RBC 2014 urges pharmacists to lead change
WASHINGTON — Nearly 8,000 attendees will converge in Washington, D.C., in July for Cardinal Health’s annual Retail Business Conference, which provides independent pharmacists and pharmacy franchise owners an opportunity to network with and learn from peers, as well as gain new insights into improving business effectiveness and efficiency.
RBC will take place July 23 to 26 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
In light of the changing healthcare landscape and the increased role that pharmacists are playing in the U.S. healthcare system, this year’s event is aptly themed “Leading Change.”
“RBC is the perfect opportunity for independent pharmacy owners to network with their peers and learn new ways they can lead change in health care — the kind of change that will ultimately result in healthier patients, healthier communities, stronger pharmacy businesses and a more productive, cost-effective healthcare system,” said Steve Lawrence, SVP independent sales for Cardinal Health.
Highlights of this year’s RBC include:
• The RBC Opening Session: This year’s RBC Opening Session will feature Mary Matalin and James Carville, who will engage in a candid discussion about today's hot-button political and healthcare issues from both sides of the political aisle. Matalin is one of the most celebrated and popular conservative voices in America. As an author, television and radio host, and widely sought-after political contributor, pundit and public speaker, she is known for her straightforward manner and insightful political repartee. Among her many roles and accomplishments, she has served under former President Ronald Reagan, made her mark as former President George H.W. Bush's campaign director and most recently was assistant to former President George W. Bush. Her husband, James "The Ragin' Cajun" Carville, is one of America's best-known political consultants. His list of electoral successes shows a knack for steering overlooked campaigns to unexpected landslide victories, and for re-making political underdogs into upset winners. Carville also is a best-selling author, actor, producer, talk show host, speaker and restaurateur;
• Healthcare Roundtable Discussion: As the Affordable Care Act, changing demographics and other drivers continue to transform health care, RBC’s Healthcare Roundtable Discussion will provide attendees with the chance to hear first-hand insights from pharmacy industry leaders about how some of the nation’s most pressing healthcare issues are impacting community pharmacy. This discussion will feature Doug Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association; Theresa Tolle, speaker-elect of the American Pharmacists Association House of Delegates; and Connie Woodburn, SVP government relations for Cardinal Health. These community pharmacy advocates will discuss industry hot topics ranging from narrow insurance networks to the critical importance of pharmacists receiving provider status so they can be reimbursed for delivering healthcare services to patients;
• Innovation Hub: Part of the Cardinal Health showcase on the RBC tradeshow floor, the Innovation Hub will feature touchscreen kiosks and iPads where attendees can learn more about and interact with wearable health technology, health gaming, apps and technology tools that can improve pharmacy practice. It also will serve as a one-stop location where attendees can network with IT exhibitors and pharmacy-focused technology products. Attendees will be able to find facts, statistics, educational information and practical examples of how specific healthcare technology innovations are shaping the ways pharmacists and other healthcare providers interact with and serve patients; and
• Best Practice Competition: During this year’s RBC, Cardinal Health will name three of the nation’s most innovative community pharmacies as winners of its Independent Pharmacy Best Practices Competition. The Best Practice Competition winners were selected for implementing exceptionally creative methods that demonstrate how independent pharmacies can adapt to, and improve patient care in, today’s fast-changing healthcare environment. The annual Best Practice Competition winners are considered industry trendsetters whose successful, real-world models are often adopted by other community pharmacies across the country. This year’s winners excelled in three categories crucial to the success of hometown pharmacies: wellness, retail and business practices. The 2014 Best Practice winners will each direct a $3,500 donation — made by Cardinal Health — to the pharmacy school or pharmacy association of their choice.
In addition to the power-packed lineup of events, the tradeshow will feature a 174,000-sq.-ft. trade exhibit floor highlighting buying opportunities with more than 340 exhibitors. Pharmacists also can access continuing education opportunities, with 60 courses on topics that can help them improve both their clinical and business operations.