Introducing the Mind the Meds Podcast

Erica Marini, PharmD: Hi everyone, and welcome to Mind the Meds, a Pharmacy Times podcast dedicated to exploring the ever-evolving world of neurology through the lens of pharmacy. I'll be your host, Erica Marini, a clinical pharmacist in neurology.

Before we get into what this podcast is going to be all about, I want to share a quick story, and I hope you guys like stories, because they gave me a mic, and I don't think I'll be able to help myself. But this one is short and relevant, I promise. This past fall, I participated in a seminar for first-year pharmacy students, kind of one of those panels that introduces specialists from a lot of different areas in pharmacy. It was largely a question and answer session, but one particular question was surprisingly, really hard for all of us panelists—regardless of specialty—to answer, "How do you stay up to date?" And we were honest, it's really hard. Pharmacy is huge, so I truly believe something like this podcast can help. I'm really excited to be part of a resource that will hopefully help everyone stay a little bit more up to date in something that's easily digestible [and] hopefully fun to listen to on your commute, during your workout, or while you're making dinner.

Now, if you've ever spent any time in my little neurology corner, you already know this is a space that doesn't stand still. From advancing therapies in multiple sclerosis and migraine, to groundbreaking developments in spaces like Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, epilepsy, and rare neurologic conditions, the pace of innovation is both exciting and, at times, overwhelming. New mechanisms, novel delivery systems, evolving treatment guidelines are constantly coming out and constantly reshaping how we think about care. At the same time, every advancement brings important questions: How do we interpret emerging data in a meaningful way? What do new therapies look like in real-world practice? And how can pharmacists continue to play or even grow their active role in optimizing outcomes, improving adherence and navigating access challenges for patients? That's exactly what Mind the Meds is going to try to explore.

In each episode, we'll take a closer look at some of the therapies, trends, and clinical decisions shaping neurology today. We'll break down new drug approvals, highlight key findings from major conferences and clinical trials, and discuss practical strategies for medication management. My goal is to bridge the gap between data, news headlines, and day-to-day practice, so you walk away not just informed on neurology, but a little bit more empowered to maybe take care of these patients no matter what your specialty is.

We'll also spend time talking about the patient perspective, because behind every treatment plan is, of course, a patient navigating life with a neurologic condition. From managing side effects and complex regimens, to addressing barriers like cost access and health literacy, pharmacists continue to have a unique opportunity to make a hugely meaningful impact, and we'll dive into how we're trying to do that effectively.

Throughout the series, I plan to meet and get to know a range of expert guests, including fellow pharmacists, neurologists, researchers, and other industry leaders who are actively working in this field with me. Together, we'll have thoughtful, candid conversations about what's working, what's changing, what's on the horizon, and maybe where they're next going on vacation. We'll also keep an eye on that horizon closely, because emerging pipeline therapies, gene- and cell-based treatments, digital health tools, and the growing role of personalized medicine in neurology is coming at us fast. As the science evolves, so can the role of the pharmacist—as it should—and this podcast is here to help you stay ahead of that curve. So, whether you're a practicing pharmacist, a clinician, a student, or simply someone with an interest in neurology, Mind the Meds is designed to be a resource you can come to when you want to stay up to date on neurology pharmacy. Clear, relevant, and grounded in real-world application.

So, thank you for being here at the very beginning. Be sure to subscribe to and follow Mind the Meds, a Pharmacy Times podcast, so you never miss an episode. And if there are topics you'd like us to cover [or] if you want to be a guest on the show, we'd love to hear from you, because this is a conversation, not just a broadcast. I'm Erica Marini, and this is Mind the Meds, where neurology meets pharmacy, and where staying informed means staying prepared to make a difference. Thanks for joining.