THE PCCA BLOG

Know Pain, Know Gain

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:26:00 GMT

I’m honored to be speaking at ThinkNext 2025, where I’ll deliver a lecture on the Neuroscience of Pain. This presentation will explore how modern pain science is revolutionizing our understanding of pain and unlocking powerful, non-pharmacologic strategies to improve patient care.

The Pain Crisis: Time for a Paradigm Shift

The pain epidemic and its devastating link to the opioid crisis is well-documented. As a health care community, we must do better. Our patients deserve it. Fortunately, the last two to three decades have ushered in a “pain revolution,” dramatically expanding our understanding of the human pain experience. Gone are the days when pain was simply equated with tissue damage. The outdated formula of “injury = pain” no longer holds. We now recognize pain as a complex, multifactorial experience involving:

Sensitization of peripheral and central nervous systems
Functional and structural changes in the brain
Psychosocial influences
Neuroplasticity and bioplasticity
Immune system alterations
And much more

Part I: The Latest in Pain Neuroscience

At ThinkNext, I'll introduce an overview of cutting-edge pain neuroscience and its implications for clinical practice. We’ll explore pain phenotyping, outline a precision medicine approach and examine the mechanisms behind:

Nociceptive-driven pain
Peripheral neuropathic pain
Central sensitization (nociplastic pain)

This research will challenge outdated models and highlight how evolving science can reshape our response to pain and the opioid epidemic.

Part II: Translating Science into Non-Pharmacologic Care

In light of the opioid crisis and in alignment with global guidelines, pharmacologic interventions must no longer be the default approach to chronic pain. At ThinkNext, I’ll also delve into how advances in neuroscience now support a range of evidence-based, non-pharmacologic treatments that activate endogenous pain-relief mechanisms and reduce reliance on medication.

You’ll learn about the three key domains that we must address to truly transform lives affected by persistent pain:

Cognitive: Therapeutic cognitive strategies can reduce fear-avoidance, catastrophizing, depression and anxiety. Changing pain behavior begins with changing beliefs.
Movement: Once fear is addressed, movement becomes one of the most potent tools for pain relief, whether through aerobic exercise, resistance training or recreational activity.
Nervous System Down-Regulation: Persistent pain often stems from a hypervigilant nervous system. Calming it, preferably through non-pharmacologic means, is essential. Techniques include relaxation, sleep hygiene, nutrition, breathing exercises and more.

The Power of Words

Pain is a normal, necessary human experience. Chronic pain is not. Pain that is understood is pain that need not be feared. Every health care provider communicates with patients and as Rudyard Kipling once said in a 1923 address to the Royal College of Surgeons: “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

This October, join me as we journey from tissues through C-fibers, into the dorsal horn, second-order neurons and the brain’s distributed neuromatrix. Let’s deepen our understanding of pain and use this knowledge to engage meaningfully with every patient we meet, transforming their experience of pain and suffering.

The Rx for a Genius Life

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:08:18 GMT

I’m Max Lugavere — a health and science journalist, New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker and host of The Genius Life podcast. I’ve spent more than a decade obsessed with answering one core question: how can we live better, longer — and feel amazing doing it?

A SON’S JOURNEY

My work is deeply personal. When my mom was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia in her 50s, I was launched into the world of health research not as an expert, but as a desperate son. That experience completely changed the trajectory of my life. I began interviewing scientists, doctors and researchers and having some really powerful conversations led me to explore how food affects the brain and cognitive aging. This journey culminated in my first book, Genius Foods.

IN PURSUIT OF THE GENIUS LIFE

Since then, I’ve written two more books — The Genius Life and Genius Kitchen — which dig deeper into evidence-based wellness, from the importance of sleep and stress management to the power of real, whole foods. I also co-directed a documentary called Little Empty Boxes that chronicles my journey with my mom and what I learned about the health system — and myself — along the way. It’s the most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on.

RELAYING WHAT I’VE LEARNED

I’ve shared the findings of my work on numerous platforms: television talk shows, popular podcasts, at wellness festivals and academic conferences. In my experience, audiences hunger for honest, empowering information.

Recently, I had the honor of being invited to Washington, D.C., where I participated in Senate-level conversations on public health and food policy — topics I care about deeply. It’s an uphill battle, but I believe we’re close to a turning point.

WHY I’M SPEAKING AT ThinkNext 2025

If there’s one thorough line in all my work, it’s this: I believe people deserve honest conversations about our health. We live in a world where corporate interests often distort science, where our food environment sets us up to fail, and where most health care is really sick care. My mission is to help people cut through the noise, reclaim their health and show up for life with strength, clarity and purpose.

How can my research and experience with The Genius Life inform your work as a compounder? Let’s find out Day 1, at ThinkNext 2025.

The Power of Kindness

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:59:17 GMT

by Brian Williams, Founder, Think Kindness, ThinkNext: International Seminar 2024 Keynote Speaker

I'm thrilled to speak at the upcoming ThinkNext: International Seminar 2024 (ThinkNext24) in October. My keynote, "The Power of Kindness: Strategies to Unite and Elevate Your Organization," isn't just another feel-good presentation — it's a call to action backed by science and proven results.

For nearly two decades, I've sparked kindness movements in more than 1,200 corporations, schools and other entities. What I've discovered is that kindness isn't just nice to have — it's a powerful catalyst for business growth, employee satisfaction and community impact. In the competitive world of independent pharmacies, kindness can be your secret weapon for success.

During the keynote, I will unveil strategies to help you:

Boost employee morale and productivity through simple acts of kindness.
Create marketing campaigns that resonate deeply with your community.
Increase customer loyalty by fostering a culture of compassion.
Differentiate your pharmacy in a competitive market.
Implement kindness-based leadership practices that inspire your team.

I'll share real-world case studies of small businesses that have implemented kindness-based strategies and seen remarkable results. From increased foot traffic to improved customer experience, the impact of kindness on the bottom line — which I call "Kindness ROI" — is undeniable.

We'll explore how small investments in kindness can yield significant returns, not just in profit, but in community goodwill and employee satisfaction. You'll get actionable tools to measure and maximize this return in your pharmacy. Imagine being able to quantify the impact of your kindness initiatives and use that data to drive further success!

You'll leave the keynote feeling inspired and equipped with useful ideas to make a difference. Whether it's implementing a new community outreach program or simply changing how you interact with your team and customers, you'll have the tools to start your kindness revolution.

What excites me most is the opportunity to meet all of you — the changemakers in your communities. Your role as a pharmacist puts you in a unique position to touch lives every day. Imagine the impact we can have when we combine your expertise and community connections with the science-backed power of intentional kindness!

I can't wait to share stories, exchange ideas and build connections with each of you at the seminar. Together, we'll explore how we can use our businesses as a force for good, creating a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond our pharmacies.

Join me this October and let's embark on this inspiring journey together. Get ready to be energized, motivated and equipped to make our world a little bit kinder, one act at a time. The future is bright, and it starts with us. See you at ThinkNext 2024!

In Remembrance: The Giant of Our Industry

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 22:26:09 GMT

Dr. Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh, FACA, a trailblazer in the compounding industry who was highly regarded by students, colleagues and regulatory agencies, passed away on April 23, 2024.

Services for Dr. Allen were held on Saturday, April 27, at Resthaven Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, 500 SW 104th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73139.

Dr. Allen is recognized as a visionary leader who revolutionized the compounding industry. His illustrious career included founding the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, where he served as the Editor-In-Chief. He authored numerous pharmacy textbooks and was the editor of the award-winning 22nd edition of Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. His published contributions include more than 100 experimental publications, 30 books, chapters and monographs. Many of his works have been translated into multiple languages.

Throughout his outstanding career, Dr. Allen held various prestigious positions, including Professor Emeritus at the University of Oklahoma HSC College of Pharmacy and CEO of the Midwest Institute of Research and Technology. Well beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Allen was a Fellow of esteemed organizations such as AFPE, IACP/ACA and APhA-APRS, earning accolades such as the J. Leon Lascoff Memorial Award and the Stimulation of Research Award.

Dr. Allen was also highly regarded by regulatory agencies. “People, including those in the FDA and USP, always listened when he had something to say,” said PCCA Chief Executive Officer David Sparks. “Our industry would not be where we are now without his effort.”

Those interested in sharing memories of Dr. Allen and his impact on our industry may do so by contributing to the Tribute Wall provided by Resthaven.

On behalf of PCCA, our sincere condolences to Dr. Allen’s family, colleagues and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.