Welcome back to this week's edition of The Weekly Fill! We're bringing you the latest pharmacy trends with some fun updates about life at ShiftRx.
The Weekly Fill is your go-to for pharmacists, pharmacy techs, owners, operators, managers, you name it. If you’re in pharmacy, this newsletter is for you. 😈
Authored by Matthew Giroux, PharmD Candidate
The Big Fill This Week:
A Pharmacy Tragedy That Hits Too Close to Home
Unconfirmed reports are circulating that two CVS pharmacists in Pennsylvania recently died by suicide, sparking renewed conversations about the unbearable working conditions many retail pharmacy professionals face. While details remain limited and no formal confirmation has been issued by CVS or major news outlets, the response from fellow pharmacists has been immediate and deeply emotional.
It’s no secret: the pressure in chain pharmacies is often relentless, high prescription volumes, minimal staffing, unrealistic metrics, and little room to breathe. The toll this takes on mental health can be devastating.
Let this be a reminder: your life and well-being matter more than any job. No role, no quota, no metric, no shift, is worth your mental health. If you're struggling, please reach out to someone, a colleague, a friend, a therapist, a hotline. You’re not alone. Prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and know that putting your health first is not a weakness, it’s courage.
If this is something you or someone you know needs help with, consider these resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988
- Pharmacist Support Programs: Reach out through state boards, professional associations, or pharmacy-specific peer networks.
We owe it to each other to advocate not just for better working conditions, but for compassion, humanity, and safety in our profession.
📊 Industry Trend:
How Israel-Iran Tensions Threaten Global Drug Access
The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran reached a new level when Iran’s parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that threatens to disrupt 20% of global oil and LNG trade. This chokepoint, responsible for transporting nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day, underpins not just energy markets, but the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
While Iran isn’t a major direct exporter of pharmaceuticals to the West, the ripple effects, rising fuel prices, disrupted shipping lanes, and increased raw material costs, pose serious risks to drug manufacturing, particularly in India, which relies heavily on Hormuz for crude oil and supplies 40% of global generic medicines.
What’s at Risk:
- API Shortages: Indian and Chinese API producers face higher energy and transport costs, threatening output.
- Packaging Delays: Resin and polymer supply chains could choke, impacting plastic, glass, and aluminum components.
- Logistics Bottlenecks: Detours via Africa add up to 2 weeks of delay; insurance and air freight costs surge.
- Energy-Intensive Manufacturing: API synthesis, HVAC systems, and sterile production all face rising input costs.
Recommended Actions for Pharmacies and Suppliers:
- Conduct supply chain audits to identify SKUs vulnerable to Gulf disruptions.
- Qualify alternate suppliers and regions not reliant on Hormuz-based logistics.
- Increase inventory buffers, shift from JIT to 60+ day holdings for key medications.
- Re-negotiate logistics contracts and track marine risk indicators.
“Know your supply chain. Know your suppliers, their secondary suppliers, and your alternatives.”
— Ryan Kelly, Senior Director, Rx-360
As geopolitical tensions grow, supply chain transparency, inventory resilience, and proactive strategy will be critical in safeguarding access to essential medicines. Read more here.
🗞 Quick Scripts: Other Industry News
Pharmacies vs. PBMs: Oregon’s Legislative Battle Ends in Stalemate
Oregon's House Bill 3212, aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and providing fair reimbursement to retail pharmacies, has failed to pass, despite more than a decade of similar legislative attempts. The bill sought to require PBMs to cover drug ingredient costs and add dispensing fees to help pharmacies stay afloat, but collapsed under legal concerns, insurer opposition, and legislative time constraints. Oregon has the second-fewest retail pharmacies per capita in the U.S., with over 200 closures since 2008 and more expected as Rite Aid shutters additional locations. Advocates warn the bill’s failure will worsen access, particularly in rural communities, while critics argue it could increase drug costs for consumers. Lawmakers expect the issue to return next session as pressure mounts to protect pharmacy access. Read more here
Pharmacies Might Finally Win
Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are beginning to shift away from traditional spread-pricing models in favor of more transparent payment structures like unbundled services, cost-plus pricing, and per-member-per-month (PMPM) models. These changes allow payers and employers to see exactly what they’re paying for, separating services like claims processing, rebate management, and network access. The goal is to increase transparency, reduce conflicts of interest, and promote more equitable pharmacy reimbursement. As pressure from regulators and market forces builds, these models are gaining traction and could significantly reshape pharmacy, PBM dynamics. Read more here.
The ECAPS Act Could Be a Game-Changer for Pharmacy Reimbursement
The bipartisan ECAPS Act (HR 3164) is gaining momentum in Congress, aiming to formally recognize pharmacists as providers under Medicare Part B. If passed, it would allow pharmacists to be reimbursed for essential clinical services such as COVID-19 testing, RSV treatment, and chronic disease management, especially in underserved areas. Backed by organizations like APhA and ASHP, the bill would help bridge gaps in care access while acknowledging the critical, front-line role pharmacists play in public health. Supporters argue that ECAPS could improve patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs by leveraging pharmacy access points more effectively. Read more here.
💜 ShiftRX Announcement
Platform Update: New Features Built for Faster, Smarter Staffing
We want to thank you for being a valued customer on the platform. We’ve been listening to your feedback, and we’re excited to roll out powerful new features designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help you find top pharmacy professionals, faster than ever before.
New Dashboard View
Say goodbye to chaos and hello to clarity. Your redesigned dashboard puts everything you need right at your fingertips:
- Shift Organization: All shifts are now cleanly organized in tabs, Not Filled, Filled, and Completed—so you’re never hunting through long lists again.
- Choose Your View: Prefer the card layout? You can still toggle back to the classic card view anytime.
- Improved Sorting & Filtering: Quickly find what you need using filters for date, rate, location name, and more.
- One-Click Actions: Edit, cancel, or review applicants, all from one centralized location.
Enhanced Shift Posting – > Work Smarter, Not Harder
We know your time is valuable, so we’ve optimized shift posting to be as efficient as possible:
- Bulk Posting: Need coverage across multiple days? You can now post several shifts at once, no more repetitive data entry.
- Flexible Scheduling: Assign different start/end times for each day, because not every week follows a 9-to-5 schedule.
- Multi-Provider Support: Need more than one provider per shift? Just select the number of providers needed, we'll handle the rest.
What used to take 10 minutes now takes 2. That’s more time back for what matters, patient care.
Auto-Hire Feature , Your Shortcut to Seamless Staffing
This is the feature that changes everything.
- Instant Hiring: The first preferred provider to apply gets hired automatically, no delays, no missed opportunities.
- Trusted Talent Only: Auto-hire works only for providers you’ve already vetted and added to your preferred list.
- Build Your Dream Team: Loved working with someone? Add them to your list after their shift for automatic future bookings.
Heads-up: Cancellation policy still applies, only activate auto-hire when you're 100% certain you need coverage.
Applicant Review , Make Better Decisions, Faster
No more guessing games, just smart, transparent candidate review tools:
- Intelligent Grouping: Applicants are automatically categorized based on whether they meet all or some of your shift requirements.
- Adjust On the Fly: Need someone ASAP? Easily modify requirements based on urgency while still maintaining quality standards.
- Qualification Visibility: See exactly which qualifications are met at a glance, no more digging.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
These new features are live now and ready to make your staffing experience faster, easier, and more efficient. Whether you need to streamline operations, reduce admin time, or secure talent more confidently, these updates were built for you.
If you have any questions, our support team is always here to help.
Let’s get your shifts filled with amazing providers, smarter and faster.
Log in now to see the difference
Drug Spotlight: Datopotamab deruxtecan (Datroway)
New Hope for EGFR-Mutated NSCLC Patients
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to Datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway, Daiichi Sankyo) for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed after both EGFR-targeted therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy.
Mechanism of Action
Datopotamab is a TROP2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It combines a humanized anti-TROP2 IgG1 monoclonal antibody with a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, linked via cleavable tetrapeptide linkers to deliver targeted cytotoxicity directly to cancer cells.
Key Data
- Approval based on TROPION-Lung01 and Lung05 trials
- Overall Response Rate (ORR): 45%
- Median Duration of Response (DOR): 6.5 months
- Patients enrolled had progressed after both EGFR TKIs and platinum chemotherapy
Clinical Context
NSCLC makes up about 80% of all lung cancer cases, with EGFR mutations found in 10–15% of lung adenocarcinomas. While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain first-line therapy, many patients eventually experience progression. Datopotamab provides a much-needed next-line option for this difficult-to-treat population.
Why It Matters
This approval reflects continued progress in precision oncology and expands the treatment landscape for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. With nearly half of patients responding in early trials, Datopotamab may play a meaningful role in improving outcomes where limited options previously existed.
🌟 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.
Jill Paslier, PharmD, CSP, FISMP
This week, we’re spotlighting Jill, a pharmacy leader with two decades of experience spanning specialty pharmacy, mail-service, retail, and PBM sectors. Her work focuses on optimizing pharmacy workflows, advancing medication safety, and guiding innovation through consulting. Jill completed a fellowship with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and now leads initiatives that blend strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and patient safety. She also runs her own consulting business, traveling and working on her own terms, all while helping pharmacies across the country implement sustainable, high-impact change.
1) You've worked across specialty, mail service, retail, and PBM pharmacy since 2005. What experiences most shaped your passion for improving workflows and medication safety?
“My journey started as a specialty clinical pharmacist. Early on, I recognized gaps in training, documentation, and workflows that were impacting staff efficiency and medication safety. Instead of seeing chaos as a burden, I saw opportunity, I realized I had a natural ability to bring structure to disorganized systems. I started writing policies, building workflows, and training staff, and it became clear that creating systems that prevent errors and improve care was my strength. That’s what lit the spark and has driven me ever since.”
2) While building a health system specialty pharmacy from scratch, what was the biggest challenge you faced—and how did you overcome it?
“I joined the organization during its very first week of operations. There were no SOPs, no training manuals, nothing to guide my work. And I was fresh out of school. It was overwhelming at first, but I actually thrive in unstructured environments. I leaned into the challenge and began developing training guides, creating order, and building operations from the ground up. It pushed me to grow professionally, and I quickly learned how much I enjoyed building efficient systems. That experience taught me how to lead through ambiguity and design solutions that scale.”
3) You completed a fellowship with ISMP. What is one safety practice from that experience that every pharmacy should adopt today?
“The ISMP Hierarchy of Risk Reduction Strategies was a game-changer. Most pharmacies respond to errors by saying ‘be more careful,’ which is the lowest-leverage approach you can take. That’s not safety, that’s blame. The hierarchy provides a framework to implement high-leverage, system-based strategies that actually prevent errors. It emphasizes automation, standardization, and forcing functions over relying on human memory or willpower. Every pharmacy should use this framework in their safety committees and quality improvement initiatives. It shifts the conversation from personal failure to systems thinking.”
4) How do you approach developing a new clinical protocol or workflow from scratch?
“First, I assess the environment: What are the tools, staff capabilities, and regulatory requirements? I work mostly in specialty pharmacy, which is very niche, so I bring deep insight into the nuances of that setting. Once I understand the context, I draw from best practices I’ve seen while consulting with dozens of pharmacies. I’ve observed how top-tier organizations train staff, document procedures, and implement clinical services. I also stay current by attending conferences and reading peer-reviewed publications. My goal is to combine practical experience with proven strategies to create something effective, scalable, and customized to the setting.”
5) You describe yourself as an enthusiast, achiever, and reformer. How do those traits influence your consulting work and collaboration style?
“As an enthusiast, I bring a lot of energy and positivity to my projects. I genuinely love my work and that passion helps build strong relationships with clients. As an achiever, I’m constantly setting goals, enrolling in new certifications, and challenging myself to level up. And as a reformer, I’m always asking: How can we do this better? I synthesize what I’ve learned from different organizations and apply it with intention. Together, these traits drive a consulting style that’s both collaborative and results-oriented.”
6) You mentioned paying off your student loans early. How did that affect your career options?
“I graduated with about $180,000 in loans and worked hard to pay them off quickly. Doing that gave me the freedom to take career risks, starting a business, consulting, working independently. Not having to rely on a steady paycheck opened doors to creative, fulfilling opportunities that I might’ve passed on otherwise. Financial flexibility creates professional freedom.”
7) What advice would you give to pharmacy students interested in consulting careers?
“Don’t default into a job, explore your interests. Figure out what you’re good at, what you love, and what people will pay you to do. That sweet spot is where your career will thrive. Too often, students take the first job offer without understanding their unique value or exploring other possibilities. Volunteer, shadow, go to conferences, use those opportunities to reflect. Once you know where you shine, you can build a career that’s not only successful but fulfilling.”
Key Takeaways:
- Structure is a superpower: Jill thrives in disorganized environments and builds systems that bring clarity and safety.
- Safety is systems-based: Human error is inevitable, but system design is preventable. Use frameworks like ISMP’s hierarchy.
- Consulting starts with curiosity: Deep industry exposure, listening to peers, and learning from top institutions fuel her protocols.
- Career freedom is built, not given: Jill’s intentional financial decisions gave her the independence to pursue purpose-driven work.
- Passion and personality matter: Her unique blend of optimism, drive, and strategic reform keeps her client work effective and energizing.
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. 🫡
Doses and mimosas, ShiftRx team
Have feedback? Send it our way at hello@shiftrx.io with the subject: Weekly Fill feedback.