– PHARMACIST FINANCE WEEKLY –
PHARMACIST
FINANCE
WEEKLY
The Essential Newsletter for Pharmacy Professionals|Your weekly dose of business insights, market intelligence, and career opportunities
Issue #1 | WEEK OF JULY 8-14, 2025
Pharmacy Focus:
The AI Buzz – What’s Actually Worth Your Attention?
Everyone’s talking about AI in healthcare, but as a pharmacist, you’re probably wondering: “Is this just another tech fad, or should I actually care?” Here’s the thing – while venture capitalists are throwing billions at AI startups, what matters to you is simpler: Will this help you serve patients better? Will it make your job easier or harder? And which of these new tools will actually work in your pharmacy? Let’s dig into what’s real and what’s just noise.
FRONT-LINE FOCUS
What retail pharmacists need to know this week
Automation Reality Check: What’s Actually Changing Behind the Counter
While AI grabs headlines, real automation changes in retail pharmacy are happening incrementally. Walgreens has expanded its robotic prescription-filling centers to serve over 5,000 stores by end of 2024, with robots processing up to 300 prescriptions per hour. CVS is implementing “workshare” technology that allows prescription tasks to be completed remotely by teams at neighboring stores with capacity.
For working pharmacists, the impact varies significantly. Brian Gange, a pharmacist at an Arizona Walgreens, reports a dramatic reduction in morning prescription queues, freeing time for patient consultations. However, some locations have experienced hiccups – reports from North Carolina indicate issues with partial fills and delays at certain automated facilities.
Bottom Line:
Automation is reducing routine filling tasks, but success depends heavily on implementation quality and local management. The best outcomes occur when technology handles repetitive work while preserving pharmacist-patient interaction time.
Sources: CNBC, Drug Store News, Omni Talk, Fierce Healthcare
Insights from STAT News, Crunchbase & McKinsey
Healthcare AI Investment Reaches Unprecedented Heights
The numbers are staggering. Healthcare AI startups secured nearly $1.68 billion in funding during just the first six weeks of 2025, setting a pace that could shatter annual investment records. Major rounds included $275 million for Innovaccer (healthcare data platform), $141 million for Hippocratic AI (clinical task automation), and $105 million for Qventus (surgery workflow optimization).
37%
of all 2024 digital health funding went to AI-focused startups
The global AI healthcare market, valued at $29.01 billion in 2024, is projected to explode to $504.17 billion by 2032. McKinsey’s latest survey reveals that 85% of healthcare leaders are now exploring or have already adopted generative AI capabilities, with primary focus on administrative efficiency and clinical productivity.
Pharmacy Impact:
AI adoption in pharmacy is accelerating beyond simple automation. Advanced algorithms are now optimizing inventory management, predicting patient adherence, and providing clinical decision support that enhances pharmacist expertise rather than replacing it.
Sources: STAT News, Crunchbase, Fortune Business Insights, McKinsey
MARKET WATCH
Verified reporting from Amazon and industry sources
Amazon Pharmacy’s Aggressive 2025 Expansion Plans
Amazon announced plans to open pharmacies in 20 new U.S. cities in 2025, more than doubling its current same-day prescription delivery footprint. The expansion includes major markets like Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Currently offering same-day delivery in about 12 markets, Amazon projects that 45% of U.S. customers will have access to same-day prescription delivery by end of 2025.
The company’s strategy involves embedding smaller “modular” pharmacies within existing same-day delivery sites, leveraging its logistics network. Amazon’s pharmacy business has been growing since its 2020 launch, building on the 2018 acquisition of PillPack for $750 million.
Competitive Impact:
Traditional chains face increasing pressure as “pharmacy deserts” grow due to store closures. CVS plans to close 270 locations in 2025 after 800 net closures over the prior three years, while Walgreens has closed about 2,000 stores recently.
Sources: Amazon Press Release, Fierce Healthcare, CNBC, PYMNTS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Current industry workforce trends
Retail Pharmacy Workforce Challenges Persist
The retail pharmacy industry continues to face significant staffing challenges, with both CVS and Walgreens reducing operating hours due to pharmacist shortages. A 2022 National Pharmacy Workplace Survey found that 88% of pharmacists say inadequate staffing likely contributed to medication errors or near misses in the past year.
Both major chains are investing heavily in retention strategies. CVS has invested about $1 billion in wage increases and pharmacy team investments over four years, plus $70 million in recognition awards this year. Walgreens launched a Student Loan 401(k) Match Program in January 2025, matching eligible student loan payments up to 4% of pay, and increased funding for its Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program from 806 recipients in 2023 to 1,026 in 2024.
Career Perspective:
Independent pharmacies report better work environments and retention rates compared to chains, though 70% still report difficulty filling open positions. The industry shift toward clinical services creates new opportunities but requires additional skills and training.
Sources: Drug Store News, CNBC, National Pharmacy Workplace Survey
REGULATORY RADAR
Current regulatory developments
Industry Challenges and Responses:
- Pharmacy Closures: Nearly 3 out of 10 pharmacies operating between 2010-2020 had closed by 2021, with independent pharmacies and those in Black and Latino neighborhoods at higher risk
- PBM Pressure: Three largest PBMs (CVS Caremark, UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx, Cigna’s Express Scripts) handle almost 80% of prescriptions, with pharmacies reporting reimbursement rates below acquisition costs
- Staffing Shortages: Nationwide pharmacist shortage has led to reduced operating hours at major chains, with some locations experiencing prescription delays
Sources: Health Affairs, Drug Store News, CNBC
CAREER & COMPENSATION
Current employment market insights
Retail Pharmacy Employment Landscape:
- Chain Pharmacy Challenges – CVS and Walgreens reducing hours due to staffing shortages, with both investing heavily in retention programs
- Independent Advantage – 70% of independent pharmacy managers report staffing difficulties, but generally better work environments than chains
- Wage Investments – CVS invested $1 billion in wage increases over four years; Walgreens offers student loan matching up to 4% of pay
- Career Pivot Opportunities – Growing demand for clinical services creates new roles beyond traditional dispensing
Sources: Drug Store News, CNBC, NCPA Survey Data
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark Your Calendar:
- July 15: Virtual Summit – “AI in Pharmacy Practice”
- July 22: CNBC Healthcare Innovation Conference
- August 5-7: Healthcare Technology Summit, San Francisco
- August 12: Webinar – “Automation ROI in Community Pharmacy”
FUN FACT OF THE WEEK
Pharmacy Desert Reality:
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that among 3,143 U.S. counties, almost half had communities that were 10 miles or farther from the nearest pharmacy – contributing to Amazon’s expansion strategy targeting underserved areas.
PHARMACY FUNNIES
Patient: “Doctor, I think I need glasses.”
Pharmacist: “You definitely do – this is a pharmacy.”
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: PHARMACIST FINANCE
Position Yourself for the AI-Driven Future
As AI and automation transform pharmacy practice, your financial strategy should evolve to capitalize on new opportunities. Whether you’re considering tech-focused career transitions or evaluating AIrelated investments, Pharmacist Finance helps you navigate the changing landscape.
Our ACTS Process:
- Articulate your goals for the tech-enabled future
- Consider emerging opportunities and risks
- Take strategic action on technology trends
- Systematically adapt as innovation accelerates
Ready to Align Your Financial Future with Pharmacy Innovation?
Schedule your complimentary consultation to explore how emerging technologies impact your career and investment strategies.
- Contact: aconway@cambridgesecure.com
- Learn More: https://pharmacistfinance.com/#about
This Week’s Intelligence Sourced From:
- STAT News – Healthcare AI investment tracking
- Crunchbase – Venture funding database
- Fortune Business Insights – AI market projections
- McKinsey & Company – Healthcare AI adoption survey
- CNBC – Amazon healthcare expansion reporting
- Pharmacy Times – APhA conference coverage
- FDA – AI/ML medical device approvals database
- NIH Coalition for Health AI –
- Strategic planning updates
- Healthcare Dive – Industry analysis and trends
- Amazon Healthcare Reports –
- Company performance data
STAY UP TO DATE –
Pharmacist Finance Weekly delivers curated insights from leading business and professional publications to keep pharmacy professionals informed on industry trends, career opportunities, and financial strategies.
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