Maria Kossilos
Swampscott,MA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Walgreens, enhancing pharmacy operations and patient care through effective staff training and regulatory compliance. Skilled in pharmaceutical care and teamwork, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly improved efficiency and profitability. My strategic approach and problem-solving abilities have consistently delivered outstanding results.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer
Cambridge Health Alliance
05.2018 - Current
- Educated patients on proper medication use, side effects, and potential drug interactions to promote safe and effective therapy.
- Implemented infection control protocols within the pharmacy environment to maintain a clean and safe workspace for both employees and patients.
- Mentored junior pharmacy staff members by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and promoting professional growth within the team.
- Streamlined prescription processing to reduce wait times, improve patient satisfaction, and increase overall efficiency.
- Enhanced medication safety by conducting thorough drug utilization reviews and providing appropriate recommendations to prescribers.
- Conducted comprehensive medication therapy management services to optimize patient health outcomes while minimizing risks associated with polypharmacy issues.
- Reduced medication errors by developing standardized procedures for dispensing drugs from automated systems such as Parata machines or robotic filling devices.
- Reduced medication errors by developing standardized procedures for dispensing drugs from automated systems such as Pyxis machines or robotic filling devices.
- Developed strong relationships with healthcare providers and staff, fostering a collaborative environment for optimal patient outcomes.
- Increased cost savings for the department by negotiating contracts with pharmaceutical suppliers and monitoring drug pricing trends.
- Optimized inventory control with efficient ordering, tracking, and organization of pharmaceutical supplies.
- Improved patient care by implementing innovative medication management protocols and streamlining pharmacy workflows.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives in the pharmacy department to enhance service delivery and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
- Introduced new technology solutions into the pharmacy workflow, increasing efficiency and enhancing patient care.
- Managed controlled substances according to federal regulations while maintaining accurate records and reporting any discrepancies as needed.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex medical conditions, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Championed patient advocacy efforts across the organization by promoting awareness of medication-related issues and implementing evidence-based practice initiatives.
- Stayed current on emerging pharmaceutical trends and advancements through continuing education courses, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
- Facilitated communication between pharmacy staff, physicians, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless coordination of care for patients.
- Participated in hospital committees focused on formulary management, clinical practice guidelines development, or other pertinent topics related to pharmacy practice within the healthcare setting.
- Developed customized strategies for improving adherence among chronically ill patients through educational interventions and personalized follow-up plans.
- Maintained appropriate drug records and completed reports as necessary.
- Educated patients about possible drug interactions and gave special administration instructions.
- Vaccinated patients to provide immunity against influenza, pneumonia, and other diseases.
- Complied with pharmacy regulations to increase quality of health care and inhibit criminal abuse of drugs.
- Helped patients overcome vaccine hesitancy by providing facts about efficacy and safety data.
- Provided education and support to reduce obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff, enabling business to serve more patients.
- Effectively prioritized tasks and organized workflow to increase efficiency.
- Monitored ordering of pharmacy medication stock to maintain streamlined inventory and low overhead.
- Displayed patient-oriented and comprehensive clinical pharmacy services and pharmaceutical care.
- Completed accurate cycle counts, inventory management and will-calls for customers.
- Closely monitored department performance metrics.
Director, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Cambridge Health Alliance
06.2012 - 05.2018
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
- Spearheaded successful product launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
- Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to address client-specific metrics.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the company''s reputation in the community and industry at large.
- Drafted and distributed reports to assist board members with critical business decisions.
- Oversaw supply chain functions to verify inventory levels and budget adherence.
- Evaluated scripts to identify creative strategies and resource needs.
- Selected favorable filming locations and attained required permits to support shoot schedule.
- Evaluated live broadcasts to assess signal strength and compliance with FCC standards.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
Manager, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Cambridge Health Alliance
05.2008 - 06.2012
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Led change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation without compromising employee morale or productivity levels.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools for informed strategy development.
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns that boosted brand awareness and generated significant sales leads.
- Launched new products and services with thorough market research, leading to increased revenue growth.
- Cultivated partnerships with external stakeholders to maximize business opportunities and extend network reach within the industry sector.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth.
- Established robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential operational challenges or disruptions.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Pharmacy Manager
Walgreens
06.2003 - 05.2008
- 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.
- Led a high-performing team of pharmacists and technicians to deliver exceptional patient care and service.
- Trained pharmacy interns and newly hired pharmacy technicians.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
- Addressed customer complaints professionally and efficiently by conducting root-cause analysis investigations to resolve issues effectively.
- 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.
- Recommended OTC devices or medication options to help mitigate individual symptoms.
- Supported employee growth and development by providing regular performance feedback, mentoring opportunities, and career advancement resources.
- Developed strong relationships with healthcare providers, ensuring seamless coordination of care for patients.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
- Enforced compliance with pharmacy regulations and maintained up-to-date records of all medications dispensed.
- Vaccinated patients to provide immunity against influenza, pneumonia, and other diseases.
- Collaborated with store manager to maintain daily operations.
- 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.
- Increased revenue through effective promotions, marketing strategies, and cross-selling initiatives.
- Oversaw procurement processes to ensure adequate stock levels while minimizing waste from expired products.
- 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.
- Protected drug inventories from damage or theft by establishing and enforcing clear pharmacy security policies.
- Developed policies and procedures for effective pharmacy management.
- Streamlined pharmacy operations for increased efficiency by implementing new inventory management systems.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing personalized consultations and medication management services.
- Evaluated patient histories to assess medication compliance and spot issues such as doctor shopping or excessive usage.
- Facilitated community outreach events promoting health awareness, education, and preventive measures against various diseases.
- Spearheaded the implementation of medication therapy management services, enhancing patient outcomes and adherence rates.
- Conducted medical device training to treat and rehabilitate illnesses and diseases safely.
- Helped patients overcome vaccine hesitancy by providing facts about efficacy and safety data.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams in developing comprehensive treatment plans for complex cases requiring multiple medications or therapies.
- Maintained safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Removed trash and straightened counters to keep pharmacy area clean and neat.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.
- Successfully negotiated client contract renewals to create increased revenue.
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
Store Operations Manager
Walgreens
06.2001 - 05.2003
- Implemented loss prevention measures, reducing shrinkage and improving overall store profitability.
- Increased sales by [Number]% with special displays and promotions.
- Created a positive work environment through effective communication and team-building activities, resulting in high employee retention rates.
- Led process improvements initiatives that resulted in streamlined operations workflow across departments.
- Facilitated regular staff meetings to discuss store goals, share updates on progress towards those objectives, and address any challenges or concerns collectively as a team.
- Maintained strict compliance with company policies and procedures as well as local regulations, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable terms, achieving cost savings and timely deliveries.
- Increased sales with effective staff training and development programs, ensuring excellent customer service.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak hours while controlling labor costs.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly, fostering a culture of exceptional service that generated repeat business.
- Evaluated sales data and trends to identify opportunities for growth, implementing targeted marketing campaigns accordingly.
- Managed inventory levels for optimal product availability, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.
- Oversaw store layout and visual merchandising to create an inviting shopping environment that drove customer engagement.
- Actively sought feedback from employees and customers to identify areas for improvement, implementing changes as needed.
- Conducted regular staff performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Worked closely with the human resources department on hiring decisions to attract top talent for key roles within the store team.
- Analyzed competitors'' strategies to adapt our own tactics accordingly, maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
- Improved store efficiency by streamlining operational processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Managed store safety protocols and emergency response procedures, ensuring a secure environment for both staff and customers.
- Assisted in budget development and financial tracking, ensuring adherence to established fiscal guidelines and targets.
- Collaborated with other managers to develop cross-functional solutions for increased store performance.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Developed and implemented successful staff incentive programs to motivate employees.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
Pharmacist
Walgreens
05.2001 - 06.2001
- Managed high volume of prescriptions daily while maintaining excellent customer service and attention to detail.
- Developed strong relationships with healthcare providers to optimize patient care and medication adherence.
- Maintained appropriate drug records and completed reports as necessary.
- Educated patients about possible drug interactions and gave special administration instructions.
- Collaborated with pharmacy team members to develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement in quality of care.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging pharmaceutical trends by attending conferences and completing continuing education courses.
- Mentored and trained new pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, fostering a supportive work environment focused on professional growth.
- Complied with pharmacy regulations to increase quality of health care and inhibit criminal abuse of drugs.
- Reduced medication errors within the pharmacy by developing and implementing a continuous quality improvement program.
- Streamlined prescription filling process, maximizing accuracy and minimizing wait times for patients.
- Helped patients overcome vaccine hesitancy by providing facts about efficacy and safety data.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive medication therapy management and counseling.
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff, enabling business to serve more patients.
- Collaborated with insurance providers to resolve billing discrepancies, ensuring timely reimbursement for pharmacy services.
- Served as liaison between the pharmacy department and other healthcare professionals, facilitating communication regarding patient care plans.
- Educated patients on proper medication use.
- Counseled patients regarding proper intake of medications.
- Counseled customers on medications, appropriate dosage and potential side effects.
- Assisted other pharmacy staff with drug inventory, purchasing and receiving.
- Dispensed and verified patient prescription orders, conducting necessary utilization reviews.
- Managed drug and supply inventories.
- Performed technical processes required to dispense medications to patients.
- Advised patients on medication side effects and contraindications and explained proper administration.
- Provided consultations and answered inquiries from patients, healthcare professionals and physicians regarding drugs, potential side effects, and specified use.
- Effectively prioritized tasks and organized workflow to increase efficiency.
- Supervised and coached team of pharmacy technicians and trainees.
- Monitored ordering of pharmacy medication stock to maintain streamlined inventory and low overhead.
- Hand counted controlled medications, measured liquids and reconstituted antibiotics.
- Displayed patient-oriented and comprehensive clinical pharmacy services and pharmaceutical care.
- Reconstituted oral liquids.
- Completed accurate cycle counts, inventory management and will-calls for customers.
- Achieved and maintained top customer satisfaction and retention by cultivating productive relationships with patients.
Education
Advanced Drug Store Management - Advanced Operations Management
Walgreens Corporate Education
Deerfield, IL06.2002
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
Boston, MA05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Psychology
York University
Toronto, Ontario05.1997
Skills
- Pharmaceutical Care
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Training
- Directing pharmacy operations
- Process Improvements
- Transition of care understanding
- Insurance Coordination
- Pharmacy operations management
- Operations Support
- Delegating assignments
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Profitability understanding
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Collaboration and Teamwork
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 3 in the development of Centralized Prescription Refill Project.
Timeline
Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer
Cambridge Health Alliance
05.2018 - Current
Director, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Cambridge Health Alliance
06.2012 - 05.2018
Manager, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Cambridge Health Alliance
05.2008 - 06.2012
Pharmacy Manager
Walgreens
06.2003 - 05.2008
Store Operations Manager
Walgreens
06.2001 - 05.2003
Pharmacist
Walgreens
05.2001 - 06.2001
Advanced Drug Store Management - Advanced Operations Management
Walgreens Corporate Education
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Psychology
York University
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