Rare Voices Podcast

On this episode, we hear from a variety of voices in the front lines of rare patient-first care. With pandemic uncertainty looming, there are a lot of questions that are constantly emerging for people with rare conditions and their families. How can potential challenges be seen as opportunities for improved quality of care? What are the creative ways that pharma companies are creating awareness for rare conditions?

Be inspired and be challenged to rethink your 2022 strategic plans. I can tell you that this one really inspired me!

Here are the bios for the awesome Optime Care team that we had on this episode:

Dr. Brandon Salke, general manager

Dr. Brandon Salke serves as the pharmacist-in-charge and General Manager at Optime Care in Earth City, MO. He previously served as a team pharmacist for Dohmen Life Science Services, where he helped launch several new care programs. He is specialized in specialty pharmaceuticals, particularly ultra-orphan, orphan, and rare disease. Dr. Salke has been involved in all aspects of operations (planning, process integration, project management, etc.) for pharmaceutical manufacturers. This includes clinical trials to commercialization and assisting in commercial launches (and relaunch) of specialty pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Salke completed his PharmD from St. Louis College of Pharmacy (StLCOP) in St. Louis, MO and holds the Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP) credential from the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy. He is currently an active member of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP), and the Missouri Pharmacists Association (MPA).

Dr. Salke currently holds a pharmacist license in 20 states and the US Territory, Guam, allowing him a deep understanding of state and federal pharmacy.

Stephanie Wasilewski, vice president

Stephanie Wasilewski is a VP, Care Director at Optime Care. Stephanie has been a pharmacist for over 15 years and is passionate about providing best-in-class patient care. She started her journey in the retail pharmacy setting, eventually managing a pharmacy for 5 years. Her career path led her to the mail order setting and then she was called to Optime Care where she now manages a program for patients with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE).

Jessy Broughton, care director

Jessy Broughton is a Care Director at Optime Care. She has been at Optime Care for 2 years and loves the chance to help make a difference in the lives of our patients. Prior to Optime Care, Jessy worked in Care Coordination at St. Luke’s Hospital. There she lead a medication adherence program and was instrumental in receiving a 5 star rating for Medicare measures. She also has a background in retail pharmacy, as well as attended pharmacy school. Jessy works hard to make sure her team provides the best experiences to our patients.

Hannah Morgan, pharmacist

Hannah is a team pharmacist at Optime Care and has been with the company since 2018. She has worked as a pharmacist for the last 8 years and has a passion for helping others. After years in community pharmacy, Hannah found her way to Optime Care where she takes pride in her job as pharmacist. Hannah is committed to providing quality patient care and is enthusiastic about applying her insight, creativity to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Show Notes

On this episode, we hear from a variety of voices in the front lines of rare patient-first care. With pandemic uncertainty looming, there are a lot of questions that are constantly emerging for people with rare conditions and their families. How can potential challenges be seen as opportunities for improved quality of care? What are the creative ways that pharma companies are creating awareness for rare conditions? Be inspired and be challenged to rethink your 2022 strategic plans. I can tell you that this one really inspired me! Here are the bios for the awesome Optime Care team that we had on this episode: Dr. Brandon Salke, general manager Dr. Brandon Salke serves as the pharmacist-in-charge and General Manager at Optime Care in Earth City, MO. He previously served as a team pharmacist for Dohmen Life Science Services, where he helped launch several new care programs. He is specialized in specialty pharmaceuticals, particularly ultra-orphan, orphan, and rare disease. Dr. Salke has been involved in all aspects of operations (planning, process integration, project management, etc.) for pharmaceutical manufacturers. This includes clinical trials to commercialization and assisting in commercial launches (and relaunch) of specialty pharmaceuticals. Dr. Salke completed his PharmD from St. Louis College of Pharmacy (StLCOP) in St. Louis, MO and holds the Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP) credential from the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy. He is currently an active member of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP), and the Missouri Pharmacists Association (MPA). Dr. Salke currently holds a pharmacist license in 20 states and the US Territory, Guam, allowing him a deep understanding of state and federal pharmacy. Stephanie Wasilewski, vice president Stephanie Wasilewski is a VP, Care Director at Optime Care. Stephanie has been a pharmacist for over 15 years and is passionate about providing best-in-class patient care. She started her journey in the retail pharmacy setting, eventually managing a pharmacy for 5 years. Her career path led her to the mail order setting and then she was called to Optime Care where she now manages a program for patients with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE). Jessy Broughton, care director Jessy Broughton is a Care Director at Optime Care. She has been at Optime Care for 2 years and loves the chance to help make a difference in the lives of our patients. Prior to Optime Care, Jessy worked in Care Coordination at St. Luke’s Hospital. There she lead a medication adherence program and was instrumental in receiving a 5 star rating for Medicare measures. She also has a background in retail pharmacy, as well as attended pharmacy school. Jessy works hard to make sure her team provides the best experiences to our patients. Hannah Morgan, pharmacist Hannah is a team pharmacist at Optime Care and has been with the company since 2018. She has worked as a pharmacist for the last 8 years and has a passion for helping others. After years in community pharmacy, Hannah found her way to Optime Care where she takes pride in her job as pharmacist. Hannah is committed to providing quality patient care and is enthusiastic about applying her insight, creativity to help make a difference in the lives of others.

What is Rare Voices Podcast?

Rare Voices reveals the wisest path to a fulfilled life for patients with rare and orphan disorders. Brought to you by the people at Optime Care, a pioneering specialty pharmacy. In each episode, we uncover insights from patient advocates, pharmaceutical innovators, leaders in insurance, physicians, and caregivers. Prepare to provoke your mind and fuel your drive to serve rare and orphan patient populations.