‘I really love the business side of pharmacy’

The AJP Podcast

“I love the blend of caring for patients but also having to run a business at the same time,” pharmacy entrepreneur Pasquale DeMaria tells our podcast

“I love the hustle and bustle of it,” DeMaria says, telling host Carlene McMaugh about his work in pharmacy ownership, in bookkeeping – and after a major life event, in maintaining work-life balance.

He says that only a pharmacist can truly understand what it takes to run a pharmacy, given the number of directions they’re pulled in at any time – but points out that there is very little business acumen taught during pharmacy studies.

After years away from pharmacy ownership – following a heart attack which forced him to reevaluate some priorities – DeMaria is now on the hunt for a new store, saying he feels “very positive, I’m liking what I’m seeing” in the pharmacy landscape.

He also highlights the importance of returning the dispensary as the central focus of the pharmacy – and hopes the 8cpa will return confidence not just to buyers and sellers, but also lenders following the introduction of 60 day dispensing.

1.07 – What does pharmacy ownership look like for you at this stage?

2.23 – Thoughts on 8CPA and the pharmacy market

3.41 – What did bookkeeping expertise teach him, and tips for pharmacists listening

6.03 – How has 60-day dispensing affected the numbers of pharmacy

8.06 – How a significant health event has changed his perspectives

10.46 – The move into accounting

12.24 – A new role

13.39 – On being a pharmacy entrepreneur

16.05 – How could work-life balance ideally be kept?

19.25 – How to embrace yourself as a brand

21.38 – Differentiating yourself from the competition

24.23 – How to combat discounters

25.29 – Advice on adapting to a constantly evolving landscape – and doing it well

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Carlene McMaugh