April 10, 2025
Episode 03
When you think of your hospital care team, do you picture a pharmacist?
If not, you should!
I’m Dr. Monique Nugent, and in this episode of Prescription for Admission, I’m joined by Mr. Scott Brizard, PharmD, to pull back the curtain on the often-overlooked yet essential role pharmacists play in keeping patients safe, informed, and empowered throughout their healthcare journey.
From medication safety and formulary management to drug interactions and patient advocacy, this conversation is a must-listen if you’ve ever taken a medication in the hospital, worried about side effects, or wanted to better understand what pharmacists really do behind the scenes.
Episode Notes
Mr. Scott Brizard brings his deep expertise in pharmacy practice, oncology, and infectious disease to explain how pharmacists go far beyond simply dispensing medication. We explore:
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What really happens during medication reconciliation at admission
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Why understanding formulary restrictions and cost matters
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How pharmacists identify and address adverse effects vs. true allergies
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The importance of communication between pharmacists, doctors, and patients
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What you need to know to advocate for your own medication safety
We also talk about the evolving career paths in pharmacy, from drug development to bedside consulting, and how media representations of pharmacists still have a long way to go. If you’ve ever felt unsure about a medication or had questions after discharge, this episode will give you the knowledge to speak up and partner with your care team more confidently.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re preparing for a hospital visit or simply want to be a more informed patient, here are some of the big lessons from this episode:
- Pharmacists are integral to patient safety—from admission to discharge
- Medication reconciliation helps prevent harmful drug interactions
- Formularies influence which drugs are available in hospitals—know yours
- Many patients confuse side effects with true allergies
- Pharmacists clarify complex medications and tailor them to patient needs
- Specialties like oncology and infectious disease require advanced certification
- Self-advocacy is essential: always ask about your meds and understand changes
- Communication between healthcare providers and patients improves outcomes
- The pharmacy profession is evolving—so should our awareness and expectations
The episode is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube—go take a listen and share it with someone who needs to hear this!
Have you ever had a confusing experience with hospital meds? Or a time when a pharmacist made all the difference? I’d love to hear your story—drop a comment or send me a message!