New Rx Leadership & Laughing with a Pharmacy Dad | TWIRx

“Hey Cory, what do you do?” I am a comedian, pharmacist, author, and speaker. With the eye for detail of a pharmacist and the mind of a comedian, I am out to help others challenge the conventions and PREscriptions holding them back while adapting to the unknown and living in the moment. All while getting some laughs along the way.   Rewind to 2013, two years into my pharmacy career and there I was, struggling to adapt to the unscripted world of pharmacy and healthcare.  ​ On paper I had checked all of the boxes: perfect grades, residency, board certifications. But then I realized something was missing - the ability to create meaningful connections in the moment with those I cared for, and the ability to adapt and remain flexible. ​ 2013 was the year I went to my first improv class and two simple words changed everything for me: "Yes, and."   _____________   The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN) is pleased to announce that Dr. Rob Maher has been selected to serve as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Dr. Maher brings over 30 years of experience working in independent community pharmacy practice, ambulatory care pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy and hospital pharmacy.   Dr. Maher has an extensive history with PPCN, since its formation in 2015. Dr. Maher has been actively involved in PPCN since by serving as a PPCN luminary, PPCN trainer and technology solution support lead for PioneerRX. Dr. Maher has also represented PPCN nationally, serving for the past three years as Chair of the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network's (CPESN) Quality Assurance Committee.   Most recently he has served as Director of Pharmacy Services for Klingensmith's Drugstore, a seven-store independent, family-owned chain of PPCN-member pharmacies located in Armstrong and Clarion counties. In this role, Dr. Maher lead the development, implementation, and growth of enhanced community pharmacy services across multiple locations. Through use of key performance indicators (KPIs), careful workflow considerations and by leaning into technology, Dr. Maher was able to position Klingensmith's to serve their communities while growing new business revenue.   In addition to his practice experience, Dr. Maher has spent the past 25 years serving as a faculty member and administrative pharmacist at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy. During this time, Dr. Maher has taught and inspired countless student pharmacists through didactic courses related to the fundamentals of pharmacy practice management, implementation of pharmacy services and business planning/entrepreneurship.   Dr. Maher earned both his B.S. in Pharmacy (’93) and PharmD from the University of Pittsburgh ('97). In 1998, Dr Maher completed a Geriatric pharmacy specialized residency at Duke University's Center for the Study of Aging and the Durham Veteran's Affairs Geriatric Research Education Center. Growing up, Dr. Rob Maher worked in his family’s community pharmacy in Patton, Pa. (Cambria County) that his father owned and operated for 47 years. In 2021, the business was sold to another independent pharmacy owner. Dr. Maher also was a pharmacy owner partner for Mission Pharmacy Services, a long-term care pharmacy.   Dr. Maher will be taking over for Dr. Brandon Antinopoulos, the network's first President and COO. Dr. Antinopoulos is embarking on a new career path as an independent pharmacy owner. Current PPCN Executive Director, Stephanie McGrath, will remain in her role leading the network's program design, implementation, and evaluation efforts to advocate for the quality care provided by PPCN pharmacies.  PPCN Director of Engagement, Kelsey Hake, will also remain in her role supporting payer program implementation, evaluation and quality assurance.