The Automated Coffee Machine

Technology and robotics. It's getting more sophisticated, not by the day, but by the hour.

I dropped in for a visit to Good Samaritan hospital pharmacy yesterday just to say hello, and got a glimpse of their new coffee machine in action. I'm guessing that management likely programmed it.


Source: Aries Head Films

P&T Committee Blues

I'm sure that all of you new pharmacy grads are coming to realize that the politics and the egocentric managers experienced at work could quickly become unbearable. If you're anything like me, you'll find that it's never the work, or the patients, that make your job almost unbearable, it's your co-workers.

The almost intolerable moments at work become even more pronounced at monthly P&T Committee meetings. If you've ever been a P&T Committee member, then you'll know what I mean. The meetings almost always get off tangent, and there's usually some douchebag with a boring story to tell in order to profess his level of importance to everyone, followed-up with some brown-noser sucking up to him.

But, don't just take my word for it. I just happened to find this old discarded video recording of the last P&T Committee meeting I attended at the hospital I worked at before I retired. As you can see, my deteriorating attitude (I'm Amok, the politically blue guy) at that time explains my decision that it was probably best to retire before I became psychopathically GOP-angry red.

Superhero Pharmacy Techs

I've parodied the superhero pharmacist more than a few times on The Cynical Pharmacist, but we all know that most retail pharmacies would cease to operate if it weren't for the often unappreciated hard work of superhero pharmacy technicians, the pharmacists' sidekicks.

So, although I've worked with more than a handful of sociopathic techs who hatefully went out of their way to make my job unnecessarily harder, or to intentionally do me harm for no rational reason at all, here's a satirical shout-out to those superhero pharmacy technicians who are also being replaced by technology, but make a career in pharmacy much more enjoyable for the overburdened pharmacist.

Although you may be often underpaid, and sometimes abused too, thank you for your support!

Godzilla Versus Mechagodzilla

You've got to hand it to the community sector pharmacists, especially independent pharmacists who are often considered the technological dinosaurs of the profession, for taking on the PBMs.

PBM industry leaders were smart to quickly to embrace the use of computerization, technology, and robotics in pharmacy twenty-years ago, and over time were able to eliminate many of the Luddite community pharmacists who couldn't envision where the profession of pharmacy was headed.

After proving to many naysayers that robotics could fill prescriptions faster and more accurately than any "mere human" pharmacist could, the up and coming PBMs were able to gain concessions from state BOPs, the drug wholesalers and manufacturers, and were eventually able to become a competitive force to be reckoned with; a force powerful enough to rattle even the chain drug industry.

But, the fight ain't over. Although the PBMs initially had them reeling on the ropes, the community pharmacy sector was able to survive the first few rounds, and changed their fight strategy.

In the past few years the remaining independents and the continually consolidating chain pharmacies realized that they could effectively battle against this technological force if they just banded together, consolidated their powers, and embraced technological advances themselves.

Now, it seems to me that community pharmacies have a good chance to mount a comeback and win this fight, or at least delay the outcome. Recent technological advances in retail sector robotics now allow the retail sector most of the same capabilities that PBMs can provide. It now becomes more of a battle of political capabilities.

So, it looks to me like surprised PBM leaders may have to devise a new strategy if they want to take home the belt. Godzilla is no journeyman dinosaur, he's got heart. Don't count him out just yet.

Are You Ready For Parenthood?

Enjoying your weekend? Parenthood is often a blessing for those who've planned and prepared for it beforehand. But, I pity the fool who's spreading his seed around indiscriminately. Be smart, unless you're ready for the ball-busting difficulties of raising tireless kids beforehand, always wear a condom.

Superhero Pharmacist Depression

I'm telling you prospective pharmacy students, the profession of pharmacy is increasingly dynamic.

Pharmacists are also continuously losing their professional autonomy. You may begin your schooling with certain expectations about your career choice, but those expectations can change 180-degrees, even before your graduate. Those changes are also going to happen out of your control, and mainly under the direction of corporate demands.

Some pharmacists can't live happily working under those conditions.

So, if you decide to become a superhero pharmacist without researching whether you're well-suited for constant change, working in a restrictive corporate environment, sitting in a cubicle all day, or can't deal with further loss of autonomy, then your career choice may eventually affect your psyche.

But, don't just take my word for it. See for yourself -


Source: Andrew M Films | HT: Gizmodo: The Depressing Truth About Being a Superhero

Do You Want To Be A RoboPharmacist?

I think that I may have mentioned a while back that I went to pharmacy school mainly to please my ex-wife, who said that she wouldn't stay married to me if I didn't become a pharmacist. As Dr. Phil might say to me. "So, how's that working out for you?"

I know that times are tough, and that you're seeking the safety of a well-paying career. But before you apply to pharmacy school, makes sure that a pharmacist is truly someone you can envision being.

Do you really want to become part of a profession where conformity rules, where many of us can only survive if we "comply" with corporate demands, and are expected to "obey" without complaint? Can you envision becoming a robopharmacist, working for one of the PBMs or one of the chains? Can you do that for 25 years?

Be true to yourself, and don't do anything because someone else pressures you into it. Just imagine what your first job interview would be like after graduating and becoming licensed if you did.

[Damn! Perfect original video link removed by source]

Pharmacist Job Market Redux

Following up on my previous post about a tightening pharmacist job market, I think it's important to understand that while employment opportunities are currently available in the profession, there's still a risk that some of us superheroes may face the prospect of unemployment because we don't yet have Federal provider-status recognition protecting us when cost-containment issues involved with the ACA come into effect next year.

But, if we stick together, perhaps we can prevent those potential job losses.

For example, if you find yourself in a difficult position like Master of Degrees, who recently graduated, is at the mercy of repaying a six-figure student loan debt, and whose loan interest rate just doubled, then it may be time to call in Captain Generica for a some backup.

If that Plan A doesn't work, then consider enlisting the services of Plan B, an older and experienced pharmacist who'll show you how to kick 'em where it hurts. The more we help each other, the better.

So remember, while it's important to keep up a good attitude and incorporate a keen sense of humor about becoming unemployed, don't forget that there will be other superhero pharmacists willing to join the fight against being under the thumb of the Just Us League.

Teamwork is the key to victory. If they view pharmacists as a unified formidable force, they'll be less likely to battle against us. All we have to do is to be able to see the big picture, put aside our petty differences, join forces, and consolidate our powers together as one.


The Adventures of Unemployed Man from Unemployed Man on Vimeo.

Don't Become Damaged Goods

While sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) affect men and women of all backgrounds and economic levels, young people bear a disproportionate burden of STDs in Arizona. And according to the Arizona Department of Health 2011 Annual STD Report, reported chlamydia cases in Arizona have steadily increased from 2006 to 2011. This rise in chlamydia rates requires some intervention/education.

Similar to national trends, adolescents in Arizona, particularly young women, are disproportionately affected by chlamydia. Closer examination of chlamydia rates among young people ages 15 - 24 reveals extremely high values, nearly five times the rates for the state as a whole. In 2011, cases from this age group comprise 68% of all chlamydia cases in Arizona.

Because most people who become infected with chlamydia don’t realize they have it, and therefore don't seek treatment, it can cause significant health problems among women. For instance, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can become recurrent among young women and girls often leading to expensive health complications and/or infertility.

Sexually active women in their childbearing years are most at risk, and those under age 25 are more likely to develop PID than those older than 25. This is partly because the cervix of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, increasing their susceptibility to the STDs that are linked to PID.

So as you can see, if you're going to have sex, especially with multiple partners, it's always in your own best interests to have safe sex. Use latex condoms each and every time you have sex, and get tested at least yearly. Because the last thing you want to be called is - damaged goods.

GOP Ballroom Blitz About DOMA

You know, it's my belief that almost all politicians work on behalf of their corporate masters, and will selfishly sell out the rest of us average Americans simply to serve their own best interests.

But the GOP has really taken selling out a step further. How is it that the American people can't see how fanatically crazy these politicians have become?

If you ask me, they're some serious control freaks. It seems to me like they hate anyone who's not rich, white, male, overtly straight, and fanatically Christian, or even anyone else who disagrees with them. Where's all that hate coming from? And who in their right mind would support their efforts?

Nothing epitomizes it more than last week's Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. Republican lawmakers, officials, pundits, and even some religious leaders are going ape-shit now that Gay people can get married just like the rest of us. Although I'm against marriage in general, I don't understand them. Homosexual love doesn't negatively affect anyone else in any way.

You'd think that the GOP would be more upset with corporations being considered "people".

But, don't just take my word about how upset they are. Listen to this band erroneously hired by the GOP to play for John Boehner (the man in the back) and Sarah Palin (the girl in the corner) at their recent ballroom fund-raiser, describe the GOP's anger while at this function.

Diogenes Of Manhattan

For the Cynics, life in accord with reason is lived in accord with nature, and therefore life in accord with reason is greater than the bounds of convention and the polis. Furthermore, the Cynics claim that such a life is the life worth living.

As a homeless and penniless exile, Diogenes experienced the greatest misfortunes of which the tragedians write, and yet he insisted that he lived the good life: “He claimed that to fortune he could oppose courage, to convention nature, to passion reason”


Man In Van from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

Side Effected | A Short Film

An urgent meeting between the boss of a pharmaceutical company and one of his young employees is called in order to discuss a potentially groundbreaking new drug. Here's the trailer -


"SIDE EFFECTED" Teaser #1 from Lev Pakman on Vimeo and Facebook.

Be A Hero, Donate Blood

Did you know that 700 blood donors are needed every day just to meet the needs of patients in the fifty-eight Arizona hospitals dependent upon United Blood Services?

In emergency situations, it’s the blood on the shelves that saves lives. Your donation could save a family member, a friend or a neighbor. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially O-negative, the universal blood that can be substituted for all other types in emergencies.

To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-877-UBS-HERO (1-877-827-4376) toll free or search by zip code online. Find the Hero in You.. and chill out. It's not like you're getting a THORacotomy.

Generational Diogenes

After studying the cynic philosophy for a few years, I've come to the realization that every generation throughout time has had it's own local version of Diogenes, a controversial character who travels in dog-like fashion throughout the countryside in search of an honest man.

And what I've recently discovered is that the Arizona baby-boomer generation had Mr. Peabody.

George Carlin | On Cynicism

Valibation | A Short Film

Some might call them the new cigarettes - hand held devices. For objects that supposedly increase our connection to the world, it’s amazing to think how solitary they have made us become.


VALIBATION from ulteriorproductions.com on Vimeo.

Korea: Open Condom Style

Well, based on recent news reports coming out of North Korea, it's quite possible that more American military personnel could be shifted into South Korea soon.

Knowing that some of the current American sexually-transmitted diseases originated from the country also known as "The Land of the Morning Cum Calm" to soldiers many decades ago, I'd like to remind our service men and women that if you're going to have sex while being stationed in South Korea, and especially in North Korea, to listen to Dr. Jason and practice safe sex open condom style.


Source: The Factory Music Studio

Papal Conclave Countdown

According to a Chicago Tribune news report today -

Cardinals will hold a final pre-conclave meeting on Monday to discuss the state of their Church, left reeling by the abdication last month of Pope Benedict and struggling to deal with a string of sexual abuse and corruption scandals.

Along with other social issues, these sexual abuse scandals and corruption charges have wreaked havoc on Church membership. Although the Catholic Church still has millions of followers worldwide, many of it's faithful followers have become disillusioned, and many have been leaving in droves.

So, word in the street is that Church leaders also decided to send out their special Vatican reporter this weekend in order to educate non-Catholics about how the concept of Purgatory works, and to try to convince them why they should convert to Catholicism.

Pharmacy Compounding During The 1930s

There was once a time during mid-twentieth century America when the neighborhood pharmacy was considered THE place to hangout, and THE place where you could find the most beautiful and eligible young women. As a matter of fact, many young Hollywood starlets were initially "discovered" while hanging out in their neighborhood pharmacy.

This was a time in pharmacy before pharmaceutical manufacturing came to dominate the profession, a time before chain pharmacies, when most pharmacists owned their own stores, compounded their prescriptions from scratch, and could concoct their own special lotions and potions as they saw fit.

It was also a time before many of Federal laws now governing patient-safety were enacted, before the nation became aware of the frequency of pharmacy errors and their potential to cause serious harm, and way before pharmacists focused on error-prevention as much as we do today.

This period of time in America might have been good for pharmacists, but it wasn't a very good time for their patients. So, I couldn't help but wonder what is was that made the youngest and prettiest girls in the neighborhood continue to hangout at their local pharmacy, even after discovering that their pharmacist might be an error-prone stooge?

That was, until I found this video from that period that explains it all.

The Original Batman

I just watched the 1943 movie series, Batman - back in the day when chasing the villains, catching the criminals, and competing with other superheroes wasn't nearly as sophisticated as it is today. It was a time when imagination originated from the mind, instead of the eyes.

It was a time when character development was still in it's infancy, when movie thugs and henchmen were middle-aged white men, gas was cheap, and America's evil arch-enemies came from Asia and Europe, instead of from the Middle East. It was also a time of technological innocence.

It was a time way before the advent of computers and the internet, when apps such as TV and atom bombs were still in development, and the predominate work tools for superheroes and their enemies included utility belts, truth serum, Radium handguns, and electronically brain-controlled Zombies.

It was a time some pharmacists remember being referred to as "the good old days" of pharmacy.

And it was also the first time Batman realized that if he was going to survive in his profession, that he needed to continually upgrade his utility belt, much like technologically-advanced pahrnicists of today.

But, don't just take my word for it. Watch the first chapter in the series to see for yourself -





Watch the rest of the entire original 1943 movie series on YouTube.