On behalf of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2025 Pharmacy Ownership Forum. This event marks a provides a significant opportunity to for students and pharmacy owners to come together, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of pharmacy ownership in an ever-evolving continually evolving health care landscape. As the health care industry continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the role of pharmacists is more important than ever. Pharmacists have always been at the forefront of patient care, and today, more than ever, the ownership of pharmaciespharmacy ownership presents unique opportunities to enhance patient outcomes, expand access to care, and promote the advancement of the profession.
This forum provides an invaluable platform for future pharmacy owners to connect with industry leaderssuccessful pharmacy owners, learn from their experiencesd entrepreneurs, and explore the various expand their knowledge in pursuit of avenues to building successful, patient- centered pharmacy businesses. Whether you're considering pharmacy ownership as a new venture career path or looking to expand your existing practice pharmacy, the conversations we have content provided during the forum today will lay provide the foundation groundwork for a successful and impactful future in the pharmacy professionpharmacy ownership.
Once again, thank you for joining us the Pharmacy Ownership Forum, and I may you look forward to the insightful conversations and collaborations that will take place throughout this event.
Peter W. Swaan, Ph.D., M.Pharm. Dean and Professor, UF College of Pharmacy
D A Y A T A G L A N C E
8:00-8:55
CHECK-IN, LIGHT BREAKFAST, & NETWORKING
8:55-9:00
PETER SWAAN, PH.D, M.PHARM, FAAPS
WELCOMING REMARKS
9:00-10:00
RANDAL MCDONOUGH, PHARM.D., MS, BCGP, BCPS, FAPHA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: FROM PRACTICE TRANSFORMATION TO DISRUPTION
10:00-10:45
D. GARRETT SMITH, PHARM.D.
OWNERSHIP INSIGHTS IN REAL TIME: UNFORESEEN CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED
MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING FOR CLINICAL SERVICES IN INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES
D A Y A T A G L A N C E
12:30-1:15
NETWORKING LUNCH
1:15-2:00
SPEAKER SPEED CONNECT
2:00-3:20
STACEY CURTIS, PHARM.D.
PANEL DISCUSSION: NICHES WITHIN INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES
· DAMITA FERGUSON · NORMAN RUIZ-CASTANEDA · MARK HOBBS
· TINA FINNEGAN · CARL ALLISON · SHIVANI MEHTA
3:20-3:30
COFFEE & NETWORKING
3:30-4:10
KEVIN DUANE, PHARM.D.
THE ROLE OF IT IN ENHANCING CLINICAL SERVICE DELIVERY IN INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES
4:10-4:50 CASE STUDIES: FINANCING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR INDEPENDENT PHARMACY
BOBBY GLAZE, PHARM.D. - FIRST FINANCIAL BANK
4:50-5:00
JOHN GUMS, PHARM.D., FCCP
CLOSING REMARKS
BIOGRAPHIES
RANDAL MCDONOUGH
Keynote Address: From Practice
Transformation to Disruption
Biography
Dr. Randy McDonough is Co-owner/CEO of Towncrest, Solon Towncrest, Towncrest LTC, Towncrest Wellness Apothecary, Bennett Pharmacy, and Cornerstone Apothecary Pharmacies. He is also co-founder/co-owner of Innovative Pharmacy Solutions and Professor of Pharmacy Management and Innovation at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy. He is responsible for development, implementation, and quality assurance for all aspects of the clinic and services. He is board certified in geriatrics and as a pharmacotherapy specialist. His areas of interest include community-based outcomes research, student development, residency training, geriatrics, new business models for service delivery, and developing and implementing patient care services.
Dr. McDonough has published and presented extensively about pharmaceutical care, MTM, and implementing patient care services in the community pharmacy setting. In particular he is recognized for his efforts in developing and implementing new pharmacy business models. He has co-authored a book on pharmaceutical care and has written chapters for several other texts. He has presented nationally and internationally on pharmaceutical care, MTM services and Performance Measures in the community pharmacy setting.
Dr. McDonough is a member of the American Pharmacists Association, National Community Pharmacists Association, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Iowa Pharmacists Association. He has served in various roles in these organizations. He has been recognized nationally for his work and he has received the APhA Daniel B. Smith Award, NCPA Independent Pharmacist of the Year, IPA Innovative Pharmacist of the Year, and Parata’s Lifetime Achievement, Entrepreneurial, and Patient Care Pharmacist of the Year Awards. He is APhA President for the American Pharmacists Association for 2025-2026.
D. GARRETT SMITH
Ownership Insights in Real Time: Unforeseen Challenges and Lessons Learned
Session Description
Building on his presentation ‘The Pathway to Pharmacy Ownership’ from the 2023 Ownership Forum, D. Garrett Smith will provide a real-time update on his experiences in the field as an independent pharmacy owner and manager in an underserved community.
Biography
D. Garrett Smith is an independent retail pharmacist and owner of Equity Rx Pharmacy in Jay, Florida. He graduated from the UF College of Pharmacy in 2019 and completed his PGY-1 Community Pharmacy Residency at UF the following year. During his time as a student at the Orlando Campus he proudly served as the President of the Beta Beta Chapter of Kappa Epsilon. He later served nationally as the secretary of Kappa Epsilon's Grand Council, and the chair of the National Projects Committee. He is an active member of the Northwest Florida Rural Health Network, the Florida State University Pride Alumni Network, Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, and American Coaster Enthusiasts.
REP.SH ABBOTT
Legislativ Pharmac
Session Description
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Biography
Shane grew up in DeFu Pensacola Junior College received a Bachelor’s deg education, Shane returne worked at a local indepen and a business partner opened their own pharmacy, The Prescription Place, in 2006 and second location in 2015. In addition to being a successful business owner and committed family man, Shane is actively involved in his community. He served on the Northwest Florida State College Board of Trustees since 2016 and was vice-chair. He is a member of the Institutional Advisory Committee for Emerald Coast Technical College and the Florida Pharmacy Association.
Session Description
ERIC DIETRICH
Medical Billing and Coding for Clinical Services in Independent Pharmacies
Face-to-face pharmacy services are increasingly common in physician offices. Pharmacists, working as part of a care team, work with patients on chronic disease state management and provide medication management services as well as counseling, education, and monitoring. Pharmacists practicing outside of physician offices have opportunities to provide medication-management services to patients, although special attention is required given the unique circumstances facing the independent pharmacist. This presentation will discuss requirements for billing as well as identify specific billing codes independent pharmacists can utilize to better care for patients and increase revenue streams.
Biography
Dr. Dietrich is a Clinical Associate Professor within the Department of Pharmacy Education and Practice. His work involves managing an Anticoagulation Clinic at UF Health Internal Medicine at Kanapaha monitoring warfarin as well as DOACs in addition to a multidisciplinary transitions of care clinic for patients with a recent acute myocardial infarction housed within UF Health Shands Cardiology service. Dr. Dietrich’s research interests include interventions aimed at reducing anticoagulation, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and pharmacy billing and reimbursement for clinical services in collaborative clinical environments. Dr. Dietrich is a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist as well as a Certified Professional Coder. Dr. Dietrich’s teaching focuses on anticoagulation, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, pharmacy billing, and Ambulatory Care. He has two children who keep him busy and full of joy and gratitude.
STACEY CURTIS
Panel Discussion: Moderator
Biography
Stacey Curtis, BPharm, Pharm.D., CPh., serves as the assistant dean for experiential education and a clinical associate professor of pharmacy education and practice in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. As the assistant dean, she leads the Office of Experiential Programs and helps students with post-graduate training and placement. Her experience in experiential education has helped the college develop an innovative experiential curriculum that is nationally recognized. Dr. Curtis maintains strong ties to community pharmacy through the residency program. Dr. Curtis has been affiliated with the college since 2009 and has held multiple leadership, teaching, and service roles during her tenure.
DAMITA FERGUSON
Panel Presenter
Specialization: Boutique Pharmacy
Contact: damitajoy@privecarerx.com
Biography
Born and raised in South Florida, Dr. Damita Ferguson is a seasoned pharmacist, entrepreneur, and educator with over 24 years of experience in pharmacy and retail. She owns PrivéCareRx Boutique Pharmacy, in Coral Gables, FL, where she specializes in personalized care for plastic surgery patients across South Florida. Recognizing the challenges of insurance reimbursements and high prescription costs, she built PrivéCareRx on a competitive, cash-pricing model, ensuring affordable medication access for patients.
A proud University of Florida College of Pharmacy Class of 2004 graduate, Damita holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), a Master’s in Education (MEd), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UF. Her passion for pharmacy extends beyond patient care she is deeply involved in shaping the profession’s future. She serves on the University of Florida College of Pharmacy Dean’s Leadership Council and the Pharmacy Technician Advisory Board at South Dade Technical College, a Miami-Dade County Public School.
Before launching her pharmacy, Damita spent over 20 years in big-box retail pharmacy as a staff pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and store manager. She also taught elementary school for three years, an experience that strengthened her love for education and serving.
Her greatest accomplishment is the realization that every life experience holds a lesson that can be used to improve and grow. Guided by this philosophy, she approaches business and life with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Her best advice? “Compete against yourself only—by service and for good.” Beyond pharmacy, Damita loves spending time with family and exploring new places. Her favorite travel experience was Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland, where she found inspiration in its breathtaking beauty and serenity. Driven by faith, purpose, and a passion for service, Damita hopes to continue to redefine what it means to be a leader in independent pharmacy.
NORMAN RUIZCASTANEDA
Panel Pres Specializa
Compounding/self-p
Contact: Norman@uptownchemist.com
Biography
Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castañeda was born and raised in Miami, Florida by Cuban parents who instilled a love of family, faith, and food. Wellness became very important to him during his time in college; needing to make a lifestyle change himself. His journey led him to personally transform his relationship with food, fitness, medications, and disease. As a result, he decided to apply himself in a quest to educate and further help others in the medical field.
In 2010, Dr. Norman Ruiz-Castañeda received his Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) from The University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. He is a licensed pharmacist in the states of Florida, Michigan, and Virginia. Dr. Norman’s pharmacy career began in the community retail setting and transitioned into the independent pharmacy, specializing in compounding for the past 10 years. He is currently working towards his Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative Medicine (FAARM) with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).
With his extensive education and experience, Dr. Norman is able to tailor his patient’s treatments with a personable individualized approach. Focusing on integrative medicine and a relationship with the patient’s doctor; he consults and treats each patient with their unique plan. This sets the foundation to better position his patient’s in achieving optimal health by incorporating disease management, hormonal balance, weight-loss and overall well-being.
MARK HOBBS
Panel Presenter
Specialization: Sterile Compounding Pharmacy
Biography
Mark Hobbs is the President of Hobbs Pharmacy and Brevard Medical Equipment in Merritt Island. His organizations provide a range of medical services, including retail pharmacy, long term care pharmacy, sterile and non-sterile compounding as well as medical supplies and equipment. He has extensive experience in health care business management and pharmacy consulting services . Mark provides consulting to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, ambulatory surgical centers and hospice organizations. Mark been active in the local, state and national pharmacy organizations throughout his career. He is a 1981 graduate of the University of Florida and is past Chair and current member of the Deans Leadership Council.
TINA FINNEGAN
Panel Presenter Specialization: Diabetes
Self-Management Education and Support
Biography
Tina Finnegan received a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in General Public Health from the University of South Florida and then received her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2021. She then completed a PGY1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency at The University of Florida (Orlando Campus), with Bay Street Pharmacy being her practice site. Following the completion of her PGY1, she has continued to work at Bay Street Pharmacy as the Clinical Operations Lead. She has established the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support training program and assisted with growing other clinical services including test and treat, long term care services and continuous glucose monitoring management. Tina is also a CPESN NextGen Luminary and is currently serving as a NextGen representative on the Network Development and Retention committee.
Biography
CARL ALLISON
Panel Presenter Specialization: Test and Treat
Dr. Carl Allison, RPh, graduated from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1976. He practiced community pharmacy at Revco Drugs for over 10 years. In 1987, he opened Baya Pharmacy and has successfully expanded the company to two retail pharmacies, one long term care pharmacy, an urgent care and a clinical service department today. Some of Mr. Allison’s accomplishments include having a seat on the Dean’s Leadership Council of UF COP since 2001 and was recognized as a distinguished alumni and was a Commencement speaker at UF COP in 2009. He has been awarded the Florida Retail Federation Retailer of the Year for Leadership in 2009 and the Score Suwannee Valley Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010. Today, Baya Pharmacy is actively involved in the UF COP Community Residency to train recent graduates in this particular field of pharmacy.
SHIVANI MEHTA
Panel Presenter
Specialization: Test and Treat
Biography
Dr. Shivani Mehta is the Director of Clin Pharmacy in Lake City, Florida. A graduate Florida College of Pharmacy, she is passionate about advancing community pharmacy through innovative, patient-centered services. Inspired by her father, also a pharmacist, Dr. Mehta is committed to using her clinical expertise to improve access to care and outcomes for the patients she serves.
At Baya Pharmacy, Dr. Mehta has led the expansion of clinical services, including the launch of an obesity management program, the implementation of Florida’s Test and Treat protocol, and the development of collaborative relationships with local providers. She also oversaw the buildout of a USP-compliant sterile compounding cleanroom focused on non-hazardous refrigerated injectables and works closely with medical and wellness clinics to support access to GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Dr. Mehta is a strong advocate for expanding the pharmacist’s role in direct patient care and public health. Her work reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and advancing the profession through leadership, education, and service.
Session Description
KEVIN DUANE
The Role of IT in Enhancing Clinical Service Delivery in Independent Pharmacies
Independent pharmacy ownership offers a powerful platform to deliver patientcentered care beyond dispensing. This session explores how leveraging technology including CPESN participation and eCare Plan documentation can transform your practice into a hub for clinical services and sustainable value-based care.
Biography
Kevin Duane is the owner and pharmacist in charge of Panama Pharmacy in Jacksonville, Florida. He knows that the reason people choose to visit an independent family owned pharmacy rather than a big box store is the high level of professional and friendly service given to every patient throughout the day. He and his staff treat each patient that walks through the doors as if they were family. It isn’t easy to navigate the complex healthcare system these days, but Kevin and his staff make it a priority to ensure every patient is guided throughout the process in a friendly, courteous and respectful manner, while providing expert education and decision-making abilities.
Kevin is also passionate about being a strong example of leadership within his professional and personal communities. He serves in leadership roles with the Florida Pharmacist Association, acting is the co-chair of the academy of independent pharmacists as well as holding a seat on the association’s board of directors as the incoming president. As an advocate for patients and independently owned pharmacies, he has testified at the state and congressional level about reform and evolution needed in the market. A graduate of the University of Florida’s 2013 Doctor of Pharmacy class, Kevin earned the University’s “Outstanding Young Alumnus” award in 2016 and continues to have an active role in teaching students and guiding new resident pharmacists in the community. He volunteers his time regularly as a pharmacist at a local clinic for the working uninsured. When he is away from work, he enjoys all sports, but especially the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and all things Florida Gators. He is an avid outdoorsman, and you’ll often find him fishing on weekends. He is an active member of Assumption Catholic Church. He lives in Jacksonville with his wife Alyssa and their two children.
BOBBY GLAZE
Case Studies: Financing Strategies for Your Independent Pharmacy
Session Description
Explore real-world case studies on financing strategies for independent pharmacy acquisitions and expansions. Learn how cash flow management impacts valuations and discover key financing options, with practical insights for both first-time buyers and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Biography
Before joining the lending team, Dr. Bobby Glaze was an independent pharmacy manager and community pharmacist. He understands the day-to-day aspects of running a pharmacy and business. Bobby enjoys learning the story behind his client's pursuit of pharmacy ownership and the store they are purchasing. His experience as a pharmacist will benefit his clients in becoming successful pharmacy owners. Outside of being a loan officer, he is a pharmacy owner and on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Pharmacists Association. He also owns a small business and loves spending time with his wife and their pets.
CEU Continuing Education Unit (1 CEU = 10 credit hours)
CMS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (formerly HCFA)
FDA Food and Drug Administration
HCR Healthcare Reform
HHS US Department of Health and Human Services
HMO Health Maintenance Organization
MTM Medication Therapy Management
NPI National Provider Identifier
OTC Over-the-Counter (non-prescription medicine)
PAC Political Action Committee
PBM Pharmacy Benefits Manager
PPO Preferred Provider Organization
PPW Poison Prevention Week
Professional Designations
BCNP Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist
BCNSP Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist
BCOP Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist
BCPP Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist
BCPS Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist
BCACP Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist
BS/BPharm Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
CGP Certified Geriatric Pharmacist
CPhT Certified Pharmacy Technician
FAPhA Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association
PharmD Doctor of Pharmacy
RPh Registered Pharmacist
Pharmacy & Related Organizations
AACP American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians
AANP American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
AAPA American Academy of Physician Assistants
AAPS American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
AAPT American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
ACA American College of Apothecaries
ACCP American College of Clinical Pharmacy
ACHC Accreditation Commission for Health Care
ACPE Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
ADA American Dental Association
ADA American Diabetes Association
AFPE American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education
AIHP American Institute of the History of Pharmacy
AMA American Medical Association
AMCP Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy
APHA American Public Health Association
ASCP American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
ASHP American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
ASPAE Affiliated State Pharmaceutical Association Executives
ASPEN American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
ASPL American Society for Pharmacy Law
CPPA Center for Pharmacy Practice Accreditation
FIP International Pharmaceutical Federation
Pharmacy & Related Organizations
FMI Food Marketing Institute
HOMA Healthcare Distribution Management Association
IACP International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists
IPSF International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation
JCPP Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners
NASPA National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations
NABP National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
NACDS National Association of Chain Drug Stores
NCPA National Community Pharmacists Association
NCPDP National Council for Prescription Drug Programs
NCPIE National Council on Patient Information and Education
NCPO National Conference of Pharmaceutical Organizations
NOMA National Drug Manufacturers Association
NISPC National Institute for Standards in Pharmacist Credentialing
NPhA National Pharmaceutical Association
SNPhA Student National Pharmaceutical Association
NPC National Pharmaceutical Council
NWDA National Wholesale Druggists Association
PhRMA Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
PPSI Pharmacy Planning Services, Inc.
PQA Pharmacy Quality Alliance
PQS Pharmacy Quality Solutions
URAC Utilization Review Accreditation Services
USP United States Pharmacopeia, Inc.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
A special thank you to the Pharmacy Ownership Forum Planning Committee for their dedication and hard work in making this event a success. We appreciate the contributions of our friends, faculty, and staff from the College of Pharmacy who helped plan and execute the forum. Your expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm were evident throughout, and we're grateful for your commitment to the field of pharmacy.
Akash Alexander
UF | College of Pharmacy
Carl Allison Baya Pharmacy
Trier Cerwinsky
UF | College of Pharmacy
Stacey Curtis
UF | College of Pharmacy
Viktorija Dimaite
UF | College of Pharmacy
Brendan Clough
UF | College of Pharmacy
Greg DeCrescenzo Perkins Pharmacy
John Gums
UF | College of Pharmacy
Christie Priddy
UF | College of Pharmacy
Kellie
Pintado
UF | College of Pharmacy
Christy Ruiz-Castaneda
Uptown Chemist
Fabian Quiroga
UF | College of Pharmacy
Norman Ruiz-Castaneda
Uptown Chemist
D. Garrett Smith
Equity Rx Pharmacy
Theresa Tolle
Bay Street Pharmacy
POSTER PRESENTERS
Bay Street Pharmacy
Implementation of COVID-19, Influenza and Strep Throat
Test & Treat Services at an Independent Pharmacy
POSTER
Baya Pharmacy
Assessing Patients’ Awareness and Utilization of Pharmacy Services In Independent Community Pharmacy Settings
POSTER
Uptown Chemist
Preparing a Business Plan for an Independent Pharmacy
