Rita Shane, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP, first joined Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as an intern pharmacist, quickly rising through the ranks, serving as clinical coordinator and assistant director of pharmacy, prior to becoming director of pharmacy in 1988. In 2015, as the health system grew and Dr. Shane excelled in her leadership roles, she was promoted to chief pharmacy officer of the 886-bed academic medical center.
Dr. Shane also serves as the assistant dean of clinical pharmacy services and a professor of pharmacy at the University of California-San Francisco School of Pharmacy. She has been with the pharmacy school for more than 20 years.
Becker's Hospital Review recently asked her to discuss the biggest opportunity for pharmacy this year, the impact of drug shortages on Cedars-Sinai and a specific drug she is keeping her eyes on.
Here's what she had to say:
Editor's Note: Responses were edited for length and clarity.
Question: What is the biggest opportunity for pharmacy this year?
Dr. Rita Shane: Pharmacy has the opportunity to help support health system goals related to expense management and population health.
Q: How, if at all, have drug shortages affected Cedars-Sinai's approach to prescribing and dispensing drugs?
RS: There is now an ongoing need to evaluate alternatives and get medical staff input on alternatives. It is also important to prioritize the inventory that is left. Additionally, the health system must ensure nursing engagement and education when medications must be administered differently due to the shortages.
Q: Is there a specific drug making its way to the market that you have your eye on?
RS: I have my eye on gene therapies and CAR-T therapies.
Q: What advice would you offer other pharmacy leaders when it comes to achieving formulary compliance?
RS: My advice to other pharmacy leaders to achieve compliance is to ensure you have an evidence-based approach. Additionally, make sure you take into account input from medical staff with expertise, evaluate usage and provide feedback to the medical staff.
If you are interested in participating in a thought leadership Q&A, email Alia Paavola at apaavola@beckershealthcare.com