The Wonders of Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, pharmacist and PhD candidate Rasaq Oladapo shares his journey from Nigeria to the United States and how his background in pharmacy and epidemiology shapes his research on medication safety, opioid misuse, and overdose prevention.
He explores how healthcare data and policy influence the way medications are used and the outcomes patients experience. Drawing on his work to improve access to care, he reflects on the connection between research and community health and offers practical advice for students interested in pharmacy and public health.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Johnson explores the vital role of pharmacists in caring for critically ill children. He shares his path to pediatric pharmacy and offers a look inside the cardiac intensive care unit, where choosing the right medication and dose requires careful assessment and ongoing adjustments. From managing pain and sedation to using validated assessment tools, Dr. Johnson explains the complexities of caring for young patients and shares a real case in which a pharmacist’s intervention improved a child’s outcome.
Reflecting on his residency training, Dr. Johnson also offers advice for aspiring pediatric pharmacists. He highlights the importance of advocating for children, communicating with caregivers, and advancing care through continued research and education.

How can data help us better understand medication use and improve public health? Dr. Chris Delcher, an epidemiologist at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, shares his journey from community mapping in the Peace Corps to studying how medications affect populations.
He explores the unintended consequences of drug policies, the importance of compassion in substance use research, and how perspectives on medications such as tramadol differ around the world. Along the way, he offers practical advice for students interested in using research to make a difference.

Dr. Joseph Fink, Professor Emeritus of Pharmacy Law and Policy, reflects on more than 50 years in pharmacy and how the law helps protect patients. He explores major changes in pharmacy practice, from drug selection laws to the landmark OBRA ’90 legislation.
Dr. Fink also highlights the importance of putting patients first, understanding state licensure requirements, and developing strong communication skills. For aspiring pharmacists, he shares practical advice on getting involved in professional organizations and building a meaningful career.

In this episode of The Wonders of Pharmacy, Dr. Ziping “Leaf” Ye shares her journey from laboratory science to health policy research, exploring how health economics helps shape decisions about delivering and paying for care.
She discusses hepatitis C testing and treatment in prisons, expanding access to opioid use disorder treatment in rural communities, and how listening to patients and pharmacists can help identify and address barriers to care.
For students exploring careers in clinical practice, research, or policy, Dr. Ye offers practical advice and highlights how thoughtful policies can improve access to care and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

In this episode of The Wonders of Pharmacy, Dr. Jeff Cain of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy shares his path into pharmacy education and explains why future pharmacists need to understand the business and operations behind patient care.
The conversation also explores how digital media and AI are changing the way students learn and affecting their well-being. Dr. Cain offers practical tips for using technology more intentionally, shares how educators can keep pace with change, and gives advice to students considering a career in pharmacy.

Dr. Penni Black explores how genetic information and computer-based tools can help identify cancer treatments suited to individual patients. She explains why lung cancer can be difficult to treat and how immunotherapies help the immune system recognize and attack tumors. She also shares how active learning shapes pharmacy education and offers advice to students interested in cancer research and clinical care.

Dr. Holly Divine of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy shares insights from more than 25 years in ambulatory care, diabetes care, and geriatric pharmacy. She explains how pharmacists help people manage chronic conditions, use prescription and over-the-counter medicines safely, and make treatment decisions that fit their individual needs. The conversation also explores how hands-on experience prepares pharmacy students for the many paths their careers can take.

Dr. Robert Lodder, a professor and entrepreneur in pharmaceutical sciences, joins The Wonders of Pharmacy to share how early chemistry experiments sparked a career spanning research, teaching, and the founding of drug and medical device companies.
The conversation explores how scientists test drug quality, study treatments in real-world settings, and use AI, engineering, and imaging to advance drug development. Dr. Lodder also explains the surprising connection between pharmaceutical science and astrobiology. For students considering a career in science, he offers practical advice: explore other fields, become excellent at one skill, and keep improving patient care at the center of your work.

Dr. Frank Romanelli, Chief Academic Officer at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, shares his journey into pharmacy and his experience in critical care, HIV care, vaccine practice, and pharmacy education.
He discusses how pharmacists support patients with HIV, the public health impact of vaccines, and how pharmacy programs are preparing students for broader roles in patient care. He also shares what he enjoys most about teaching and offers advice for becoming a great teacher.