Yi-Chih Peng, PharmD, inpatient pharmacy supervisor at Oakland, Calif.-based Alameda Health System, spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about challenges pharmacy leaders must overcome and a belief in healthcare that needs to be challenged.
Editor's Note: Responses were edited for length and clarity
Question: What are some of the challenges pharmacy leaders must overcome?
Dr. Yi-Chih Peng: There are several, including managing time and resources while also understanding various regulatory requirements and consensus practices among different surveyors.
Q: When it comes to managing drug spend, what advice would you offer other pharmacy leaders?
YP: Using formulary drug use controls and preventing medication waste. In addition, I would say it is important to stay up to date on drug-pricing projections. Lastly, I would say remain proactive and strategize with the team on any potential medication shortages.
Q: What is one belief in healthcare that needs to be challenged?
YP: Many people believe that there is adequate resources distribution. I would argue there is not. I think this needs to change.