Josiah Soto
Summary
Experienced Pharmacist with over 8 years in the field, combining extensive retail pharmacy expertise with a successful transition to specialty pharmacy. Proven adaptability through staffing and floating at multiple retail and specialty stores, gaining valuable insights into diverse workflows. Skilled in training and mentoring team members to enhance efficiency and provide high-quality patient care. Over the last 3 years, I've focused on specialty pharmacy, excelling in clinical roles, managing complex diseases, and optimizing patient access to vital medications by collaborating with providers, insurance companies, and drug manufacturers
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Specialty Pharmacist
Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
03.2020 - Current
- Leveraged my experience working in multiple specialty pharmacies in the area, each with a focus on different therapeutic areas, including Dermatology, Rheumatology, Oncology, HIV, Neurology, and Hepatitis C
- Simultaneously working in multiple pharmacies allowed me to enhance workflow processes at each location based on the insights and best practices I gained, resulting in increased efficiency and quality of patient care
- Extensive experience in obtaining prior authorizations, working closely with insurance companies and providers to ensure patients had access to expensive specialty medications, resulting in higher approval rates
- Established and nurtured strong relationships with healthcare providers, providing consultative services and medication access guidance, which fostered increased trust and opened doors to further collaboration opportunities
- Developed and implemented a streamlined referral process, ensuring timely and appropriate follow-up for patients. This process enhancement facilitated the prompt initiation of therapy upon drug approvals, enhancing patient care and overall workflow efficiency
- Experience in navigating through drug shortages, leveraging the expansive Walgreens network to secure alternate sources and ensure uninterrupted patient therapy
- Demonstrated exceptional commitment to patient care by personally driving to patient homes to hand-deliver medications to prevent therapy interruptions. This proactive approach ensured treatment continuity and patient satisfaction
- Helped orchestrate the successful transition of patients, providers, and referrals during the acquisition of a closing specialty pharmacy, resulting in a substantial increase in volume. This achievement showcased effective organization and leadership skills, ensuring uninterrupted patient care and pharmacy growth
- Assumed the role of acting manager during two paternity leaves, collectively covering a period of 4-6 months, effectively overseeing pharmacy operations, staff management, and ensuring seamless patient care
Staff Pharmacist
Walgreens
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Took a central role in the onboarding and training of a new team of technicians, resulting in the establishment of highly efficient workflow in a busy store
- Designed and implemented an efficient system to consistently improve our 'Verified by Promise Time' metric, consistently achieving the top district ranking
- Developed and implemented strategies to optimize the 'Save a Trip Program,' enhancing patient convenience by streamlining medication pickups.
Float Pharmacist
Walgreens
02.2018 - 11.2018
- For a brief period of time, I was assigned to a specialized role, where I dedicated my workdays exclusively to conducting Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services for other stores, ensuring comprehensive medication reviews and therapeutic optimization for patients
- Collaborated with different pharmacy teams to improve workflow efficiency, shared best practices, and enhanced the patient experience across multiple locations
- Successfully maintained pharmacy operations and ensured seamless patient care during staff shortages, demonstrating a strong ability to work under pressure.
Staff Pharmacist
Walgreens
08.2015 - 02.2018
- Experienced compounding specialized medications, including topical drugs, oral capsules, suppositories, and suspensions, contributing to patient-specific therapy and the pharmacy's unique position as one of the last compounding stores in the area
- Administered health screening tests, providing patients with vital health information and enhancing the pharmacy's role in preventative care
- Maintained a consistently high volume of flu shot administration, ranking among the top in the district
- Managed high prescription volumes efficiently, ensuring patient safety while maintaining the accuracy of compounded medications, flu shots, and prescription dispensing.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) -
Washington State University
Spokane, WA05.2015
Pre-Pharmacy -
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06.2011
Associate of Science -
Olympic College
Bremerton, WA06.2010
Skills
- Asembia1
- Covermymeds
- Managed Therapy Management
- Complex Disease Management
- Empathy for Highly Vulnerable Patient Populations
- Third Party Billing including Medicare
- Quick Problem Solving
- Compounding
- MS Excel
- Electronic Health Record Systems
- Patient and Provider Relations
- Adaptability
- Team collaboration
- Health Screening
- URAC 40 Compliance
Certification
- WA State Pharmacist License
- American Red Cross Basic Life Support
- APHA Immunization certified
Timeline
Specialty Pharmacist
Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
03.2020 - Current
Staff Pharmacist
Walgreens
11.2018 - 03.2020
Float Pharmacist
Walgreens
02.2018 - 11.2018
Staff Pharmacist
Walgreens
08.2015 - 02.2018
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) -
Washington State University
Pre-Pharmacy -
University of Washington
Associate of Science -
Olympic College
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