed within you.
It's all about deepening andbroadening those skills to
provide an even higher level ofcare.
(19:16):
Was transitioning or should Isay emerging health coaching
into my pharmacy practice easyfor me?
No, there were initialchallenges, but was it worth it?
Absolutely.
I promise you the impact youmake as a health coach will
astound you.
So let's push past this feartogether, trusting in our
ability to grow and make an evengreater impact on our patient's
(19:37):
lives.
Let's become pioneers inpatient care together and dive
into the world of healthcoaching.
I mentioned earlier that time isalso an issue.
How are you supposed to coach apatient amongst the busy
pharmacy environment, where youmay be the only pharmacist or
have other duties on your plateand, most of the time, don't
even have time for a true lunchbreak, right?
(19:59):
Integrating this healthcoaching into your routine or as
a service in your pharmacy?
It may be smoother than youimagined, but it may necessitate
some adjustments to yourworkflow.
And that's where Raise theScript comes in.
If you're an independentpharmacy owner keen on weaving
health coaching into yourpharmacy practice, my Raise the
(20:19):
Script program offers theperfect launch pad.
Our program provides ready toimplement health coaching
blueprints that propel you tothe front lines of innovative
pharmacy practices.
Raise the Script strives tointegrate health coaching,
nutritionomics, the fusion ofnutrition and genomics, and a
patient-centric approach intoyour arsenal.
Our aim to streamline yourjourney so that you can
(20:41):
comfortably master healthcoaching while managing your
primary pharmacy duties.
So you're invited to see how itworks and start your
transformative journey atwwwraisescriptcom, where you can
book a consultation with me.
Now, that's all I have for youthis week.
If any part of thisconversation sparked your
interest or resonated with you,I'd love to hear your thoughts.
(21:04):
Your five-star review andcomments can guide another
pharmacist on a similar journey.
Subscribe, rate and downloadthis episode to ensure you're
always in the loop.
Coming up next week on the show, we have an insightful episode
featuring an interview I didearlier in 2023 with my dear
friend and occupationaltherapist, jessica Mee Tang, on
(21:24):
her podcast Breaking Free fromChronic Pain, we highlight the
power of pharmacogenomics andnutritionomics in a two-part
series to explore how healthcareprofessionals and patients
alike can optimize treatmentsaccording to their unique
genetic makeup.
So tune in next Friday.
Until then, always remember inyour journey as a healthcare
professional, always raise theScripts on Health, because
(21:46):
together we can bring healthcareto higher levels.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.