CONNECTORx CORNERx: 035 - 2025-08-14

CONNECTORx CORNERx Pharmacy Strategy & Career Development Newsletter: Advanced Therapeutics, Future-Proofing Healthcare Leadership, Micro-Moments of Joy: Finding Happiness in the Everyday

PHARMACY STRATEGY: Advanced Therapeutics

As the landscape of pharmacy continues to evolve, advanced therapeutics—often referred to as ultra high-cost medications—are rapidly reshaping how we think about care delivery, access, and sustainability. I recently had the opportunity to attend the ASHP Futures Meeting Summit on Advanced Therapeutics, where pharmacy leaders from across the country gathered to explore the clinical, operational, and ethical dimensions of integrating these therapies into health system practice. 

The summit emphasized the importance of proactive leadership in navigating medication use policy, patient access, and the financial implications of these groundbreaking treatments. We explored stewardship models, patient selection criteria, and the need for interdepartmental collaboration to ensure responsible and equitable implementation. One key takeaway: pharmacy must be at the forefront of shaping organizational strategy in this space—not just as medication experts, but as system-level leaders. The sessions also offered practical strategies for generating buy-in and positioning pharmacy as a driver of innovation and value. 

As we move forward, the challenge is clear: how do we balance access, affordability, and outcomes in a way that supports both patients and the sustainability of our health systems?  

I’d love to hear how your organization is approaching advanced therapeutics—what’s working, and where are you seeing the greatest challenges?  Have you justified resources to support these therapies? 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Future-Proofing Healthcare Leadership

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, strong leadership isn’t just about managing the present—it’s about preparing for what’s next. In a recent article from Becker’s Hospital Review Wendy Horton, PharmD, CEO of UVA Health, shared seven key strategies healthcare executives can use to build resilient, forward-thinking leadership teams. 

Here are the 7 essentials: 

• Drive change before change happens to you – Anticipate disruption and lead proactively. 

• Empower subject matter experts – Give internal leaders the autonomy to innovate and lead. 

• Invest in leadership development – Build a pipeline of future-ready leaders through mentorship and training. 

• Create a culture of agility – Encourage adaptability and continuous improvement across teams. 

• Align leadership with strategic vision – Ensure leaders are equipped to execute long-term goals. 

• Foster interdepartmental collaboration – Break down silos to drive system-wide innovation. 

• Prioritize well-being and resilience – Support leaders in managing stress and sustaining performance. 

These principles are particularly relevant for pharmacy leaders navigating complex challenges, such as workforce shortages, advanced therapeutics, and digital transformation. 

Which of these strategies is your organization focusing on right now? I’d love to hear how you’re building leadership for the future. 

FUN & JOY: Micro-Moments of Joy: Finding Happiness in the Everyday

Joy doesn’t always come from big achievements—it often lives in the small, quiet moments. A patient’s smile, a shared coffee break, or a moment of calm during a busy shift can all be sources of happiness. These micro-moments are easy to overlook, but they’re powerful when we learn to notice and savor them. 

Building awareness of these moments can shift our mindset. Instead of waiting for joy to arrive, we begin to see it all around us. For pharmacists, this can be a game-changer—transforming routine tasks into meaningful experiences and helping us stay grounded in the midst of complexity. 

What’s one small moment that brought you joy this week? 

     A micro-moment for me was making a connection at a coffee shop where I was doing some work. I struck up a conversation with the stranger next to me and it turned into a meaningful conversation.