Dawn Rana, a pharmacy executive at Vizient, sat down with Pharmacy Angle to discuss the challenges faced by healthcare facilities, particularly drug shortages and workforce issues. Rana emphasizes the role of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs)  in helping healthcare providers manage these challenges by securing drug supplies and offering support in various operational areas. She also highlights the ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages, particularly for pharmacy technicians, through creative solutions and collaboration with educational institutions.

Joe Pinto, Vice President of Pharmacy Operations at Mount Sinai Health System, shares insights into the unique challenges of managing pharmacy operations across multiple hospitals. Joe discusses the critical role of pharmacists in patient care, emphasizing the importance of standardizing practices while accommodating individual site needs. He also explores the potential of AI and automation in pharmacy, highlighting both the opportunities and risks associated with these technologies.

Arash Dabestani, HCP board member and Dean at Long Island University College of Pharmacy, discusses the importance of advocacy for the pharmacy profession, emphasizing the need for a unified and consistent approach to ensure pharmacists' roles are well-represented and understood. Dabestani also highlights the evolving nature of the pharmacy profession, moving from a commodity-based to a service-oriented field, and the necessity of involving students in this transition to address future healthcare needs.