326. BPS Announces Pharmacy Informatics as New Specialty Certification

**Intended Audience: Everyone**

Today's episode is a very short episode to let you know that the BPS has announced Pharmacy Informatics as a new specialty certification. They are calling on volunteers to serve on the council as the next step.

More details here:

https://bpsweb.org/2025/12/08/bps-announces-pharmacy-informatics-as-new-specialty-certification/

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/#ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

325. Driving Innovations in EHRs - Pharmacy Product Management feat. Dr. Andrew McLaughlin

Intended Audience: Everyone

🎙️ Excited share today's episode featuring Dr. Andrew McLaughlin's journey from student pharmacist to leading product management in healthcare IT. This episode's packed with lessons for anyone navigating the intersection of pharmacy and technology.

Three key takeaways:

• Pharmacists are uniquely positioned for health IT roles: Andrew emphasized how pharmacists bridge the gap between clinical care and technology, leveraging their analytical mindset and broad understanding of medication workflows to create patient-centered solutions.
• Boots-on-the-ground experience matters: His background as a pharmacy delivery consultant gave him invaluable insights into real-world implementation and optimization, shaping his success in product management.
• Impactful innovation requires action: For those looking to transition into health tech, Andrew recommends being proactive—draft business proposals, utilize new AI tools to prototype ideas, and continually seek ways to add value beyond your current role.

Andrew’s story is a reminder that healthcare IT thrives when clinicians bring their practical knowledge to the table and stay relentlessly curious.

If you’re interested in career advice or insights into health tech product management, he’s open to connecting via LinkedIn.

You can reach Andrew on his LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mclaughlin-1312a817/

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/#ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

324. PharmDs in IT - From Pharmacy School to Full Stack Engineer feat. Dr. Khanh Theresa Mai

Originally recorded in 2024

In this fascinating episode, Tony sits down with Dr. Mai, a pharmacist-turned-full-stack software engineer. She shares her unconventional journey from clinical pharmacy to health tech, her candid thoughts on the gaps in pharmacy education, and actionable advice for pharmacists interested in breaking into the technology space.

Key Topics Discussed

• Her Career Path: Dr. Mai graduated from pharmacy school and started her career in hospital pharmacy, and transitioned to pharmacy informatics before making a leap into software engineering via a coding boot camp.

• The Pharmacy-Tech Gap: Dr. Mai highlights the lack of technology education in most pharmacy curriculums, even as pharmacists regularly interact with advanced tech systems, EMRs, and automation in their daily workflow.

• Her Work in Informatics: She recounts her role managing Nebraska’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), integrating it with EMRs, and improving statewide medication data access.

• Transition to Software Engineering: After informatics, Dr. Mai pursued a full coding bootcamp, took on her first tech role at a startup, and eventually found her way back to healthcare tech where she could combine her clinical and technical expertise.

Advice for Pharmacists Considering Tech:

• The importance of networking and “selling yourself” in tech interviews
• Translating clinical experience into technical language on resumes
• Keeping running lists of technical projects or ideas from pharmacy work
• Tips for tailoring resumes for technical roles and leveraging different formats (CV vs. resume)

PharmDs in IT Project: Dr. Mai gives a sneak peek into her side project—an online platform connecting clinicians with tech roles in healthcare, allowing users to search for jobs by clinical specialty.

Links: https://linktr.ee/pharmdsinit https://www.linkedin.com/in/astropharmacist/ https://pharmdsinit.com You can reach Dr Mai at [email protected]

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/#ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

323. Navigating Pharmacy IT - Lessons Learned From an Informatics Team Panel Discussion feat. Drs. Aaron Tse, Phuong Wood, and Kevin Tien

Intended Audience: Everyone

I'm excited to share highlights from an insightful new episode featuring a panel discussion with my colleagues, Drs. Aaron Tse, Phuong Wood, and Kevin Tian. This episode brings you lessons learned from seasoned informatics pharmacists, reflecting on years of experience and the ever-evolving landscape of pharmacy IT.

Key Takeaways & Lessons Learned:

1. If It Can Break, It Probably Will Kevin underscores the importance of thoughtful proofing of IT systems and workflows. Everything must be robustly validated and meticulously documented because, as he puts it, “users will always find a way around things—whether intentionally or not!” ➡️ Documentation is your safety net for when things go awry or users take unanticipated shortcuts.

2. The Power of Knowing the Full Process Phuong shares how understanding workflows from start to finish is crucial. Her experience managing medication billing and troubleshooting claim rejections revealed just how important it is to grasp the entire process—not just your silo. ➡️ The more you know about upstream and downstream effects, the better you can problem-solve and support your colleagues.

3. Don’t Take “No” for an Answer Aaron encourages all informatics professionals not to settle for the first “no”—especially from vendors or even within your own IT teams. Always dig deeper: is it a technical limitation, a resource issue, or simply a lack of knowledge? ➡️ Keep asking—sometimes solutions are possible with a little persistence!

4. Consistency & Team Cohesion The group discusses the importance of having a unified approach as a team. Even when documentation is lacking, shared values and consistent methods ensure smooth handoffs and reliable support for end users.

A final piece of advice is everyone should always be open to learning, prioritize effectively, and—above all—never forget you’re a pharmacist first. Whether you’re building, troubleshooting, or translating needs between teams, patient care is at the heart of everything you do.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/#ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

Repost - One Goal, Many Paths - Next Steps After Not Matching Residency

Intended Audience: Residency Applicants

Panel: Beju Shah, David Vu, Brian Fung, Tony Dao

36% of all participants did not match this year for ASHP Match Day: https://natmatch.com/ashprmp/stats/2025applstats-ph1.pdf

Check out Brian's Listing of Phase 2 Residencies via Unscripted Rx: https://www.unscripted-rx.com/phase2

🎙️📢 In today's reposted episode from 2019, join us for a valuable panel discussion where we explore the next steps if you find yourself unmatched for pharmacy residency. Remember, it's essential to know that it's okay—this setback isn't the end of the world. There are numerous paths to reach your goal, and we share our stories of not matching and what we did. 💼💊

Tune in as we delve into insights, alternative routes, and our personal stories navigating not matching. From gaining additional experience to exploring non-traditional opportunities, our discussion aims to empower and reassure those facing this hurdle in their pharmacy career journey. 🌟

Remember, setbacks can often lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. So take heart, stay determined, and know that your dream of a pharmacy career is still within reach, no matter the path you take. 🛤️💡

YourPharmacyStory #PharmacyCareerPath #ResidencyJourney #NextSteps #StayPositive #KeepGoing 🌐👩‍⚕️🚀

**Intended Audience: **

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

321. Hey Health Tech - Health Tech Roles and Career Transitions feat. Dr. Lauren Curtis

Intended Audience: Those Looking to Transition into Health Tech

Originally recorded at the end of 2023.

In this episode, special guest Dr. Lauren Curtis shares invaluable insights into how pharmacists, and clinicians alike, can transition smoothly into health tech roles. Whether you're a healthcare professional curious about tech or simply passionate about innovative patient care solutions, this episode has something for everyone!

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Transferable Skills: Problem-solving and communication are crucial across various roles, especially in health tech, where clinicians can bridge the gap between technical and healthcare sectors.

Steps to Transition into Health Tech: Research companies that align your goals, update your resume to show how clinical experience benefits tech roles, and network with professionals in the field.

Navigating Company Culture: Understanding the impact of company culture on job roles can guide you in finding the right fit and thriving in new environments, as demonstrated by Dr. Curtis's experiences at Amazon and PillPack.

Check out Dr. Curtis's community at https://heyhealthtech.com for more tips on career transitions into Healthcare Technology roles as a clinician, and connect with Dr. Curtis on LInkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-curtis/

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

319. Being a Clinical Director in Healthcare Technology feat. Dr. Jennifer Splawski

Intended Audience: Those interested in Healthcare Technology Vendors

Originally recorded in Summer 2023, we had Dr. Jennifer Splawski join us on the podcast to share insights in the healthcare technology space. We had an insightful conversation about her dynamic career journey from a clinical pharmacist healthcare technology director. On this episode we have a deep dive into her unique perspective on healthcare technology. 🎧

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation: ➡️ Leverage Your Network: Building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships can significantly enhance your career growth and open up new opportunities. It’s not just about who you know but also how you contribute to those connections. ➡️ Understand Your Systems: Familiarity with hospital systems and hands-on experience with relevant software can give you a competitive edge when transitioning into an informatics role. Practical experience often translates into practical solutions. ➡️ Embrace Personal Growth: Transitioning roles can be daunting, but stepping into a space that aligns with your passion and skills can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth. Burnout is real, and sometimes a change can reignite your career excitement.

Contact Dr. Splawski at [email protected] or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersplawski/

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

318. A Non-Traditional Pathway From Pharmacist to Informaticist feat. Dr. Nicole Salata

Intended Audience: Everyone

(Originally recorded in Summer 2023)

In our latest episode, we were honored to have Dr. Nicole Salata join us for an engaging conversation about her unique journey and insights as a clinical informatics pharmacist. Dr. Salata's experience and expertise shed light on the diverse and dynamic world of pharmacy informatics.

Here are some key highlights from the episode:

• Dr. Salata's unconventional path from learning Spanish and practicing as a traditional pharmacist before going into informatics.
• The role of diverse experiences and creativity in excelling in the informatics field.
• Overcoming the fear of failure and embracing the opportunity for continuous learning and growth in informatics.
• The collaborative and supportive atmosphere within the informatics field, where improvement is prioritized over punishment.
• The excitement of learning new technical skills and taking on fresh challenges in informatics roles.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in pharmacy informatics or considering a career change within the industry. Dr. Salata's story serves as an inspiration for finding one's true path and continuously exploring new opportunities.

To reach out to Dr. Salata for further questions, you can visit her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesalata/

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

317. From Consulting and Supply Chain to Pharmacy Informatics feat. Dr. Phuong Wood

Intended Audience: Those interested in nontraditional pathways

In the today's episode, we sat down with the remarkable Dr. Phuong Wood to delve into her intriguing journey from consulting and supply chain to pharmacy informatics. Dr. Wood, an esteemed informatics pharmacist at Children's Hospital of Orange County, shared invaluable insights into her 20-year career and the pivotal role of technology in optimizing patient care.

Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Embrace Versatility: Dr. Wood highlights the significance of diversifying your skill set within an organization. Her journey underscores the importance of being open to learning different roles in pharmacy, ultimately becoming an indispensable asset. 2️⃣ Billing and Insurance Literacy: The podcast sheds light on the need for pharmacists to comprehend the complexities of billing and insurances, often overlooked in traditional pharmacy education. Dr. Wood stresses the necessity of understanding these aspects in practice to enhance patient care. 3️⃣ Impact of 340B Program: Gain practical insights into the stringent auditing process and management of National Drug Codes (NDCs) in relation to the 340B program. Learn how cost savings from the program are channeled towards serving low-income patients and navigating the intricacies of Medi-Cal patients' benefits.

Don't miss out on Dr. Wood's wealth of experience and expertise in pharmacy informatics. Engage with the episode, share your thoughts, and discover the pivotal role of technology as a tool to enhance patient care.

You can reach out to Dr. Wood by email at [email protected]

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

Repost - One Goal, Many Paths - Next Steps After Not Matching Residency

Intended Audience: Residency Applicants

Panel: Beju Shah, David Vu, Brian Fung, Tony Dao

25% of all participants did not match this year for ASHP Match Day

🎙️📢 In today's reposted episode from 2019, join us for a valuable panel discussion where we explore the next steps if you find yourself unmatched for pharmacy residency. Remember, it's essential to know that it's okay—this setback isn't the end of the world. There are numerous paths to reach your goal, and we share our stories of not matching and what we did. 💼💊

Tune in as we delve into insights, alternative routes, and our personal stories navigating not matching. From gaining additional experience to exploring non-traditional opportunities, our discussion aims to empower and reassure those facing this hurdle in their pharmacy career journey. 🌟

Remember, setbacks can often lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. So take heart, stay determined, and know that your dream of a pharmacy career is still within reach, no matter the path you take. 🛤️💡

YourPharmacyStory #PharmacyCareerPath #ResidencyJourney #NextSteps #StayPositive #KeepGoing 🌐👩‍⚕️🚀

Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which speakers have been, is now, or will be affiliated.
New to LinkedIn and not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, "Professional Networking Unlocked", at https://www.tonydaopharmd.com/ebook
Follow us on social media!
Twitter: @pharmacyitme
Instagram: @pharmacyinformatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmacyitme/
Website: Pharmacy IT & Me
Email: [email protected]
Follow Tony's personal Twitter account at @tonydaopharmd

Network with other pharmacists at Pharmacists Connect!
http://pharmacistsconnect.com

For more information on pharmacy informatics, check out some of the following useful links:

ASHP's Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology: https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Informaticist/Section-of-Pharmacy-Informatics-and-Technology/
HIMSS: https://www.himss.org/resources/pharmacy-informatics-and-its-cross-functional-role-healthcare

Disclaimer: Views expressed are my own and do not reflect thoughts and opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.