Madeline Camejo, MS, PharmD, discovered her passion for hospital pharmacy during her rotations in pharmacy school, a pivotal moment that shaped her career path. After completing her residency with a major hospital system in South Florida, she quickly developed a keen interest in pharmacy administration. Her drive for problem-solving and leadership in major projects led her to an operations manager role, setting the foundation for her rise through the ranks. Today, as the Chief Pharmacy Officer at Baptist Health South Florida, Madeline reflects on a fulfilling career defined by strategic leadership, innovation, and a commitment to improving patient care.
Let’s delve into the interview details!
What are the primary responsibilities and challenges that come with being a Chief Pharmacy Officer, and how do you approach them?
As a Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO), I play a crucial role in overseeing the pharmacy department within a healthcare organization. The CPO must effectively balance strategic vision with operational management while navigating various challenges. My main responsibilities include developing and implementing the pharmacy department’s strategic goals, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall mission and objectives, and overseeing daily operations such as staffing, budgeting, and inventory management.
I ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as accreditation standards. My focus is on delivering high-quality clinical pharmacy services, which encompass medication therapy management, patient safety, and clinical outcomes. Additionally, I enhance patient care through medication management, clinical consultations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I also manage the pharmacy’s budget, including cost control, revenue generation, and financial reporting.
The challenges I face include navigating frequent changes in pharmacy regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and addressing drug shortages. Balancing cost control with maintaining high-quality patient care is essential, especially given that staffing shortages and budget constraints can impact our ability to deliver optimal services. Keeping up with rapid technological changes and integrating new technologies into existing systems is another significant challenge. Furthermore, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals is vital for success in this role.
How do you stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your organization adopts the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research, regulations, and best practices?
Attending CE and professional development conferences and seminars usually gives updates on what’s happening in the pharmacy space. Leverage professional networks and collaborate with my peers. I also monitor industry trends and research by reading a lot adapting advanced technologies and piloting innovations or practices before full-scale implementation to see how they work.
Can you share an example of an innovative initiative or program you have implemented that has significantly improved patient care or operational efficiency?
We have recently installed MedEx which is a is a medication tracking solution designed to enhance the management and safety of medication administration. The system has helped us track medication inventory and monitors the administration of medications in real time. This has really helped pharmacy and nursing with missing doses and track medication administration.
What strategies do you employ to foster a culture of continuous improvement and encourage your team to embrace new technologies and practices?
Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging your team to embrace new technologies and practices requires a strategic and multifaceted approach. One is to lead by example, show your team and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and an openness to new technologies in your own work. Foster an environment of learning, provide access to training programs, workshops and continuing education opportunities. Engage and empower your team, include team members in discussion about adopting new technologies and practices. Cultivate a collaborative culture, encourage team where team members work together to solve problems. Lastly, encourage a growth mindset that embraces challenges and views failures as learning opportunities.
From your perspective, what are the emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of the pharmacy industry?
The pharmacy industry is on the cusp of significant transformation driven by emerging trends like personalized medicine, wellness and longevity, collaborative practice agreements, and hospital-at-home models. Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, digital health apps, wearables, and advanced data analytics are set to transform how patient information is analyzed, outcomes are tracked, and treatment plans are optimized, leading to better decision-making and improved patient care. These developments will reshape how pharmacies operate, how medications are managed, and how patient care is delivered.
How do you envision the role of Chief Pharmacy Officers evolving in the coming years, and what skills will be crucial for success in this role?
The role of Chief Pharmacy Officers (CPOs) is poised to evolve significantly in the coming years, driven by advancements in technology, changes in healthcare delivery models, and an increased focus on value-based care. Here’s how I envision the role evolving and the skills that will be crucial for success. CPOs will need to participate in strategic planning, influence system-wide initiatives, and drive the integration of pharmacy services into multi-disciplinary care teams. The integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, and advanced electronic health record (EHR) systems, will be essential. CPOs will need to oversee the adoption and effective use of these technologies to streamline operations and improve patient care. Crucial skills for success will include strategic thinking, leadership and change management, technology management, communication, and financial acumen.
What advice would you give to aspiring pharmacy professionals who aim to take on leadership roles in the field, and how can they prepare themselves for the challenges ahead?
Develop Strong Clinical Expertise: Ensure you have a solid foundation in clinical knowledge. This will not only enhance your credibility but also help you make informed decisions that impact patient care.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving with new medications, technologies, and practices. Stay updated with continuous education and training to maintain your expertise and adapt to changes.
Cultivate Leadership Skills: Beyond clinical skills, focus on developing leadership competencies such as communication, team building, and conflict resolution. Effective leadership requires guiding teams, managing resources, and fostering a positive work environment.
Understand the Business Side: Gain a good grasp of the financial and operational aspects of pharmacy management. This includes budgeting, resource allocation, and understanding how pharmacy services fit within the broader organizational goals.
Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Build strong relationships with other healthcare professionals. Effective pharmacy leaders work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes.
Foster Innovation: Be open to new ideas and technologies that can improve pharmacy practices and patient care. Encourage a culture of innovation within your team and be proactive in implementing new solutions.
By focusing on these areas, aspiring pharmacy leaders can prepare themselves to navigate the complexities of the role and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and the broader healthcare community.
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