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.