WL : I ’ m constantly staying on top of the industry because I think in this position it ’ s crucial to know if the FDA has released information on any new drug shortages , or if there are any new studies out there . It gives me talking points when speaking with physicians . I ’ ve attended and presented at several marketing seminars related to a compounding pharmacy . Networking is a big part of my job as well . It ’ s important to connect with other marketers in other areas of the country to share ideas about what may be working for them . I subscribe to the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding listserve as well as read their bimonthly publication . I also subscribe to A4M updates and check the FDA website weekly . I ’ ve also set up Google Alerts for the keyword Compounding . I read a lot !
SM : What are your essential leave behind items ?
WL : My favorite leave behind item in the rectal rocket attached to my business card . This is also a great “ break the ice ” conversation starter when you walk into a physician office . I always take marketing tables specific to the specialty I am going in to speak to . And my rule of thumb is I never take all my information when going to an office ; this gives me an opportunity to do a follow-up call . I always like to leave something with my name on it and my pharmacy ’ s name on it .
SM : Do you always ask to speak with the physician the first time you visit an office ? If not , who ?
WL : I have attended many seminars where I was taught to ask for the Physicians ’ nurse before calling for the Physician . My rule of thumb is “ you gotta either go big or go home .” I always ask to speak to the doctor first and nine times out of ten that gets me past the gatekeeper and back to the nurse ’ s station where I can talk to the nurses while waiting to speak to the physician . If the gatekeeper turns me down because the doctor is too busy , I ask for the nurse . And if that doesn ’ t work , I ask when ’ s a good time when to come back . So “ go big or go home !”
SM : What is your favorite part of being a Pharmacy Marketer ?
WL : Sometimes customized medication makes more sense than the “ one-size- fits all ” approach and being able to educate prescribers on this makes me feel that I am helping to improve patient compliance and outcomes . Knowing that I am indirectly helping a mother with her child that won ’ t take his or her medication or knowing that I am helping a patient that has tried all the manufactured products available and is still not achieving optimal results makes me feel that I add value to what I do . I like to think of myself as a problem solver by helping physicians solve their patients ’ problems when it comes to their medication .
SM : If you weren ’ t a pharmacy marketer , what would you be doing ?
WL : Owning my very own cupcake shop !
Whitney ’ s Nashville
Tennessee , the Volunteer State , got it ’ s name during the War of 1812 when 2,000 Tennesseans volunteered to fight the British .
Since the National Community Pharmacists Association ’ s Annual Meeting is in Nashville this year , we asked Whitney to volunteer some of her favorite hot spots in Nashville !
The Parthenon - Originally built for Tennessee ’ s 1897 Centennial Exposition , is a re-creation of the Parthenon in Greece . It is the centerpiece of Centennial Park , Nashville ’ s premier urban park .
Tootsie ’ s Orchid Lounge - You never know what famous person you may stumble upon playing the fiddle and Tootsie ’ s has been a long favorite of mine .
The Pfunky Griddle - You need to check out this make-your-own pancake cafe . My favorite pancake combination is : organic multi-grain batter with bananas and chocolate chips !
The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum - No trip to Music City would be complete without a visit to the Hall of Fame & Museum .
Check out VisitMusicCity . com for more places to check out in Nashville .