VerifiedRx

From Clinician to Executive: Developing Pharmacy’s Next Leaders

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As health systems grow more complex and executive expectations continue to expand, organizations must develop the next generation of pharmacy leaders. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Bonnie Levin and Dr. Cedric Terrell to discuss the growing pharmacy leadership pipeline challenge, the skills today's leaders need to succeed, and practical ways to identify and develop the next generation of pharmacy executives.

 

Guests: 

Bonnie Levin, PharmD, MBA, FASHP
VP, Pharmacy Services
Medstar Health

Cedric Terrell, PharmD, MHA

SVP & Chief Pharmacy Officer 
Pharmacy Enterprise Services
CommonSpirit Health

 

Host:  

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  

 

Show Notes:

00:54 - The Pharmacy Leadership Pipeline

  • Why healthsystems are facing a shortage of pharmacy leaders.
  • The impact of retirements, workforce changes, and succession planning challenges.
  • How evolving expectations are reshaping leadership roles as pharmacy creates "a table that others want to sit at."

    • 02:21 - The Modern Pharmacy Executive

    • How pharmacy leadership has changed over the last several years.
    • Why leaders now oversee larger, more complex healthcare enterprises.
    • Why today's leaders must think like pharmacy business executives, not just department directors.

      • 03:31 - Skills Every Future Leader Needs

      • The growing importance of financial stewardship and business acumen.
      • Why strategic thinking is just as valuable as clinical expertise.
      • How pharmacy leaders create value through operations, finance, and innovation.

        • 04:46 - Identifying Emerging Leaders

        • What makes an informal leader stand out, from raising their hand to offering solutions instead of problems.
        • Why leadership is a behavior, not a position.
        • The importance of mentoring future leaders and exposing them to experiences beyond their own department.

          • 06:06 - Preparing the Next Generation

          • Where pharmacy education and leadership development are falling short.
          • Why financial literacy, budgeting, and operational knowledge are essential leadership skills.
          • How early exposure to business decisions helps future leaders build confidence.

            • 07:31 - Residency and Real World Experience

            • The value residency programs provide in developing clinical expertise.
            • Why practical business experience is equally important for future executives.
            • How mentorship and cross functional learning prepare pharmacists for broader leadership roles.

              • 09:16 - Moving Into Executive Leadership

              • How clinically trained pharmacists can expand into enterprise leadership.
              • Bonnie shares why saying yes to leading behavioral health became one of the most valuable experiences of her career.
              • Why leaders should seek opportunities that stretch their skills beyond pharmacy.

                • 11:03 - Career Growth Through Opportunity

                • Why saying yes to unfamiliar challenges accelerates leadership development.
                • Expanding experience into areas like ambulatory care, payer strategy, imaging, and laboratory services.
                • Cedric explains why creating opportunities is more valuable than waiting for them to appear.

                  • 12:07 - Leadership Advice

                  • Bonnie shares the quote that shaped her leadership philosophy.
                  • Cedric reflects on advice from his mentor to prepare today for the role you want three to five years from now.
                  • Why successful leaders stay curious and become comfortable making decisions with uncertainty.

                    • 13:58 - Looking Ahead

                    • Why today's pharmacy leaders are optimistic about the future.
                    • The value of innovation, persistence, collaboration, and strong professional relationships.
                    • Final reflections on building the next generation of pharmacy executives through mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning.

                      •  

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