Videos
Anthony Curraro, the Director of Pharmacy Operations at Mount Sinai in New York City, shares his insights on the challenges and goals of the organization. He emphasizes the importance of addressing drug shortages and the need for effective plans and protocols to ensure drug availability. With a focus on the biosimilar landscape to reduce costs, Anthony also highlights the significance of mentorship and leadership development within the health system. As he manages direct contracting across multiple care sites, he is committed to improving compound production through automation projects. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, especially during the holidays.
Charlotte Dixon, the Chief Strategy Pharmacy Contracting Officer at Ochsner Health System, leads a centralized purchasing team in New Orleans with plans to expand into North Louisiana. Her focus is on modeling cost savings and building initiatives while addressing critical drug shortages, particularly in chemotherapy and IV fluids. Charlotte emphasizes the importance of mentorship, transparency, and strategic partnerships to foster growth among pharmacy leaders. She also highlights the role of automation and AI in enhancing workflows, all while maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Looking ahead, Charlotte is eager to connect with vendors and strategize for the future.
Michele Shaeffer, Associate Director of Pharmacy Operations at Jefferson Abington Hospital, shares insights on optimizing pharmacy workflows amidst staffing and medication shortages, highlighting automation and ADC cabinets for improved efficiency and safety. She also emphasizes cross-department collaboration and staff training as essential for addressing these challenges. Looking ahead, she sees innovations in legislation, technology, and industry-wide collaboration as key drivers of progress in tackling systemic issues like drug shortages.
In this week’s Executive Insights video Jeff Thompson, Chief Clinical Officer at Freeman Health, shares insights into the evolving role of pharmacy leadership within health systems. Thompson highlights the importance of aligning pharmacy goals with broader C-suite objectives, recognizing pharmacy not only as a significant expense but also a substantial revenue driver. He also addresses current challenges, such as labor shortages and the impact of 340B contract pharmacy restrictions, which are shaping strategies for sustaining healthcare operations.
Ify Igbunike, Director of Pharmacy Services at University of Maryland Midtown Campus, sat down with Pharmacy Angle to discuss value-based pharmacy practices and narcotic diversion prevention. She shares valuable insights on implementing evidence-based care, the role of behavioral assessments in managing controlled substances, and the complexities of regulatory compliance. Watch the full interview to gain expert knowledge on navigating today's healthcare challenges.
In this insightful interview, Alex Kardos, Corporate Director of Pharmacy Services at RX Holding Hospital, discusses his role overseeing pharmaceutical operations across 126 sites. He highlights the challenges of navigating regulatory pressures, drug shortages, and staffing issues while emphasizing the growing importance of driving revenue in outpatient settings. Kardos shares how his team balances these demands by leveraging peer insights and vendor partnerships to improve efficiency and compliance. His leadership approach, focused on delegation and innovation, offers valuable lessons for pharmacy professionals looking to optimize operations and revenue.
Dr. Rabiah Dys, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services and Program Development at CPS, shared insights at ASHP on her role and passion for advancing health equity. She emphasized the importance of improving health literacy by helping patients understand their diagnoses and care plans, starting at hospital admission. Dr. Dys also highlighted the need for better continuity of care between hospital discharge and community pharmacy settings to ensure patients can manage their health effectively.
Last fall, Jennifer Biar, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Prisma Health, sat down with Pharmacy Angle, sharing her journey in pharmacy leadership, which began unexpectedly during her 27-year tenure at the organization. She highlighted the evolution of healthcare, from single hospitals to large systems, and discussed how pharmacies are now focusing not only on reducing costs but also on generating revenue. Jennifer also emphasized the importance of advocacy for the pharmacy profession, especially for pharmacists to be recognized as providers. Her leadership philosophy centers around trust—ensuring trust with her team and colleagues for sustained success.
Last Fall, Lisa Dyer, director of ambulatory services at UW Northern Illinois, shared with Pharmacy Angle her journey, from managing the outpatient pharmacy to overseeing a wide range of services, including ambulatory care and home infusion pharmacies. She shares her early inspiration from a local pharmacy director, her experience transitioning from retail to hospital pharmacy, and her passion for creating career opportunities through initiatives like the pharmacy apprenticeship program. Highlighting the evolving roles of pharmacists and technicians, she emphasizes the growing opportunities in the field and her excitement for the future of pharmacy services, including potential provider status for pharmacists.
Dawn Rana, a pharmacy executive at Vizient, sat down with Pharmacy Angle to discuss the challenges faced by healthcare facilities, particularly drug shortages and workforce issues. Rana emphasizes the role of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) in helping healthcare providers manage these challenges by securing drug supplies and offering support in various operational areas. She also highlights the ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages, particularly for pharmacy technicians, through creative solutions and collaboration with educational institutions.