This podcast is all about the Pharmacist leveraging the power of Pharmacogenomics. PGX for Pharmacists is a member of the Pharmacy Podcast Network. Pharmacogenomics is the study of the role of the genome in drug response. Its name (pharmaco- + genomics) reflects its combining of pharmacology and genomics. Pharmacogenomics analyzes how the genetic makeup of an individual affects his/her response to drugs. It deals with the influence of acquired and inherited genetic variation on drug response in patients by correlating gene expression or single-nucleotide polymorphisms with pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and pharmacodynamics (effects mediated through a drug’s biological targets).
Precision in Practice; Real Stories, Real Results in Integrative Psychiatry | Precision Medicine Pharmacist Podcast
Welcome back to PPN – The Precision Medicine Pharmacist.
In part one of our series, Precision Psychiatry in Practice – A Pharmacist–Physician Collaboration, we explored how a collaborative approach can begin to reshape psychiatric care — building trust, aligning perspectives, and creating space for more personalized treatment.
Today, we move deeper into what that looks like in real-world, integrative medicine psychiatry.
I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Saba Arshad, joined by Dr. Afshan Khan, as we explore how their partnership brings together different clinical perspectives to care for the whole patient — not just symptoms, but the broader context of mental health, lifestyle, and individualized needs.
In this episode, Precision in Practice: Real Stories, Real Results in Integrative Psychiatry, we focus on the human side of collaboration. How do two clinicians with different training and strengths come together to approach complex cases? What does shared decision-making really look like in practice? And how does this integrative model shape better patient outcomes?
We’ll walk through real patient cases, explore the dynamics of their collaboration, and uncover how this partnership continues to evolve to meet patients where they are.
If part one introduced the foundation, today’s episode brings that collaboration to life.
Let’s dive in.
11 Mar 2026
Precision Psychiatry in Practice – A Pharmacist–Physician Collaboration | Precision Medicine Pharmacist Podcast
Welcome to PPN – The Precision Medicine Pharmacist, the podcast where science, innovation, and collaboration are redefining patient care.We are kicking off a special two-part series titled Precision Psychiatry in Practice – A Pharmacist–Physician Collaboration. In this series, we explore how precision medicine is reshaping mental health treatment — and what becomes possible when pharmacists and psychiatrists work together with shared clinical goals.Today’s episode, The New Frontier: How Pharmacists and Psychiatrists Are Teaming Up for Precision Mental Health, focuses on how this collaboration began — the challenges that inspired it, the early conversations that shaped it, and the practical steps taken to bring pharmacogenomics into psychiatric care.Joining us is Dr. Saba Arshad, clinical pharmacist, founder of Med DNA Health, and a strong advocate for integrating pharmacogenomic insight into mental health treatment. We will also hear from Dr. Afshan Khan, psychiatrist and clinical partner in this model of care, as we explore how their professional paths aligned to create something new.In this first episode, we will lay the foundation — examining the “why” behind precision psychiatry and the systems that had to evolve to support it.Then, in part two, Dr. Khan will join us more extensively as we move from framework to real-world impact, sharing patient cases, clinical outcomes, and lessons learned from implementing precision medicine in practice.
5 Nov 2025
Preventable Toxicity: The Pharmacogenomics Case for DPYD Testing in Oncology | Precision Medicine Pharmacist Podcast
Fluoropyrimidines such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine remain cornerstone chemotherapies in oncology. However, for patients with certain DPYD gene variants, these commonly used drugs can cause life-threatening toxicities due to impaired metabolism of the active compounds.
In this episode of the Precision Medicine Pharmacist Podcast, host Melissa Smith, PharmD, explores how DPYD genotyping is transforming oncology care by helping clinicians identify patients at risk before toxicity occurs. Joined by Karen Merritt, an advocate for universal DPD testing and leader with the Test4DPD initiative, the discussion sheds light on how pharmacogenomics is shaping safer, more personalized cancer treatment.
Together, they explore current evidence, new FDA updates, and implementation frameworks that empower pharmacists and oncology teams to prevent preventable harm through precision medicine.
🧠 Key Discussion Topics
The science behind DPYD gene variants and their clinical implications
How undiagnosed DPD deficiency contributes to preventable toxicity
New recommendations from the CPIC® Guideline for Fluoropyrimidines and DPYD
Insights from the Guide for Implementing DPYD Genotyping for Systemic Fluoropyrimidines
Advocacy for universal DPYD testing across oncology centers
How pharmacists can champion pharmacogenomic testing integration in oncology workflows
Updates from the FDA-approved labeling for Xeloda (capecitabine)
🎧 Featured Guest
Karen MerrittLinkedIn ProfileKaren Merritt is a passionate advocate for pharmacogenomic testing and patient safety in oncology care. Through her leadership in the Test4DPD movement, she works to expand awareness and adoption of DPYD testing worldwide, ensuring patients are protected from severe chemotherapy-related toxicities.
📚 Resources & References
Guide for Implementing DPYD Genotyping for Systemic Fluoropyrimidines into Clinical Practice (PMC)
CPIC® Guideline for Fluoropyrimidines and DPYD
Advocates for Universal DPD/DPYD Testing – Test4DPD
Updated FDA-Approved Label for Xeloda (Capecitabine)
💊 About the Show
The Precision Medicine Pharmacist Podcast explores the evolving role of pharmacists in precision health, pharmacogenomics, and individualized patient care. Each episode highlights clinical insights, implementation strategies, and inspiring stories from professionals leading the way in personalized medicine.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
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