Learn more about the duties, practice settings, typical workdays, and educational opportunities, as well as personal advice from pharmacists in this practice area.
What is pharmacy leadership / administration?
Pharmacy leadership and administration is a pharmacy practice area in which administrators have the ability to recognize the talents of the individuals on their team by extracting the best from them and promoting them. Administrators provide support and mentor others to help them succeed in their career. Pharmacy leadership is also about advocating for one’s department, team, and profession. It is about being someone that others want to follow and support because that leader invokes support and innovation for change, and is willing to be at the forefront in professional organizations at both the local and national levels.
It is the responsibility of the administrator and leader of the pharmacy department to develop processes that improve efficiencies, be fiscally responsible to the organization, develop strong clinical programs, ensure that the all regulatory standards are being adhered to, and improve the medication management system.
Individuals working in pharmacy leadership and administration roles can hold a variety of different titles such as Director of Operations, Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Manager, and many more.
Where does an Executive Director of Pharmacy Operations work?
An Executive Director of Pharmacy Operations is a title that can be used in different settings across the profession. It’s the responsibility of the title or position that can differentiate the setting or work area. For example, one can work in a health-system made up of multiple hospitals as head of the operations of the department.
What does a typical workday look like?
For an Executive Director of Pharmacy Operations, the days are rarely the same. For the most part, a typical day may consist of approximately four hours of meetings and conference calls with internal and external stakeholders. These can be directors of pharmacy from the hospitals in the system, leaders from other departments, or outside vendors. Other duties include evaluating processes and looking for ways to improve, investigating ways to improve inventory management, strategic planning, and working with clinical counterparts on specific initiatives.
What education and training are needed to pursue this specific pharmacy career path?
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy leadership and administration can apply for pharmacy residencies in this field. Pharmacy residencies can be comprised of a two-year (PGY1 and PGY2) commitment with a specific institution to complete a Health-System Administration and Leadership Pharmacy Residency (HSPL), or pursue stand-alone PGY2 programs in the field.
Outside these specialized residency programs, individuals can grow into leadership positions within their institutions based on their practice experience. There is no specific required education other than having pharmacy degree and being a licensed pharmacist in the state that you are working. A master’s degree in business (MBA) or healthcare administration (MHA) would be recommended, as well as training and/or certificate programs in leadership, finance, and labor relations.
What educational opportunities are available for pharmacists in this area?
There are a number of educational opportunities, as alluded to above, including advanced degrees in business, healthcare administration, and leadership programs (ASHP PLA, leadership conferences, and fellowships from different professional organizations).
How can I learn more about this career path?
- The best way to learn more about this career path is through extern- and internships, residency rotations, and professional organizations like ASHP. There are also opportunities through mentorship programs with pharmacy leaders.
- View this video to get more information about pharmacy leadership, administration, and the future of pharmacy.
Member Career Profiles
Joe Pinto R.Ph, M.S., MHA, DPLA
Executive Director of Pharmacy Operations
Mount Sinai Health System – New York, NY
What interested you in pharmacy and this career path?
“I always had an interest in math and science, especially biology, and my older sister was a nurse and got me interested in health care. I was initially leaning towards the nursing discipline but spent time working in a local pharmacy as delivery / “tech” / stock boy when I was in high school, and the pharmacist there convinced me to apply to pharmacy school. This may sound strange, but having played organized sports into my adult years and for the most part being a leader on the teams I played with, I felt like it was a natural progression to take on a leadership role in my career and profession. I also enjoy the operations and business aspect of the profession and have a keen sense of visualizing how things should work and then working through the process to implement.”
What advice do you have for someone interested in this career field?
“I would advise to listen and learn from current leaders, and don’t get dragged down by others. It is important to be an independent thinker and volunteer yourself to take on projects or responsibilities at work. Don’t wait for others to take the lead; step up and be the leader. It’s very important to realize that you don’t need a title to be a leader and that there is opportunity throughout your career to lead others. This will eventually lead to a formal leadership title and role.”
Member Career Profiles
John Armitstead
Credentials: RPh, MS, FASHP
Position/Title: Director of Pharmacy Services and Assistant Dean for Medical Center Pharmacy Services
Organization: University of Kentucky HealthCare
Primary Specialty: HealthCare Administration
Jennifer Cimoch
Credentials: PharmD, MS
Position/Title: Inpatient Day Shift Pharmacy Coordinator
Organization: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Primary Specialty: Health-System Pharmacy Administration
James Stevenson
Credentials: Pharm.D., RPh, FASHP
Position/Title: Director of Pharmacy Services, Professor and Associate Dean for Clinical Sciences
Organization: University of Michigan Health System and College of Pharmacy
Primary Specialty: HealthCare Administration
Specialties: Medication Safety, Informatics, Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomics
