Kurt Willis
New Smyrna Beach,FL
Summary
Pharmacy operations expert with extensive experience in optimizing workflows and ensuring regulatory compliance. Skilled in leading teams to create a collaborative environment that adapts to changing needs. Focus on operational efficiency, inventory management, and customer service. Known for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and results-driven approach.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Pharmacy Operations Manager
WholeScripts Pharmacy
06.2020 - Current
- Opened and operated an integrative community pharmacy while obtaining payor contracts and pharmacy permits in all 50 States.
- Created standard operating procedures and job aides used to train the pharmacy technician and staff in the operation of the pharmacy.
- Conducted monthly and quarterly business reviews to present the pharmacy’s milestones, key accomplishments, targeted initiatives, financial and operational performance and growth plan to the owners and finance team.
- Secured pharmacy enrollment in prescription insurance networks nationwide while preparing the pharmacy for future growth as a specialty mail order pharmacy.
- Created policies and procedures to manage and follow USP 800 and NIOSH guidelines for Hazardous drugs.
- Created and implemented audit guidelines to prepare the pharmacy for all payor, Federal and State Boards of pharmacy inspections for all 50 States.
- Reviewed and implemented the use of supplements and their role in specialty disease states such as Cancer, Rheumatology, Hepatitis and HIV.
- Created, implemented and updated company policies and procedures specific to the pharmacy.
- Maintained prescription and nutraceutical inventory levels for the pharmacy.
- Created and implemented policies and procedures for the handling, storage, and preservation of medications and hazardous drugs for the pharmacy.
- Engaged Marketing team to develop marketing materials to increase awareness of the pharmacy to current nutraceutical practitioners, prescribers, and clients nationwide.
- Verified, fulfilled, and dispensed prescriptions pursuant to a licensed prescribers orders while providing information to patients and health practitioners about proper usage of medications, drug interactions and possible side effects while taking the medication(s).
- Ensured that the pharmacy adhered to new and existing Federal and State pharmacy laws.
- Created and implemented processes, procedures and policies to meet and exceed accreditation standards for URAC (Utilization Review Accreditation Commission), and ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care).
- Oversaw daily pharmacy operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards.
- Developed and implemented workflow improvements to enhance medication dispensing processes.
- Managed inventory levels using automated systems to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
- Evaluated new technologies and systems for potential integration into pharmacy operations.
- Analyzed data on dispensing errors to identify trends, leading to the implementation of targeted strategies for error reduction.
Director of Pharmacy Services-Operations
Therigy Pharmacy Solutions – Comprehensive Pharmacy Services (CPS)
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Assessed health system client needs to develop a project plan with operational workflows needed to open a specialty pharmacy.
- Customized and managed comprehensive specialty pharmacy project build out plans to ensure the scope of the project is followed and deliverables, timeline, and budget objectives are met.
- Created daily, weekly, and monthly reviews of financial metrics to track and trend actual financial performance against projections and identify any variances and possible root cause for the deviations for the Health System client.
- Identified direct and indirect risks to Proforma and budget to mitigate negative variances by working with the Health System’s Leadership and internal cross functional teams to develop an action plan.
- Proactively tracked and managed project plan issues, risks, and decision changes to ensure the overall client success for each project.
- Provided consultative clinical and operational information to create, develop and improve the client’s health system’s specialty pharmacy programs to manage chronic illnesses, efficiently and profitably.
- Served as a subject matter expert for clinical pharmacy programs, including but not limited to developing appropriate workflows and templates for the health system pharmacy.
- Developed a Voice of the Customer service plan to improve care for the patients which in turn helped grow the specialty pharmacy business for clients.
- Implemented and trained specialty pharmacy staff on various dispensing systems (RX30, NewLeaf Rx) and patient care systems (TherigySTM).
- Worked with Finance and client to develop yearly financial budgets to reflect year over year revenue and gross margin trends, new growth opportunities and market adjustments.
- Led implementation plans to grow prescription volume, revenue, and gross margins based on 340B and non-340B opportunities.
- Assisted specialty pharmacy clients with obtaining URAC and ACHC accreditations.
- Selected prospective pharmacy sites and aided in the build out process for specialty pharmacies.
- Identified and addressed process gaps in operational process workflows.
- Created a standardized pharmacy assessment tool to operationalize efficiency and consistency in client deliverables.
- Created and implemented processes to aid in clinical, operational, technological and data reporting needs as required by payor, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and accreditation bodies.
Clinical Pharmacist
Envolve Pharmacy Solutions- Healthcare Support Staffing
12.2018 - 09.2019
- Reviewed specialty medication prior authorization requests according to established treatment protocols, clinical criteria and member benefits while making coverage determinations within the defined turnaround times and meeting regulatory requirements.
- Ensured compliance to respective state Medicaid and commercial third-party contract requirements.
- Supported the assigned health plan’s Grievances and Appeals Department in the processing of grievances, appeals and denials as defined by the health plan’s process to ensure a timely decision by the plan Medical Director.
- Developed and designed specialty medication clinical edits for claims adjudication and enhanced drug utilization review.
- Developed and reviewed guideline criteria for prior authorizations of non-formulary drugs in support of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee function and pharmacy benefit design.
- Ensured and evaluated quality controls while implementing opportunities for performance improvement in pharmacy practice specific to specialty pharmacy.
- Researched medical literature and drug information to provide accurate responses and clinical information during the prior authorization review process and peer to peer reviews with practitioners nationwide.
Director of Store Operations
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy
04.2013 - 04.2018
- Held accountability for remote sites in California, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Illinois, with over $450 Million in cumulative revenue.
- Conducted 45+ employee evaluations annually.
- Oversaw the integration and training of staff during four acquisitions.
- Played key roles in the clinical review processes for treatment of specialty disease states such as Cancer, Rheumatology, Hepatitis and HIV.
- Worked closely with oncology and immunology sales team to provide up to date clinical and therapeutic information internally and to referral sources nationwide.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of strategic plans to grow prescription volume, revenue, and gross margins based on 340B and non-340B opportunities.
- Presented clinical and therapeutic data to internal clinical help desk team and remote site pharmacists to help develop, evaluate and improve current and existing medication specific therapeutic programs for the company.
- Worked to ensure excellent patient care and improved health outcomes for all specialty patients by working closely with prescribers, sales team, and other referral sources on a continuous basis.
- Created, implemented and updated company policies and procedures.
- Required remote sites to participate in local and regional events to increase pharmacy sales and build relationships with local and regional referral sources.
- Created and evaluated results for clinical competency tests for all site pharmacists at remote locations nationwide.
- Ensured that all sites adhered to new and existing Federal and State pharmacy laws including the storage and maintenance of all medication records.
- Member of Broward County HIV Planning Council and facilitated Ft. Lauderdale site to process claims through Ryan White.
- Reviewed, updated, created and implemented processes, procedures and policies to gain site accreditations for URAC (Utilization Review Accreditation Commission), and ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care).
- Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and operational excellence.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance patient care and service delivery.
Pharmacy Manager
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy
07.2009 - 04.2013
- Directed pharmacy operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and policies.
- Mentored pharmacy staff, enhancing team performance and professional development.
- Implemented workflow improvements, increasing efficiency in prescription processing.
- Managed inventory control systems, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes through medication management.
- Analyzed pharmacy metrics to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.
- Developed training programs for new employees, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Educated patients on possible drug interactions, potential side effects, and optimal methods of administration.
- Monitored and managed pharmacy staff performance to maximize productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Trained pharmacy interns and newly hired pharmacy technicians.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities, controlling expenses to optimize profitability without compromising quality of care.
- Cultivated a customer-centric environment within the pharmacy, fostering long-term loyalty among patients.
- Played an active role in the hiring process, identifying top talent that contributed to the team''s success in providing outstanding pharmaceutical care services.
- Enhanced team communication by establishing regular meetings focusing on performance metrics, best practices, and continuous improvement strategies.
- Implemented staff training programs to continuously develop skills and maintain professional licensure requirements.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and maintaining accurate documentation for audits.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough drug utilization reviews and monitoring potential drug interactions.
- Optimized workflow processes to reduce turnaround time for prescription fulfillment while maintaining accuracy.
- Expanded business opportunities by cultivating partnerships with local medical facilities and organizations.
- Developed policies and procedures for effective pharmacy management.
- Facilitated community outreach events promoting health awareness, education, and preventive measures against various diseases.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy -
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL01.1995
Skills
- Data Research
- 340B program billing
- Client engagement
- Clinical Review
- Formulary assessment
- Accreditations
- Policy Compliance
- Ryan White program billing
- Employee training
- Pharmacy compliance audits
- Experience with nutraceutical formulations
- Pharmacy Acquisitions
- Specialty Disease
- Drug Utilization
- Quality Assurance
- Managing payor audit processes
- Workflow optimization
- Team building
- Staff training
Affiliations
Florida Pharmacy Association
Credentials Certifications
- Registered Pharmacist in AK, AL, AZ, AR, FL, GA, HI, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NE, NV, NY, NC, OK, OR, TN, TX, VA, WV
- Certified Immunizing Pharmacist, APhA (American Pharmacists Association)
- MTM Certified (Medication Therapy Management), APhA
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
- Collaborative Practice Certification, NSU-FL
Community Service
- Give Kids The World, Volunteer, Kissimmee, FL
- Society of St. Andrew (Feeding America’s Hungry), Volunteer, Orlando, FL
- Big Brother Big Sister Association, Volunteer, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Unity Worldwide Ministries, Prayer Chaplain
Timeline
Pharmacy Operations Manager
WholeScripts Pharmacy
06.2020 - Current
Director of Pharmacy Services-Operations
Therigy Pharmacy Solutions – Comprehensive Pharmacy Services (CPS)
09.2019 - 05.2020
Clinical Pharmacist
Envolve Pharmacy Solutions- Healthcare Support Staffing
12.2018 - 09.2019
Director of Store Operations
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy
04.2013 - 04.2018
Pharmacy Manager
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy
07.2009 - 04.2013
Doctor of Pharmacy -
Florida A&M University
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