Future of Pharmacy

From AI-driven dispensing to grassroots advocacy wins, here are the key insights Pharmacy Times gathered at McKesson ideaShare 2026 in Denver.

Specialty dispensing and infusion services offer real opportunity—but the path requires careful planning, sequencing, and the right resources.

Sandie Kueker, RPh, shares how advocacy and a strong medication synchronization program have helped her independent pharmacies expand clinical services and better serve rural communities.

Emily Flaugher discusses how Health Mart Atlas tools and emerging legislative momentum are helping independent pharmacies navigate reimbursement challenges and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Crystal Lennartz, PharmD, MBA, discusses independent pharmacy resilience, recent industry recognitions, and new tools announced at McKesson ideaShare 2026 to support pharmacy growth and transparency.

Three finalist pharmacies shared the mindsets, tools, and community-rooted strategies driving their operational success and patient-centered care.

Chris Van Norman discusses how technology, automation, and dedicated frontline teams keep the company's supply chain resilient and patient-focused.

Two pharmacy owners share real-world strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to boost efficiency, expand clinical capacity, and elevate patient care.

From artificial intelligence (AI)-driven dispensing to specialty service diversification, Jaime Montuoro, PharmD, previews the education lineup at McKesson ideaShare 2026.

McKesson ideaShare 2026 brings independent pharmacy's premier gathering to Denver, June 18-21, with Pharmacy Times on-site for exclusive interviews and coverage.

Chai Discovery’s collaboration with Eli Lilly highlights the growing role of AI in biologics discovery, leveraging generative AI models to accelerate design and optimization of novel therapeutic proteins and antibodies.

Medicare’s MTF underpays pharmacy dispensing fees, forcing losses on Part D claims and threatening rural access unless CMS sets realistic, inflation-indexed rate floors.

As agentic AI enters clinical workflows, the real risk isn't processing power—it's whether AI systems can consistently access authoritative, real-time medication intelligence.

Pharmacists must balance the lifesaving automation of advanced technology with the harsh reality of a high-cost, high-risk transition.

Health systems are being pushed to fundamentally rethink how to support medication safety, regulatory compliance, and patient care with fewer resources.

Education is shifting from memorization of drug information to mastery of digital health, interprofessional collaboration, and demonstrated clinical competency.

Social media has allowed us to connect with generations of pharmacists and provide advice to students on a larger scale.

In a session at the Asembia AXS26 Summit, Harry Travis discusses how AI is transforming every step of the prescription process faster than the profession is prepared for.

At AXS2026, pharmacy and health care leaders explored how AI is transforming specialty care and why standards, trust, and oversight must keep pace with innovation.

Walgreens pilots hybrid pharmacists—4 days in-store, 1 day remote—seeking less burnout and more steady staffing.

AI is not “future state” anymore. It’s current state. Better get on board.

Pharmacies tackle drug pollution with take-back programs, smarter packaging, less paper, and responsible prescribing to protect water and wildlife.

There is a growing need to integrate pharmacists into sports medicine teams, where their expertise in medication safety, chronic disease management, and supplements can significantly enhance athlete care and performance.