Table of Contents
📰Keys of the Big Fill:
Former CVS Pharmacist: Understaffing Is Driving Medication Errors
In a recent interview with WISH-TV, a former CVS pharmacist in Indianapolis shared her firsthand experience working under unsafe conditions caused by chronic understaffing. Her account sheds light on the high-pressure environment many retail pharmacists face and raises serious concerns about patient safety and pharmacist well-being across the industry.
Key Provisions:
Unsafe Working Conditions
The pharmacist described conditions where prescriptions had to be filled rapidly and often without adequate technician support, creating a high-risk environment for errors.
Medication Errors on the Rise
With insufficient staffing and mounting workloads, the risk of dispensing errors increased significantly, echoing similar reports from retail pharmacies nationwide.
Lack of Corporate Response
Despite raising concerns internally, the pharmacist said little was done to improve staffing, forcing employees to choose between maintaining accuracy and meeting corporate expectations.
Wider Pattern
Her story reflects a broader national issue where major pharmacy chains are under scrutiny for placing operational efficiency above safety, contributing to pharmacist burnout and patient risk.
Why This Matters
Medication errors are one of the most preventable sources of harm in healthcare. Inadequate staffing not only puts patients at risk but also exacerbates workforce fatigue, retention issues, and trust in the pharmacy profession.
What This Means for You
Pharmacy Staff and Students
This story highlights the need to advocate for supportive, safe work environments. Speaking up about concerns is essential for protecting both patients and pharmacy professionals.
Healthcare Leaders
Organizations must prioritize safe staffing models and create systems that promote quality care over quantity. Addressing these challenges proactively can reduce errors and improve overall pharmacy operations.
Read more here
📊 Industry Trends:
House GOP Budget Proposal Targets Healthcare Spending, Medicare Reform, and Medical Education
House Republicans have introduced a 1,112-page budget plan titled the “One Big Beautiful Budget,” outlining major fiscal reforms with significant implications for healthcare. The proposal focuses on reducing federal healthcare spending, reforming Medicare and Medicaid, and changing the structure of graduate medical education and student loan programs. While it is unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate in its current form, it sets the stage for future legislative discussions that could reshape the healthcare landscape.
Large-Scale Federal Cuts
The proposal includes nearly $500 billion in healthcare spending reductions over the next decade. These savings would come from capping Medicaid spending through block grants, repealing Medicaid expansion, and scaling back key Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions.
Medicare Physician Payment Reform
A new inflation-based system would replace the current payment formula for Medicare providers. Physician reimbursement would increase by 2.25 percent in 2026, with annual increases reaching 4.3 percent by 2035. This aims to provide more stability and predictability for healthcare providers.
Graduate Medical Education and Student Loan Overhaul
The bill seeks to eliminate Grad PLUS loans for future medical and pharmacy students and proposes tighter federal borrowing limits. It also limits Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for residents, raising concerns about affordability and access to postgraduate training.
ACA Repeal Efforts Resurface
The plan includes full repeal of the ACA’s premium subsidies, Medicaid expansion, and related taxes. This move could reduce insurance coverage for millions and increase the financial burden on hospitals providing uncompensated care.
Healthcare Access Implications
Critics warn that these changes would have the greatest impact on underserved populations, particularly in rural and low-income areas where Medicaid expansion and ACA subsidies have improved healthcare access.
Why it Matters:
This proposal outlines a shift toward more state-controlled and fiscally conservative healthcare policy. While not expected to be enacted as-is, it signals potential future priorities around entitlement reform, payment restructuring, and federal cost containment. Healthcare professionals and students should monitor these developments closely to understand how federal policy may impact their education, practice environment, and patient population.
What this means for you:
Pharmacy Students and Trainees
Proposed loan restrictions and forgiveness limitations could create new financial challenges for those pursuing advanced training. Now is the time to stay informed and advocate for access to affordable education and debt relief programs.
Healthcare Providers and Systems
Reductions in Medicaid and Medicare funding may impact operational budgets, reimbursement models, and strategic planning. Leaders should prepare for greater financial pressure and potential shifts in patient coverage patterns.
Policy Stakeholders and Advocates
Though symbolic at this stage, the budget sets a clear direction. Advocacy will be essential in shaping policies that preserve patient access and support a sustainable healthcare workforce.
Read more here
🗞 Quick Scripts: Other Industry News
Walmart Opens Largest Central Fill Pharmacy to Boost Access and Efficiency
Walmart has unveiled its largest centralized prescription fulfillment facility in Frederick, Maryland, spanning 102,000 square feet. This state-of-the-art center can process up to 100,000 prescriptions daily, supporting over 700 Walmart pharmacies across 16 states and Washington, D.C. By automating tasks like pill counting and labeling, the facility allows in-store pharmacists to dedicate more time to clinical services such as immunizations and patient counseling. This initiative is part of Walmart's broader strategy to enhance healthcare access, especially in underserved communities, and to expand its Central Fill network to cover nearly 90% of its pharmacies by the end of 2026. Read more here
Epic Accelerates AI Integration with Launchpad and Expands EHR Capabilities
Epic Systems has introduced several significant updates in the past month, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare workflows. A notable development is the launch of the "Launchpad" program, designed to assist healthcare organizations in rapidly implementing generative AI-assisted workflows. This initiative provides a starter kit of AI use cases, enabling organizations to transition from concept to operational gains swiftly.
In addition to AI advancements, Epic has expanded its network, with OCHIN Epic adding five health centers and two rural hospitals in the first quarter of 2025. OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center also launched Epic EHR as part of a $29.1 million investment in IT upgrades.
Furthermore, Epic introduced a feature allowing patients to schedule appointments through conversational SMS with the help of an AI assistant. The company also signed an agreement with Abbott to integrate data from its Libre continuous glucose monitoring systems directly into Epic's EHR platforms.
These developments underscore Epic's commitment to leveraging AI to enhance healthcare delivery and patient engagement. Read more here
Costco Pharmacy Services Open to Everyone, No Membership Required
Costco pharmacies are legally required to be accessible to the public, meaning non-members can fill prescriptions and access services like vaccinations and health screenings without a membership. This federal regulation ensures broader access to affordable medications, even within membership-based retailers. While over-the-counter products and member-exclusive discounts still require a Costco membership, the pharmacy itself remains open to all. This accessibility is especially valuable as more consumers seek cost-effective healthcare options amid rising drug prices and retail pharmacy closures. Read more here
💊Drug Spotlight:
Yutrepia, a Pulmonary Hypertension Treatent
Yutrepia: A New Inhaled Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension
Yutrepia, developed by Liquidia Technologies, is a newly FDA-approved inhalation powder formulation of treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). Approved in May 2025, Yutrepia is delivered via a dry powder inhaler, offering patients a more portable and convenient treatment option compared to traditional nebulized therapies.
Clinical Trials
The FDA approval was based on clinical data showing Yutrepia’s effectiveness in improving exercise capacity and maintaining a safety profile consistent with existing prostacyclin therapies. Patients reported improved functional outcomes with fewer interruptions to daily life, and common side effects included mild cough and throat irritation.
Looking Ahead
Yutrepia marks a meaningful advancement in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension by reducing the treatment burden and increasing patient flexibility. Its user-friendly inhaler format may enhance adherence and broaden access to effective prostacyclin-based therapy, particularly for patients managing chronic pulmonary conditions on a daily basis. The drug is expected to become commercially available later in 2025.
Pharma Spotlight
Each week, we highlight pharmacy professionals and industry leaders who are making a real impact. This is our way of celebrating the work and dedication of professionals who drive pharmacy forward.
🌟Meet Dr. Jeong Kim, PharmD
Dr. Jeong Kim is a clinical pharmacist at Baylor Scott & White in Lakeway, Texas, where she plays a vital role in optimizing medication therapy and advancing preventative care. Her insights reflect a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to pharmacy, shaped by both professional challenges and a deep commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Can you share what initially inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy, and how that vision has evolved since you started?
I have found, and still find, it fascinating that medications can not only cure illnesses but also mask symptoms. Many people may not realize this, but it is a significant aspect of healthcare. Pharmacy has greatly improved, and continues to improve, our lives. However, it also has its downsides, such as polypharmacy, drug interactions, drug toxicity, and addiction. This is where the role of pharmacists becomes especially important. My perspective has changed, and now I support the use of medications only when they are truly necessary and appropriately indicated.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
My passion has always been rooted in the clinical aspects of pharmacy. However, as an international student, I was ineligible to apply for a residency program. Finding a job after graduation was also a great challenge. Fortunately, I was able to secure a position at a hospital that provided a sponsorship. Once my status was stabilized, I worked diligently to become board certified in pharmacotherapy. I firmly believe that there is always a way forward.
What impact do you hope to make through your work, and how do you see your contributions shaping the future of pharmacy at your institution?
My daily work focuses on optimizing patients’ medication profiles, with prevention as the primary goal. In healthcare, prevention is paramount, it is often more cost-effective and can be just as powerful as the medications themselves. While I am uncertain how my work will shape the future of pharmacy at my hospital, I am committed to doing everything possible to reduce medical costs for patients. 😊
What advice would you give to students or new graduates trying to find their place in the pharmacy profession today?
Internship is a great way to expose yourself to the real world of pharmacy. You can find out if you like it or not before it is too late to quit. Please don’t waste your time lol.
To students: Take your clinical practice seriously, but don’t lose sight of the life happening around you. Strive to balance your professional goals with personal fulfillment. Pursue hobbies that bring you joy and help you feel grounded, pharmacy is important, but so is your mental and physical well-being. Above all, be kind to yourself and those who support you along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Clinical Judgment Over Routine Use: She emphasized the importance of using medications only when truly necessary, reminding us that pharmacy is as much about critical decision-making as it is about treatment. Thoughtful prescribing can prevent adverse effects like toxicity, polypharmacy, and dependence.
- Persistence Opens Doors: Her experience overcoming employment barriers as an international graduate speaks to the power of determination and adaptability. Board certification and a commitment to growth helped her forge a clinical path despite limited early opportunities. This journey is especially inspiring for other international students who may feel discouraged by systemic obstacles, it’s a powerful reminder that success is still possible with perseverance and focus.
- Prevention Is Powerful: By focusing on prevention rather than reaction, her work shows how pharmacists can play a proactive role in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes, underscoring the value of pharmacists beyond medication management.
- Candid Advice for Students: Her straightforward recommendation to explore pharmacy through internships is a valuable reminder for students: don’t wait to find out if the profession aligns with your strengths and interests. Being proactive can save time and lead to more fulfilling career choices.
That’s it for today’s fill!
Stay tuned for next week’s issue. If you enjoyed this, please share it with your pharmacy friends. Until then, keep filling those scripts 🫡
Doses and mimosas, ShiftRx team
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