Jessica Mills, a pharmacist and naturopath, discussed her journey of transforming her pharmacy into a wellness practice. She highlighted her success in diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional pharmacy services, including CBD products, lab interpretations, and supplementation. Jessica shared her experience with overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of mindset management. She emphasized the value of patient-centric care, integrating functional medicine, and leveraging social media for community engagement. Jessica also mentioned her efforts to educate other pharmacists and providers on integrative services, aiming to improve patient outcomes and revenue sustainability.
Action Items
- [ ] Explore offering additional holistic and functional medicine services at your pharmacy.
- [ ] Consider getting additional education or certifications in areas like naturopathy, functional medicine, or pharmacogenetics.
- [ ] Build an online presence and connect with your local community to educate patients on natural health approaches.
- [ ] Reach out to Jessica at Owensboro Family Wellness (owensborofamilywellness.com) to learn more about her training programs for pharmacists.
Outline
Introduction and Background of Jessica Mills
- Lisa Faast introduces Jessica Mills, a pharmacy owner and naturopath, and asks her to share her background.
- Jessica explains she became a pharmacist in 2014 and bought Borough Family Pharmacy in Owensboro, Kentucky, in 2016.
- She mentions her dual qualifications as a pharmacist and naturopath, and the growth of her pharmacy over the past four to five years.
- Jessica highlights the importance of diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional pharmacy services to sustain her business.
Transition to Naturopathic Medicine
- Jessica shares her personal story about her father’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and her decision to seek naturopathic treatment.
- She describes her journey to obtaining a doctorate in naturopathy after her pharmacy degree, influenced by her father’s illness.
- Jessica discusses the initial challenges and the rapid growth of her pharmacy, which led to the need for additional space for her wellness practice.
- She emphasizes the importance of passion and education in her approach to patient care and business success.
Expanding Services and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Jessica talks about the various services she offers, including lab interpretations, pharmacogenetics, genetic counseling, and supplementation.
- She addresses the common issue of imposter syndrome among pharmacists and how she overcame it with the help of a business coach.
- Jessica explains the value of her wellness practice, which includes consultations, lab tests, and various wellness technologies like foot detoxes and infrared saunas.
- She highlights the importance of charging for her services and the positive reception from patients, leading to a high demand for her consultations.
Patient Engagement and Business Strategies
- Jessica discusses the importance of having a system in place to manage patient consultations, using a scheduling tool like Acuity.
- She shares a story about a patient who transferred her prescriptions to her pharmacy after a positive experience with her wellness services.
- Jessica explains how her business has grown through word-of-mouth referrals and the integration of her pharmacy and wellness practice.
- She emphasizes the need for pharmacists to value their expertise and charge appropriately for their services to maintain a sustainable business model.
Reception from Medical Providers
- Lisa Faast asks about the reception Jessica has received from other medical providers in her community.
- Jessica describes a mixed reaction from traditional medical providers, with some being skeptical and others supportive.
- She explains that her approach complements traditional medical care by addressing root causes and lifestyle factors.
- Jessica mentions that she has not faced significant opposition from providers and that many refer patients to her for specialized care.
Leveraging Social Media and Community Engagement
- Lisa Faast inquires about Jessica’s use of social media, particularly Facebook, to engage with her community.
- Jessica explains her strategy of joining and contributing to local Facebook groups, such as “Natural Moms of Owensboro,” to build trust and credibility.
- She shares how she uses her personal experiences and knowledge to educate and support other parents in the community.
- Jessica highlights the importance of authenticity and intention in her social media presence, which has led to significant patient engagement and business growth.
Innovative Tools and Technologies
- Jessica discusses the various tools and technologies she uses in her wellness practice, such as pH testing, bio scans, and infrared saunas.
- She explains how these tools help her provide comprehensive health assessments and personalized treatment plans for her patients.
- Jessica emphasizes the importance of starting with basic and affordable tools to build a foundation for more advanced services.
- She shares her passion for educating other healthcare providers on the benefits and implementation of these tools and technologies.
Educating and Empowering Other Pharmacists
- Jessica talks about her mission to educate other pharmacists and healthcare providers on integrative and functional medicine practices.
- She mentions her collaboration with the School of Applied Functional Medicine to offer courses on various health topics.
- Jessica highlights the need for pharmacists to be able to practice at the top of their license and provide valuable clinical services to patients.
- She expresses her desire to help other pharmacists build successful wellness practices and improve patient outcomes.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
- Lisa Faast asks Jessica for her final thoughts and recommendations for pharmacists interested in pursuing similar paths.
- Jessica advises pharmacists to identify their passions and align them with the needs of their patients to create a successful practice.
- She emphasizes the importance of seeking education and gaining the necessary skills to provide high-quality care.
- Jessica provides her website information for those interested in learning more about her services and educational offerings.