Ahunna Freeman, PharmD, BCGP’s Post

Dear pharmacists AND prescribers in outpatient/virtual practices, let's walk into this last half of the year like a #PatientCare BOSS! Let's... BE Bold enough to embrace the challenges BE Strong enough to ask for guidance BE Curious enough to keep learning BE Empowered to take action ------- Independent pharmacy staff/pharmacists - your cognitive services are valuable -> shout it from the rooftop! Unsure of where to start? 🎯 The respiratory season is around the corner...start by adding the convenience of point-of-care testing services in your community. -------------- Prescribers - your time is valuable --> get efficiently savvy in tackling pharmacy/medication-related challenges. Unsure of where to start? 🎯 Start by aligning with a quality medication expert here on LinkedIn to complement your services, though I remain your favorite pharmacist! 😉 #TeamBasedCare #Community #Pharmacy #Consultatant #PharmD #MD #NP #PA #PatientAdvocate -------------- Hi there!👋🏾 I'm Ahunna. A pharmacist with a passion for people and problem-solving. I've aligned these passions with my 20 years of pharmacy knowledge/experience to empower the masses. 20 years in the U.S healthcare ->15 years as a PharmD -> 10 years as a pharmacy owner.

Problem-solving in the community practice space can be a fun task. (Surely it gets messy but through the right lens, it's like chaos meets creativity) 🎯 The trick is to approach the problem/challenge with a positive mindset. And in the process of unraveling the mess, you 💎 discover new skills 💎 finesse old skills 💎 build a hobby 💎 form genuine relationships 💎 and you may even generate new revenues! What fun things have you "accidentally" discovered while solving a problem in your professional space? #PatientCare #TeamBasedCare #PharmD #MD #NP #PA #Community #Pharmacist #Consultant ------------------ Hi have we met yet?!👋🏾 I'm Ahunna. A pharmacist with a passion for people and problem-solving. I've aligned these passions with my 19 years of pharmacy knowledge/experience -15 years as a PharmD - to empower the masses. My team and I provide medication-related clinical and non-clinical services that are beyond medication dispensing to patients, providers, and clinical staff either at my independent pharmacy, Southside Discount Pharmacy or in my consulting company, Aligned Care LLC. Let's connect if our visions align or if any of our services is part of the solution you need! 🤗

Don't discard the casual "Hey, what are your thoughts on XYZ?" No matter how simple or complex the request for the expert opinion is, take notes of it, save the notes, and build around those notes. (I wish I started from day one of graduating pharmacy school) Why? Because the brief interruption and the few steps you take to provide a valuable response is where the lovely magic happens --> 💡 You uncover knowledge that has been stacked away in some [pharmacy] memory lane. 💡 You realize that simplifying & sharing your knowledge (that's likely taken for granted DAILY) may be the ticket to expanding someone's professional bandwidth. If someone asks today, chances are that someone else was thinking about it yesterday. ----------------- I have a feeling that contents from the clinical & non-clinical notes I've gathered so far will be valuable to the next collaborating provider in search of their go-to-pharmacist! Could that be you? 😉 #PatientCare #NP #MD #PA #TeamBasedCare #Community #Consultant #Pharmacist

I'm excited to announce the release of an online course for utilizing pharmacists for primary care with X = Primary Care! --- A few months ago I shared that I was speaking to the XPC group about the potential #pharmacists have in supporting primary care. The feedback and interest I received from the group was very positive. So positive that there were attendees looking to hire a pharmacist for their primary care practice. As a result, Paulius Mui, MD asked if we could build an online course (link in the comments to the announcement and course enrollment) with a more comprehensive view on what pharmacists can do and the value they bring. The intended audience is primarily those working in primary care/clinics that aren't already aware of the potential of pharmacists to contribute to the practice, but it's also a great dive into #pharmacy in general that may be helpful for non-clinicians in #HealthTech. --- The course is 10 sessions of ~10 minutes each that highlights the capabilities of pharmacists to supercharge #PrimaryCare teams through improved care operations, increased revenue, and better patient outcomes. Session 1: Opportunities in Primary Care Session 2: Pharmacist Education and Training Session 3: Optimizing Therapy Session 4: Clinical Superpowers Session 5: Pharmacist Care Operations Session 6: Metrics and Outcomes Session 7: Paying Pharmacists Session 8: Pharmacist Scope of Practice Session 9: Legislative Landscape for Pharmacists Session 10: Integrating Pharmacists --- Please check out the course and see if it could be valuable for your work. All proceeds go to XPC and the work they're doing promoting the value of primary care.

**Top Ten Qualities of a Great Pharmacist** As a healthcare professional dedicated to improving patient outcomes, I've had the privilege of witnessing what truly makes a pharmacist exceptional. Here are the top ten qualities that set great pharmacists apart: 1. **Compassionate Caregiver**: A great pharmacist genuinely cares about their patients' well-being and goes the extra mile to ensure they receive the best care possible. 2. **Attention to Detail**: Precision is key in pharmacy. Accurate dispensing and thorough medication reviews prevent errors and ensure patient safety. 3. **Excellent Communicator**: Clear communication with patients, healthcare providers, and colleagues is essential for effective collaboration and patient education. 4. **Lifelong Learner**: The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving. Great pharmacists stay updated with the latest advancements and continuously seek opportunities for professional development. 5. **Problem-Solver**: From navigating insurance issues to addressing complex medication regimens, great pharmacists find innovative solutions to challenges. 6. **Empathy and Patience**: Understanding patients' concerns and taking the time to listen and explain fosters trust and improves adherence to treatment plans. 7. **Integrity and Ethics**: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethics ensures the trust and respect of patients and peers. 8. **Clinical Expertise**: In-depth knowledge of pharmacology, drug interactions, and therapeutic guidelines enables pharmacists to provide evidence-based recommendations. 9. **Team Player**: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is crucial for holistic patient care. Great pharmacists work seamlessly within a multidisciplinary team. 10. **Advocate for Patients**: Great pharmacists stand up for their patients' needs, whether it's addressing medication affordability, navigating healthcare systems, or ensuring access to necessary treatments. These qualities not only enhance patient outcomes but also elevate the pharmacy profession. I'm proud to be part of a community that exemplifies these traits every day. ~ Tom #Pharmacy #Healthcare #PatientCare #ProfessionalDevelopment #Pharmacist

What else Pharmacist can ? Get ready to re-imagine the role of pharmacists! 💡Fact : The "Nine-Star Pharmacist" concept is a game-changer in the healthcare industry! Let's bust the myth that pharmacists only dispense medicines. 🚫💊 ✅ Caregiver: Providing compassionate services to patients. ✅ Decision-Maker: Making informed choices for patient care. ✅ Communicator: Masterfully connecting with patients and healthcare professionals. ✅ Manager: Efficiently managing resources like personnel and medicines. ✅ Life-Long Learner: Staying updated with medical advancements. ✅ Teacher: Educating on medicines and healthcare. ✅ Leader: Leading healthcare teams and communities. ✅ Researcher: Conducting valuable research for better outcomes. ✅ Entrepreneur: Innovating to enhance pharmacy services. Pharmacists are not just pill pushers! They play diverse roles, ensuring high-quality patient care and overall community well-being. 💪💊 🤔What other crucial roles do you think pharmacists play in our healthcare system? 👉Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇 #pharmacy #healthcare #mythbuster #pharmacy #healthcare #caregiverresearcher #entrepreneur

Preparation doesn't guarantee perfect execution. Perfect execution happens as a result of mindset and support. If you haven't been watching the #Olympics, tune in. That's one thing you will notice. --------- And it's also true in #PatientCare. 🎯 Patient care challenges require more than education/training. So I ask with love... ❓️Do you have the solution-driven mindset and support to handle your next patient care challenge?! ------- 👋🏾 Hi I'm Ahunna... your favorite pharmacist with a passion for people and problem-solving. My professional super powers empower patients AND providers in navigating pharmacy/medication-related challenges in outpatient/virtual practices! #TeamBasedCare #Community #Pharmacy #Consultant #PharmD #MD #NP #PA #PatientAdvocate

A Pharmacist is 10 minutes away, but the average Physician is 20 days away Here is why Pharmacists play a crucial role in the patient health: Trust in the Pharmacist role is growing 58% of Americans said they are likely to visit a local pharmacy as a first step with a non-emergency issue Pharmacies are becoming first-line options for patients with non emergent questions People love Dr. Google to self diagnose and look up questions like: - Why do I feel nauseous? - What are the possible side effects of [drug]? - Why am I always tired? - What should I avoid while taking [drug]? Pharmacists play a major role to give safe recommendations and/or refer patients to a physician when medically necessary It's important to understand Pharmacists are not here to replace physicians We are here to work collaboratively with the Physicians and provide high quality care for our patients. When was the last time you asked your pharmacist a non emergency question? #pharmacist #pharmacy #pharmd #pharmacyadvancement

The Importance of How Pharmacists Interact with Patients. As pharmacists, how we interact with our patients really matters. Here’s why our behavior and communication are so important: Building Trust: Patients rely on us for their health needs. Being kind, patient, and understanding helps build a strong foundation of trust. When patients trust us, they are more likely to follow our advice and feel comfortable discussing their health concerns. Clear Communication: It’s crucial to explain medications, dosages, and side effects in a way that patients can easily understand. Clear communication ensures that patients use their medications safely and effectively. Avoiding medical jargon and using simple language makes a big difference. Personalized Care: Every patient is unique. Taking the time to understand their individual needs, preferences, and circumstances allows us to provide personalized care. This might mean adjusting our advice based on their lifestyle or other health conditions. Listening: Active listening is a key part of our job. By truly listening to patients’ concerns and questions, we can provide better support. It shows patients that we care about their well-being and are here to help. Encouraging Adherence: When we interact positively with patients, it encourages them to follow their medication regimens. Patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans when they feel respected and supported by their pharmacist. Providing Reassurance: Many patients feel anxious about their health and medications. A calm, reassuring demeanor can help ease their worries. Letting patients know they are in good hands boosts their confidence in managing their health. Health Advocacy: As pharmacists, we often act as advocates for our patients. This includes helping them navigate the healthcare system, coordinating with other healthcare providers, and ensuring they get the best possible care. Professionalism and Respect: Always maintaining a professional, respectful attitude is crucial. Patients should feel valued and respected at all times, regardless of their background or health conditions. Professionalism builds trust and ensures high-quality care. By fostering positive relationships and providing excellent patient care, we can improve health outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare experience for our patients. Let’s continue to make every interaction count and strive for excellence in all that we do. #Pharmacy #PatientCare #Pharmacist #Healthcare #Communication #PatientSupport #Professionalism #HealthAdvocacy #PatientCare #PharmaceuticalCare #HealthCare #Pharmacist #PatientExperience

To ask or not to ask... Asking for help can be so scary and cringy for some unknown reason. Perhaps it's the fear of rejection? ego? no response? or just being a weirdo...? But the truth is that "asking" points us in the right direction which can ultimately help everyone win. Yes, even the one being asked achieves a sense of purpose. So, if you're still contemplating whether you should "ask" or not, please ask. Dare yourself to ask! I did, and won't be stopping anytime soon. In these moments, I am thankful to - those who coldly dismiss my asks. It's a reassurance that life will still move on -those who warmly entertain my audacious asks. It's an open path to opportunities, -those whose courage to ask me instilled the confidence to stay inquisitive. ___________________ Ps: if your "ask" involves any type of pharmacy or medication-related guidance, insights, or help with #patientcare in outpatient/virtual practice, I've built this pharmacy career (at my pharmacy and my consulting biz) just for you to ask away! Head on over to the comment or DM. Let's make it a fab. week LinkedIn friends! #TeambasedCare #PatientCare #PatientAdvocate #Community #Pharmacy #Consultant #PharmD #NP #MD #PA #Pharmacist