Expert Q&A: The Unique Perspective of the Health System Pharmacist Can Help You Achieve More

Read time: 4 minutes

By: Craig Dolan

In our most recent Expert Q&A, the MHS Editorial Team (MHS) sat down with Craig Dolan (CD), BS, PharmD, MBA, Vice President of Knowledge Management & Thought Leadership, Professional & Advisory Services at McKesson. Craig’s career in pharmacy started at the bedside as a health system pharmacist, eventually working his way through management leadership and hospital administration. Currently, Craig works on the MHS Professional & Advisory Services (P&AS) team, helping hospitals and health systems operate more efficiently and making sure that business decisions better align with customers.

Here, Craig shares insights on how the unique skill set of health system pharmacists can significantly improve operational efficiencies, drive better patient outcomes, and strengthen financial viability.

MHS: What are some of the complex functions of health system pharmacists that readers may not be aware of?

CD: Health system pharmacists perform incredible work, from checking chemotherapy regimens to ensuring medication safety and effectiveness. The pandemic especially brought health system pharmacists to the forefront, expanding their roles significantly. Beyond dispensing drugs and monitoring adherence, pharmacists are now more involved in patient interactions, such as vaccination efforts and medication procurement. They participate in treatment teams, making informed decisions about patient management by considering medication adherence, affordability, and interactions. This evolution has underscored their critical role in ensuring optimal patient outcomes. However, they are often not the first face seen in healthcare settings. Highlighting their contributions and promoting their work can enhance the profile of the profession.

MHS: How can health system pharmacists be leveraged to grow revenue and boost efficiencies within the health system?

CD: Efficiencies are key. Pharmacists ensure that patients receive necessary medications and continue their care while managing costs. As trained problem solvers, they analyze process flows and outcomes to find efficiencies. By helping manage therapies and ensuring adherence, pharmacists contribute significantly to keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital, which is a financial incentive for health systems.

MHS: How should health system leadership consider the role and scope of health system pharmacists to boost efficiency?

CD: A few areas I believe leadership should focus on include supply assurance and leveraging technology in pharmacy operations. Centralizing operations and utilizing automation can improve staffing and preparation processes, especially in large health systems with multiple sites. Aligning pharmacy plans with future technologies and patient needs is critical. Pharmacists' expertise in managing both clinical and business aspects makes them valuable assets for leadership to leverage.

MHS: Are there changes in the roles of health system pharmacy leadership and the adoption of new technologies? Where should a health system start to best leverage the skills of their pharmacists?

CD: Yes, more pharmacists are now educated in business and moving into leadership roles, bringing invaluable negotiation and decision-making skills. Technologies are helping pharmacists perform their jobs more efficiently, with platforms that analyze data and benchmarks, central fill robotics, and specialty pharmacies being some examples. Health systems should include pharmacists in problem-solving teams beyond medication-related issues to fully leverage their skills, as demonstrated during the pandemic.

MHS: Is it accurate to say that health system pharmacists are not just healthcare professionals but also business professionals?

CD: Absolutely. Pharmacists are highly trained clinicians who stay updated on new treatments and therapies. Their problem-solving skills and business acumen make them essential in both clinical and business settings. They understand the workings and payment structures of medications and prioritize patient care in every decision, aligning well with the business goals of health systems.

MHS: Any closing thoughts for our readers?

CD: To all pharmacists and healthcare practitioners, thank you for your dedication to patient care. Continue leveraging partnerships and resources to enhance your operations. Your work is invaluable, and McKesson is here to support you in any way we can.

For more information about how the expertise of McKesson’s Professional & Advisory Services (P&AS) Team – comprised of industry experts with strong business, clinical, and health system pharmacy backgrounds – can help your health system achieve more, contact us directly at pas@mckesson.com or visit our P&AS page.