👋 Hello Health Champions,

Margaret never thought her pharmacist would be the one to catch her doctor's mistake.

At 78, she'd been seeing the same family physician for over 20 years and trusted him completely. When he prescribed a new blood thinner after her minor stroke, she didn't question it. After all, he knew her medical history inside and out.

But when Margaret arrived at Miller's Community Pharmacy to fill her warfarin prescription, something felt off to Dr. Sarah Kim, the pharmacist. She noticed that Margaret was already taking a daily aspirin and had recently started fish oil supplements. The combination of all three could create a dangerous bleeding risk.

"Mrs. Thompson," Dr. Kim said gently, "I want to call your doctor before we fill this. I'm concerned about some interactions."

Fifteen minutes later, Margaret's physician called back, grateful for the catch. "You're absolutely right, Dr. Kim. I completely missed the aspirin in her medication list. Let's adjust the warfarin dose and stop the fish oil."

That intervention likely saved Margaret from a life-threatening hemorrhage. But here's the remarkable part—this kind of clinical expertise and patient advocacy happens thousands of times daily across America, yet most people have no idea.

Today, on National Pharmacist Day (January 12), let's celebrate how pharmacists became the healthcare heroes hiding in plain sight.

💊 What Your Pharmacist Can Do Now (That You Might Not Know)

Here's what you need to know: Your pharmacist isn't just counting pills anymore. They went to school for 6-8 years to become Doctor of Pharmacy graduates—that's as much training as many physicians.

How Pharmacy Changed:

• 🏺 1800s: Mixing herbal remedies in small shops

• 💊 1970s: "Count, pour, lick, and stick" dispensing model

• 🩺 2020s: Full clinical practice with prescribing authority in many states

Clinical Services You Can Get:

• 💉 All vaccines (flu, shingles, travel shots—no appointment needed)

• 📊 Health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)

• 🩺 Chronic disease management (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma)

• 💊 Medication reviews (checking for interactions and cost savings)

• 🏛️ Birth control prescribing (in many states)

What makes this revolutionary:

• ✅ Insurance pays for it—just like any doctor visit

• ✅ No appointment needed—walk in during pharmacy hours

• ✅ Costs less—pharmacy visits cheaper than urgent care

• ✅ Better access—90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy

🧭 How to Get the Most from Your Pharmacist

Let's break this down. Here's how to build a stronger partnership with your pharmacist:

Share This Information:

📋 Complete medication list - Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Even that daily fish oil matters!

🏥 All health conditions - Diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems—everything affects which medications are safe for you.

🤧 Allergies and past side effects - Both true allergies ("my throat swelled up") and intolerances ("this made me really dizzy").

Ask These Questions:

💬 "Do any of my medications interact?"

💬 "Is there a cheaper option that works the same way?"

💬 "When's the best time to take each medication?"

💬 "What side effects should I watch for?"

🟢 GREEN FLAGS: Signs of an Excellent Pharmacist

✅ Asks detailed questions about your health - They dig deeper to understand your full medication picture

✅ Catches problems proactively - Spots issues before you even know there's a concern

✅ Coordinates with your doctor - Calls your physician when something needs adjustment

✅ Remembers you and your conditions - Provides continuity of care visit after visit

🔴 RED FLAGS: Time to Find a Better Pharmacy

⚠️ Rushes through pickup without discussion - No time for questions or counseling

⚠️ Never asks about other medications - Misses potential dangerous interactions

⚠️ Can't answer basic medication questions - Limited clinical knowledge or engagement

⚠️ Different pharmacist every visit - No relationship building or continuity

Remember: You deserve a pharmacist who treats you as a partner in your health care.

💡 THIS WEEK'S WELLNESS WIN

Schedule Your Free Medication Review

If you take 3+ medications or have chronic conditions, call your pharmacy this week and ask: "Do you offer medication therapy management appointments?"

Most insurance plans (including Medicare) cover a comprehensive yearly review where your pharmacist checks for interactions, cost-saving opportunities, and whether all your medications are still necessary. This one conversation could save your health—and hundreds of dollars.

📖 Real-Life Stories: How Pharmacists Save Lives Daily

Carlos's Story:
Carlos picked up his new antibiotic on a Friday evening. His pharmacist noticed he was also taking a blood thinner and that this antibiotic could make it dangerously strong. She called his doctor, switched him to a safer antibiotic, and prevented a potential bleeding emergency—all before he left the pharmacy.

Jennifer's Story:
Jennifer couldn't afford her $300 diabetes medication. Her pharmacist found a $25 generic alternative that worked just as well, then helped her enroll in a manufacturer savings program. Now she pays $10 per month and her blood sugar is finally under control.

Robert's Story:
Robert was taking 12 different medications from three different doctors. During a medication review, his pharmacist discovered he was taking three medications that all did the same thing—and two that were working against each other. After coordinating with his doctors, he's now on 8 medications, feels better, and saves $400 per month.

❓ READER CORNER

"My pharmacy is always so busy. How can I get time with my pharmacist?"

Here's what you need to know:

📞 Call ahead - Ask "When's the best time to come in for a medication consultation?" Mid-morning or early afternoon is usually slower.

📅 Schedule a formal appointment - Many pharmacies offer MTM appointments that give you 30-60 minutes of dedicated time (often free with insurance).

⏰ Avoid peak times - Skip lunch hours (12-2 PM), after work (5-7 PM), and Mondays.

🎯 Be specific - Instead of "I have a question," try "I'm starting a new medication and want to understand how it works with my other drugs."

💡 DR. LEE'S BOTTOM LINE

Your pharmacist is one of the most accessible healthcare providers you have—and one of the most underutilized.

They can catch dangerous drug interactions, save you hundreds of dollars, answer questions when your doctor's office is closed, and help you manage chronic diseases. All of this is covered by your insurance.

But here's the key: You have to ask.

Here's what to do this week:

1️⃣ Call your pharmacy and ask, "What clinical services do you offer?"

2️⃣ Schedule a medication review if you take 3+ medications

3️⃣ Bring a complete list of ALL medications and supplements to your next visit

4️⃣ Thank your pharmacist—they rarely get the recognition they deserve

Today, on National Pharmacist Day, let's celebrate these healthcare heroes who save lives every single day.

We're here to help you navigate your health—starting with building a stronger relationship with your pharmacist.

SHARE THE HEALTH! 💌

Know someone who could benefit from better pharmacy care?

Taking control of your health starts with knowledge—and it's even better when shared with the people you care about.

👉 Forward this email to a friend who needs to hear this!

They can subscribe here: https://askmedrlee-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

LET'S CONNECT! 💬

Hit reply and share:

A story about a time your pharmacist went above and beyond for your health. Today's the day to celebrate these unsung heroes—let's hear how they've made a difference in your life!

I read every response and your stories inspire future newsletters.

Stay grateful and empowered,

Dr. Lee

🔗 STAY CONNECTED

📱 Instagram: @AskMeDrLee

📧 Email: Reply anytime with questions

👥 Share: Forward to someone who needs better pharmacy care

🔒 MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.