Behind the Scenes: Collaborating on a Documentary Exposing Retail Pharmacist Burnout & Patient Safety Risks
- Purity Patient Advocates LLC
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
I recently spent a weekend in Richmond, Virginia working with the team behind the documentary Harmacy — directed by Anais Webster Mennuti and produced by Marie Wilda.
Together with a small but mighty crew, we explored one of the most overlooked corners of healthcare: the retail pharmacy counter, where high‑stakes decisions meet high volumes.
Although the film is tentatively scheduled for release in 2027, the issues we discussed demand our attention today.
Why Retail Pharmacist Burnout Matters
Behind-the-scenes, retail chain pharmacies place enormous pressure on their teams through unrealistic performance metrics.
Here is an example of a day in the life of a retail pharmacist:
Stuck on the phone fighting for insurance‑company hurdles/denials
Triaging physician office phone calls
Technology issues
Dealing with irate customers who are fed up with health insurance company denials
Forced to meet unrealistic performance metrics-administering vaccinations-where corporate leadership prioritizes profits over employees' well-being and patient safety.
This stress isn’t hypothetical. The numbers tell the story. Pharmacist burnout is real.
What the Data Shows
A systematic review found that over 51% of pharmacists reported burnout.
PubMed-October2023
Research shows 42% of pharmacists say they are likely to leave their job within two years due to burnout — up from 36% just a few years earlier.
Pharmacy Times-October 2024
These figures aren’t abstract — they reflect real erosion of time, attention, and safety.
When the people overseeing your medications are stretched beyond capacity, the potential for error goes up. Which means: you, the patient, are at risk.
Pharmacists Play a Critical Role in Preventing Unnecessary Hospitalization
Having navigated complex medication challenges myself, I understand firsthand why pharmacists are critical allies in healthcare.
A pharmacist isn’t there to hand you a bottle. They are the most important and critical resource you should be utilizing before filling your prescription medication(s).
Retail pharmacists are the subject matter experts on prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications.
By filling this critical gap between doctors, other prescribing clinicians and patients, pharmacists play a key role in catching potential errors, preventing harmful medication interactions, and ensuring medications are safe and appropriate.
Whether you’re a high‑performing individual, an executive, or athlete juggling busy schedules - or a senior working or enjoying retirement - you should always speak to a pharmacist before starting any medication.
Your doctor may diagnose and prescribe, but they cannot do the deep, specialized review that a pharmacist can when it comes to complex medication interactions or over‑the‑counter + supplement use.
In many cases, your practitioners don’t have time to consult with your pharmacist or your other physician specialists to understand your complete medication profile.
Unless you consult your pharmacist before filling your prescriptions, you could be taking a medication that:
Interacts poorly with another drug or supplement
Doesn’t work as intended because of dose timing, food, or other medications
Increases the risk of accidents, falls, or potential memory issues
Leads to a higher risk of unnecessary hospitalization, complications and/or could potentially be fatal
Don’t just fill a prescription and hope for the best.
Bring a full list of what you're currently taking (prescriptions, over the counter medications, and supplements) to your pharmacist.
Ask a trusted pharmacist: Will this medication interact with my other medications or supplements?
A Strategic Roadmap for Complex Health Challenges
Although I cannot diagnose, treat, or provide medical advice, I serve as a private health advisor to help high-performing individuals and families who place a high value on their quality of life.
They don’t have time to waste running from doctor to doctor and need a clear strategy to obtain answers and clarity on their diagnosis.
Every client is unique, and that’s why I developed my Strategic Health Assessment — a tool designed to capture critical details that may be overlooked due to physician appointment time constraints.
Through this assessment, I spend focused, dedicated time reviewing your health history and asking critical health-related questions doctors often don’t have time for.
From this, I create a customized roadmap tailored to your unique situation — a strategic guide to help you navigate the healthcare system efficiently, prioritize the right next steps, and gain clarity and confidence in your care.
Next Steps in the Film Documentary
For updates on the Harmacy film production progress and the issues unfolding at the retail pharmacy counter, follow the team on Instagram and visit the official website.
I'm grateful to film Director Anaïs Mennuti, Producer Marie Wilda and the amazing crew for creating a project that sparks awareness and meaningful conversation.
If you’re ready to elevate your health strategy, contact me today.
Let’s ensure your health isn't just reactively managed—but fully optimized.
To Your Health,
Sylvia Reisman
Founder & Principal Consultant
Note: I now refer to my practice as a private health advisor service
Disclaimer
The documents and information contained within the Company’s website are offered for informational purposes only. By using the Services, you understand that the Company is NOT A MEDICAL PROVIDER AND HAS NOT PROVIDED YOU WITH MEDICAL ADVICE.
No information contained herein is a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. ALWAYS check with Your doctor if You have any health questions. The contributors to this Website are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for ANY form of damages whatsoever resulting from information contained herein.
Comments