In this episode of the Neuroveda Podcast for Complex Health, Gillian Ehrlich sits down with returning guest Dr. Dawn Ipsen, compounding pharmacist and passionate advocate for personalized medicine. Together they unpack the science, history, and growing interest around methylene blue — from its origins as a treatment for malaria to its modern use in brain health, mitochondrial support, longevity, and biohacking.

They also dive into the rapidly changing world of compounding pharmacies, including concerns surrounding compounded thyroid medications, the evolving landscape of peptide access, and the balance between innovation, safety, and patient care. This conversation explores what happens when cutting-edge medicine meets regulation and why personalized treatment still matters.

Topics include:
• Methylene blue safety, dosing, and mechanisms• Mitochondrial health and energy production• Compounding pharmacy quality and patient advocacy• Thyroid medication changes• Peptide regulation and current challenges• The future of personalized medicine

Bio: Dr. Dawn Ipsen, PharmD, FAPC, FACVP, FACA is a compounding pharmacist with more than 25-years of experience serving human and veterinary patients. She is the owner of two community-based compounding pharmacies in Washington state and is recognized for her expertise in personalized medication therapy, quality compounding practices, and patient-centered care.

Dr. Ipsen holds an APC Fellowship and is also a Fellow of the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists and American College of Apothecaries, reflecting her advanced training and leadership in both human and veterinary compounding. In addition, she is a clinical instructor for the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and an affiliate faculty member for Bastyr University. Her professional focus includes women’s health, hormone therapy, low-dose naltrexone, dermatology compounding, and complex veterinary medication solutions for small animals, exotic pets, and large animal patients.

Dr. Ipsen is deeply engaged in pharmacy advocacy, education, and legislative efforts to protect patient access to compounded medications. She currently holds an APC Board of Directors position and is the founding chair for the WA State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) - Compounding Special Interest Group. The WSPA awarded her with the Distinguished Leadership Award in 2023 and the UW School of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021. Dr. Ipsen regularly collaborates with prescribers, healthcare professionals, and educators to improve the therapeutic outcomes, health, education and vitality of the communities we serve.