Podcast Summary

Podcast: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Episode: Michael McKendall, Chief Pharmacy Officer at InclusivCare
Host: Scott King, Becker's Healthcare
Date: October 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features an interview with Michael McKendall, the newly appointed Chief Pharmacy Officer at InclusivCare in Louisiana. The conversation centers on Michael's career journey, his vision and organizational goals in his new role, strategies for improving patient access and care transitions, forthcoming industry challenges such as changes to the 340B program, and insights on effective healthcare leadership. The discussion provides valuable perspectives relevant to healthcare professionals focused on patient access, operational efficiency, and adapting to regulatory shifts.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Michael’s New Role and Background

• Introduction to InclusivCare:
  • Michael recently joined InclusivCare, overseeing their pharmacies and clinical pharmacy programs in Marrero and Avondale, LA.
  • The organization is a 20+ year-old federally qualified healthcare center focused on serving vulnerable patient populations.
• Career Journey:
  • Previous roles included VP of Operations at Sentara Health and East Jefferson General Hospital.
  • Michael is trained as a pharmacist, highlighting a “full circle” return to his professional passion.

"It's always funny how you wind up going right back home to where your heart is. So I'm back with the pharmacy team and being able to serve our patients in a different manner."
— Michael McKendall [01:20]

Notable Accomplishments at Sentara

• Focus on Patient Access:
  • Key achievements included improving access across radiology (expedited MRIs), reducing emergency department (ED) length of stay, and enhancing operational efficiency in ancillary departments.
  • Michael emphasizes that improving access leads to better quality metrics for healthcare organizations.

“At Sentara, one of our biggest focuses was making sure that we gave patients quick access to healthcare, which at the end of the day helps with your quality metrics.”
— Michael McKendall [03:27]

Organizational Goals at InclusivCare

1. Transitions of Care Program:

   • Enhancing clinical pharmacy involvement with patients during care transitions.
   • Proactively addressing polypharmacy, ensuring appointment adherence, and integrating nutritional support (with pharmacists educated in diabetic nutrition due to lack of registered dietitians).
   • Increased patient outreach for medication reviews rather than waiting for pharmacy visits.

2. Preparing for Regulatory Changes:

   • Readiness for new MFP (Medicare Fair Price) program regulations impacting the 340B drug pricing program and rebate models.

“So when I say, you know, transition to care, it’s more of just clinical pharmacy being more in tune with the patients and talking to them about their meds and not waiting until they come to the pharmacy... we're going to be doing a lot more outreach for our patients.”
— Michael McKendall [05:02]

Anticipated Headwinds and Industry Challenges

• 340B Program and Regulatory Changes:

  • Adjustments in reimbursement and rebate models caused by new legislation.
  • The challenge of “doing more with less” as organizations must adapt while maintaining patient care standards.

• Balancing Costs and Access:

  • The rising cost of healthcare squeezes both patients and organizations, requiring adaptability and technological innovation.

"All of these changes [regulations] allow patients to be able to afford healthcare more because the cost of healthcare has astronomically gone up over the years and has made it really challenging for the average everyday family."
— Michael McKendall [06:45]

"As healthcare leaders... This is another phase of being able to be adaptable to some of the new regulations."
— Michael McKendall [07:14]

Leadership Reflections

• Leadership Evolution:
  • Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and selecting the right team members for effective collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Shares a guiding principle learned from a mentor: always keep the patient at the center of decision-making.

"I've learned never to believe that I can come in single handedly and change a whole organization... I had a former CNO who worked with me at East Jefferson... tell me, in her Mississippi accent, 'always keep the patient at the center and you will always do the right thing.'"
— Michael McKendall [08:00]

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• "It's always funny how you wind up going right back home to where your heart is." — Michael McKendall [01:20]
• “At Sentara, one of our biggest focuses was making sure that we gave patients quick access to healthcare, which at the end of the day helps with your quality metrics.” — Michael McKendall [03:27]
• “We're going to be doing a lot more outreach for our patients.” — Michael McKendall [05:02]
• "All of these changes [regulations] allow patients to be able to afford healthcare more... it's really challenging for the average everyday family." — Michael McKendall [06:45]
• "Always keep the patient at the center and you will always do the right thing." — Michael McKendall [08:22]

Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–01:50: Michael's introduction and career background
• 02:07–03:45: Major accomplishments at Sentara and focus on patient access
• 04:19–05:55: New goals at InclusivCare: transitions of care program and regulatory readiness
• 06:13–07:35: Anticipated challenges and adapting to 340B changes
• 07:47–08:53: Michael’s leadership evolution and guiding principles

Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, Michael is optimistic, pragmatic, and focused on practical solutions. He emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and a patient-centered philosophy that underpins every operational and leadership decision. The host’s questions are empathetic and relatable, adding a conversational and approachable feel to the discussion.

Summary

This episode offers actionable insights into the operational challenges and leadership strategies facing pharmacy services and healthcare organizations today. Michael McKendall’s perspectives on patient access, regulatory adaptation, and patient-centered leadership make this a highly valuable listen for healthcare professionals navigating industry transformation.