Joanna Katherine Kolasa
Boston,MA
Summary
Pharmacy operations expert with deep knowledge in optimizing pharmacy workflows and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead teams effectively, fostering collaborative environment that adapts to changing needs. Strong focus on operational efficiency, inventory management, and customer service excellence. Known for strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and results-driven approach.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Pharmacy Operations Manager
Capsule
09.2020 - Current
- Continuously constructing a high-performing team that executes all metrics and timelines while creating a frictionless experience for patients
- Formulating innovative strategies cultivating new partnerships with providers, propelling business growth in a new market
- Founded partnerships with pharmacy schools to grow and develop a talent pipeline for future teammates while mentoring interns, pharmacists, and technicians, which other expansion markets have followed
- Addressed patient complaints promptly and professionally, working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals as needed to resolve issues satisfactorily for all parties involved.
- Managed budget and resources effectively to maximize profitability while maintaining a high-quality service for patients.
- Spearheaded process improvements in medication storage areas for better organization, increased efficiency in locating medications thus reducing delays in prescription filling time.
- Improved pharmacy efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing new inventory management systems.
Clinical Services Senior Manager
Capsule
04.2019 - 08.2020
- Led and implemented standard operating procedures in vital workflows, leading to a decrease in pharmacy errors, and improving patient safety while concurrently reducing duplicate work, enhancing overall productivity, and increasing revenue
- Organized, engaged, and ran meetings aligning internal teams across the company, including engineering, commercial, sales, product, and finance, to foster collaboration and contribute to the company's enhancement
- Grew and developed a clinical services team of pharmacists and interns from 4 to over 40 teammates, providing ongoing feedback, training, and support to increase and improve both the team and the company continuously
- Presented and onboarded engineers, creating a dynamic allowing engineers to grasp the intrinsic concepts of a pharmacy and legal parameters and restrictions
- Innovatively revamped existing workflows that led to increases in efficiency and better served patients
Pharmacist
Capsule
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Expanded and evolved within a seed A company, consistently taking on new responsibilities without formal role distinctions
- Developed comprehensive training guides for incoming teammates and provided training for engineers and pharmacists
- Coordinated operations dynamically, assigning roles to personnel throughout the day to exceed business set SLAs
- Supervised and coached team of pharmacy technicians and trainees.
- Implemented medication therapy management programs, resulting in improved patient adherence to prescribed medications.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive medication therapy management and counseling.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging pharmaceutical trends by attending conferences and completing continuing education courses.
- Completed accurate cycle counts, inventory management and will-calls for customers.
- Effectively prioritized tasks and organized workflow to increase efficiency.
- Provided consultations and answered inquiries from patients, healthcare professionals and physicians regarding drugs, potential side effects, and specified use.
Pharmacy Manager
The Organic Pharmacy
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Led a team of pharmacists, homeopaths, and estheticians dedicated to nurturing beauty through varied approaches tailored to address specific skin or body concerns of patients, encompassing both procedural and alternative organic skincare methods
- Educated patients on possible drug interactions, potential side effects, and optimal methods of administration.
- Facilitated community outreach events promoting health awareness, education, and preventive measures against various diseases.
- Recommended OTC devices or medication options to help mitigate individual symptoms.
- Addressed customer complaints professionally and efficiently by conducting root-cause analysis investigations to resolve issues effectively.
Floating Pharmacist
Rite Aid Pharmacy
05.2016 - 02.2017
- Member of nationally recognized "Top Pharmacy Team," awarded through patient-driven voting competition among thousands of pharmacy locations across the country, demonstrating excellence in patient-centered care and customer service
- Recognized as the top immunizer in the district
- Educated patients on proper medication use.
- Dispensed and verified patient prescription orders, conducting necessary utilization reviews.
- Counseled patients regarding proper intake of medications.
- Assisted other pharmacy staff with drug inventory, purchasing and receiving.
Pharmacy Manager
CVS Pharmacy
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Led strategic workflow optimization that enabled reduction from 4 to 3 pharmacists while increasing prescription volume by 10% in high-volume 24-hour pharmacy
- Recognized among top 10 immunizing pharmacists in the region, leading team to achieve highest immunization growth rate among 15 stores
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and maintaining accurate documentation for audits.
- Facilitated community outreach events promoting health awareness, education, and preventive measures against various diseases.
- Played an active role in the hiring process, identifying top talent that contributed to the team''s success in providing outstanding pharmaceutical care services.
Pharmacy Manager
CVS Pharmacy
03.2015 - 08.2015
- Revitalized a distressed store in an open investigation with the DEA, state, and company, reorganizing regulatory long-term records to pristine filings as upheld by law while managing a 24-hour with 20 teammates
- Supported employee growth and development by providing regular performance feedback, mentoring opportunities, and career advancement resources.
- Vaccinated patients to provide immunity against influenza, pneumonia, and other diseases.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and maintaining accurate documentation for audits.
- Monitored and managed pharmacy staff performance to maximize productivity and customer satisfaction.
Pharmacy Manager
CVS Pharmacy
04.2014 - 03.2015
- Led comprehensive turnaround of underperforming pharmacy, transforming it into district's #1 location through strategic improvements in operations, patient care, and compliance
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
- Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
- Contributed to significant growth in pharmacy revenue by expanding range of services offered.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging staff to participate in workshops and seminars.
Education
MBA -
Cornell Johnson School of Management
Ithaca, NYMaster of Science -
Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
New York, NY05-2024
Doctor of Pharmacy -
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy And Health Sciences
Boston, MA05-2013
Skills
- Prescription Verification
- Medication Dispensing
- Pharmaceutical knowledge
- Patient Counseling
- Workflow Optimization
- Pharmacy management
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient education and counseling
- Operations Management
- Insurance Billing
Timeline
Pharmacy Operations Manager
Capsule
09.2020 - Current
Clinical Services Senior Manager
Capsule
04.2019 - 08.2020
Pharmacist
Capsule
03.2017 - 04.2019
Pharmacy Manager
The Organic Pharmacy
01.2017 - 08.2017
Floating Pharmacist
Rite Aid Pharmacy
05.2016 - 02.2017
Pharmacy Manager
CVS Pharmacy
08.2015 - 05.2016
Pharmacy Manager
CVS Pharmacy
03.2015 - 08.2015
Pharmacy Manager
CVS Pharmacy
04.2014 - 03.2015
MBA -
Cornell Johnson School of Management
Master of Science -
Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Doctor of Pharmacy -
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy And Health Sciences