Freedom to Pharm™ at McKesson ideaShare 2025!
Another year, another incredible McKesson ideaShare in the books. IPC was proud to bring the energy to Nashville and connect with pharmacy owners across the country to showcase what it truly means to have the Freedom to Pharm™ in your independent pharmacy.
From the premiere of our refreshed branding to meaningful conversations in our booth, this year was packed with opportunities to grow, learn, and celebrate the future of community pharmacy. Whether you attended the IPC Annual Meeting, joined us at the reception, or took a personalized member journey through our booth, we hope you left inspired and empowered.
Let’s take a look back at the highlights. We can’t wait to see you next year.
Customizing Your Own Journey
Every attendee who visited the IPC booth had the chance to scan a QR code and answer a few quick questions to unlock a personalized experience tailored to their goals. Through a mix of interactive stations and in-depth conversations with IPC staff, each visitor walked away with a clearer vision for how IPC can support their pharmacy’s unique needs.
What is Your One Thing?
This year’s “One Thing” initiative was a crowd favorite. After completing the booth journey through IPC’s five pillars: Growth & Expansion, Purchasing Power, Financial Clarity, Operational Efficiency, and Team Empowerment, attendees were invited to write down one action they planned to take back to their store.
The responses were powerful. See what your peers are implementing here:
Special Guests in the IPC Booth
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our booth visits with Congressman Buddy Carter. Attendees had the chance to speak directly with him about the pressing issues facing independent pharmacy, including PBM reform, and share how those challenges impact their patients and businesses.
We were also honored by a surprise visit from Representative Diana Harshbarger, a pharmacist and strong advocate for the profession. Her unexpected stop at the IPC booth sparked meaningful conversations about the future of community pharmacy and the importance of keeping pharmacists at the center of care. Both guests sat down with Todd Eury of the Pharmacy Podcast Network to amplify the voice of independent pharmacy and highlight the urgency of legislative action.
Interviews with Industry Experts
IPC was thrilled to host Pharmacy Podcast Network’s Todd Eury as he conducted interviews with industry leaders from across the country. These engaging conversations covered current trends, innovative solutions, and what lies ahead for independent pharmacy. Keep an eye on the Pharmacy Podcast Network for recaps and new episodes from ideaShare.
Insightful Learning Sessions
Deep Dive with IPC Digital Health
Samantha Pomeroy and Kelli Stovall took the stage in the Learning Lab to demonstrate how pharmacies are using IPC Digital Health’s iCare+ platform to close care gaps, increase revenue, and better serve patients. The session sparked real momentum.
“We had several presentation attendees follow us to the booth,” said Kelli Stovall. “It generated interest in our platform and remote patient monitoring program.”
Kelli emphasized the broader impact of these tools, noting, “The growth of independent pharmacy clinical services can help close rural and community health care gaps and support improved patient outcomes.”
Pharma Talk
Randy McDonough, CEO and Co-Owner of Towncrest Pharmacy, joined Nick Secrest for a candid conversation about what’s working in independent pharmacy. They discussed building resilient teams and navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.
A Strong Year for IPC Members
The IPC Annual Meeting opened with remarks from IPC President and CEO, Marc Essensa. He shared key wins from the past year and how those accomplishments translated into real member value. IPC paid out $18.4 million in equity this year.
Congressman Buddy Carter reinforced the importance of PBM reform and how independent pharmacies can make their voices heard. Ashton Maaraba introduced IPC Digital Health’s new partnership with Clover Health, designed to bring community pharmacies to the forefront of senior care.
IPC Board Chair Vicki Einhellig reminded pharmacy owners of the tools they have at their fingertips. From the IPC Warehouse to government advocacy, RxAssassins, Digital Health solutions, and peer collaboration, she emphasized how IPC empowers members to succeed. She also honored the retirement of longtime board member Paul Grisnik, celebrating his 11 years of service.
Wilmington Pharmacy Named IPC 2025 Most Valuable Pharmacy
IPC is excited to announce Wilmington Pharmacy of Los Angeles, CA as the recipient of the Dan Moudry Most Valuable Pharmacy (MVP) Award for 2025.
Jitesh and Nisha Zala, co-owners of West Alondra Pharmacy, Wilmington Pharmacy, Lynwood Pharmacy, and Whittier Community Pharmacy, have built more than a network of successful stores, they’ve built a standard for personalized care and operational excellence. Whether implementing new clinical services or mentoring staff, their leadership has had a lasting impact on both patients and their team.
It’s that kind of commitment that defines an MVP. Join us in congratulating Jitesh and Nisha and watch their story unfold in this year’s video.
Marc on the $10 Bill
If you swung by the IPC booth on Thursday or Friday, you might have spotted a familiar face on a very special $10 bill. While the currency was custom-made, the excitement around our $25,000 giveaway was very real. Congratulations to Hal Roe, owner of Roe Family Health Mart, for taking home the grand prize.
Cheers to Community
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the IPC Reception. After a full day of learning and networking, members were able to kick back with great food, live music from The After Party, and unforgettable conversations with peers and IPC staff.
