Throughout my career, one theme has remained constant: adaptability. In an industry as complex and ever-changing as pharmacy and healthcare benefits, the ability to evolve is a necessary skill. Looking back, my journey to ChoiceScripts Rx has been anything but linear, but it’s the unpredictability that has shaped me into the leader I am today.
From Pharmacy Dreams to a New Reality
Like many in this industry, my career began with a vision: I wanted to own my own pharmacy. The idea of directly helping patients, and ensuring they received the medications and care they needed was what drove me. But, as I stepped deeper into the world of pharmacy, I began to realize that the bigger picture of how medications are accessed, managed, and paid for was just as crucial as dispensing them.
Had I pursued my original plan of owning a pharmacy, I would have likely faced the same difficult choices many independent pharmacists encounter today—whether to sell to a large conglomerate or close the doors altogether. The consolidation of small pharmacies has changed the landscape dramatically, making it harder for independent owners to compete and maintain their businesses.
This realization led me to explore the payer side of healthcare, where I could impact not just individual patients but entire populations. I was on the verge of joining a healthcare tech company when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and like so many others, I found myself at a crossroads when a hiring freeze halted that opportunity. It was during this time that I was introduced to the owner of ClaimChoice, who saw potential in my experience and brought me on as their Chief Pharmacy Officer. That pivotal moment eventually led to cofounding ChoiceScripts, where I could leverage everything I had learned to drive real change in pharmacy benefits management.
Embracing Change in an Unstable Industry
Pharmacy benefits management (PBM) is an intricate world. Optimizing plan design, leveraging alternative funding solutions, and managing data and analytics to identify actionable insights all require a deep understanding of both clinical and financial dynamics, along with the ability to refine contract language to maximize value for clients. Having worked on both the provider and payer sides, I’ve developed a keen ability to see challenges from multiple angles, allowing me to craft solutions that truly balance cost and care.
However, simply having the knowledge isn’t enough. Staying ahead means committing to continuous learning. Whether it’s new regulatory policies, advancements in digital health, or shifts in drug pricing strategies, the ability to adapt and innovate separates those who thrive from those who struggle to keep up.
The Power of Flexibility and Curiosity
If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that rigidity is the fastest way to fall behind. The most successful professionals in this space aren’t just experts in their field—they’re also the ones willing to challenge the status quo, explore new solutions, and embrace change.
At ChoiceScripts, we’re not just reacting to industry shifts; we’re anticipating them. We ask tough questions, experiment with new strategies, and most importantly, we listen—to our clients, our partners, and members.
Final Thoughts
The phrase “bend or break” couldn’t be more fitting for my journey. Had I remained fixed on my original career path, I might have missed out on the opportunities that ultimately brought me here. Learning to bend and remain flexible, open-minded, and adaptable—has allowed me to not only grow professionally but also make a lasting impact in the industry I care so deeply about.
For anyone navigating their own career shifts, my advice is simple: Stay curious. Stay open. And most importantly, be willing to evolve. The best opportunities often come from the unexpected, and in an industry that never stands still, those who learn to bend won’t just survive—they’ll shape the future.