In this episode, Voices in Pharmacy Innovation is joined by Sheila Stadler, Pharm.D., a clinical pharmacy specialist with the Cardiac Risk Service at Kaiser Permanente Colorado and clinical assistant professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy. In recognition of American Heart Month, their conversation centers on cardiovascular risk reduction and the evolving role of pharmacists in managing hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and other key risk factors.

Dr. Stadler outlines the evolution of Kaiser’s pharmacist-led cardiovascular risk reduction service and shares a practical framework built on people, process and technology. She highlights how team-based care, smart use of data and telepharmacy tools help pharmacists reach more patients, reduce clinical inertia and deliver measurable improvements in cardiovascular outcomes.

Links and resources:

 1. Mortality reduction benefits of a comprehensive cardiac care program for patients with occlusive coronary artery disease [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17896892/]
 2. Reduced Health Care Expenditures After Enrollment in a Collaborative Cardiac Care Service [https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.30.11.1127]
 3. Using pharmacy technicians and electronic health record capabilities to improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2021.10.014]

People, process and technology in cardiovascular care with Sheila Stadler, Pharm.D.

In the first episode of Voices in Pharmacy Innovation, host Dave Dixon, Pharm.D. talks with Jeffrey Bratberg, Pharm.D., a clinical professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy who serves on the executive committee for the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose. With January being Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, the conversation focuses on substance use disorder care among pharmacists, expanding access to treatment, reducing stigma and turning policy into practice.

Dr. Bratberg shares his path from infectious disease pharmacy to addiction care and explains why pharmacies are a natural place for people to get help. He discusses the challenges that still exist, like stigma, payment and implementation, but also highlights practical ways pharmacists can start making a difference now.

Links and resources:

 1. Pharmacy Bridge [https://www.pharmacybridge.org/]
 2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) [https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/find-treatment/pharmacist-verification]
 3. Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction (AMERSA) [https://amersa.org/?doing_wp_cron=1766197903.2835850715637207031250]
 4. ASHP Statement on the Pharmacist’s Role in Substance Use Disorder [https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/policy-guidelines/docs/statements/pharmacists-role-SUD-prevention-and-recovery.pdf] Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery [https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/policy-guidelines/docs/statements/pharmacists-role-SUD-prevention-and-recovery.pdf]
 5. ASHP Podcast - Hot Topics in Pharmacy Practice: Breaking Down ASHP's New Statement on the Pharmacist's Role in Substance Use Disorder [https://www.ashp.org/professional-development/ashp-podcasts/hot-topics-in-pharmacy-practice/2025/breaking-down-ashps-new-statement-on-the-pharmacists-role-in-substance-use-disorder?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly]

Connect with us and learn more about the VCU School of Pharmacy [https://pharmacy.vcu.edu/] Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation through our website [https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/].

Substance use disorder treatment and the evolving role of pharmacists with Jeffrey Bratberg, Pharm.D.

Voices in Pharmacy Innovation is an educational podcast dedicated to highlighting the innovators shaping the future of pharmacy practice. Hosted by Dave Dixon Pharm.D. [https://pharmacy.vcu.edu/directory/dixon-dave.html], professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy [https://pharmacy.vcu.edu/], and member of the Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation [https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/], the show brings together pharmacy professionals and health care leaders to share insights, challenges, and real-world strategies for translating research and policy into practice. Through these conversations, listeners gain inspiration and practical tools to advance patient-centered pharmacy care.

Voices in Pharmacy Innovation | Trailer

Voices in Pharmacy Innovation is an educational podcast that aims to amplify the voices of innovators in pharmacy practice, offering insights and strategies to translate research and policy into practice. Join Dave Dixon Pharm.D. [https://pharmacy.vcu.edu/directory/dixon-dave.html], professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy [https://pharmacy.vcu.edu/], and member of the Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation [https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/] as he chats with pharmacy professionals and health care leaders about their experiences, challenges and ideas shaping the future of patient-centered pharmacy practice.

VCU School of Pharmacy

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