# Pharmacy Road-map for 2026 and New Opportunities for Growth | TWIRx

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-week-in-pharmacy-6992689/pharmacy-road-map-for-2026-and-new-opportunities-for-growth-twirx
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-week-in-pharmacy-6992689/pharmacy-road-map-for-2026-and-new-opportunities-for-growth-twirx.md
Podcast: [This Week in Pharmacy](https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-week-in-pharmacy-6992689)
Published: 2026-01-30T18:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thisweekinpharmacy.podbean.com/e/pharmacy-road-map-for-2026-and-new-opportunities-for-growth-twirx/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ry956w83wpmpbxjj/This_Week_in_Pharmacy_January_30_20268w8pr.mp3
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Duration seconds: 5754

## Resource

TWIRx – January 30 | Special Guest: Marc Essensa, CEO of IPC On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Marc Essensa, President and CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), to discuss timely strategies and resources helping independent pharmacies strengthen their businesses in today’s challenging environment. Building Your Independent Pharmacy Business Marc shares insights on navigating reimbursement pressure, improving margins, and leveraging IPC’s purchasing power, data, and strategic tools to support long-term sustainability. The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide We break down IPC’s guidance on the Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, which may allow pharmacies that accepted Visa or Mastercard between 2004–2019 to recover funds. Marc explains eligibility, next steps, and how recovered dollars can support cash flow, staffing, technology, or inventory investments. IPC Member Support Services The conversation highlights IPC’s expanded member support offerings, including business consulting, strategic partnerships, wholesale access, and operational resources designed to help independents stay competitive. Legislative & Advocacy Updates Marc also provides updates on IPC’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, focused on protecting independent pharmacy interests and addressing ongoing policy and reimbursement challenges. 🔗 Resource Mentioned The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide – IPChttps://www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-blog/news/the-payment-card-settlement-a-practical-guide/ Special guest: Sakhi Gaurang Patel is a trailblazing PharmD candidate at the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and a co-founder of the startup CuraVoice. Recognized for her work in healthcare equity, mentorship, and edu…

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