What does a head of pharmacy do?

1 Planning and forecasting

A head of pharmacy needs to plan and forecast the demand and supply of medications, supplies, and equipment for the pharmacy department. This involves analyzing data, trends, and patterns, as well as collaborating with other departments, vendors, and stakeholders. A head of pharmacy also needs to develop and implement inventory policies and procedures, such as ordering, receiving, storing, dispensing, and disposing of medications and supplies.

2 Monitoring and controlling

A head of pharmacy needs to monitor and control the inventory levels, costs, and quality of the pharmacy department. This involves conducting regular audits, inspections, and reviews, as well as tracking and reporting inventory performance indicators, such as turnover, accuracy, wastage, and shrinkage. A head of pharmacy also needs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and best practices for inventory management.

3 Optimizing and improving

A head of pharmacy needs to optimize and improve the inventory efficiency and effectiveness of the pharmacy department. This involves identifying and resolving inventory issues, problems, and risks, as well as implementing inventory improvement initiatives, such as lean, just-in-time, or kanban methods. A head of pharmacy also needs to evaluate and adopt new technologies, systems, and tools for inventory management, such as barcode scanners, automated dispensing machines, or inventory management software.

4 Leading and managing

A head of pharmacy needs to lead and manage the pharmacy staff, including pharmacists, technicians, assistants, and clerks. This involves hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and motivating the pharmacy team, as well as creating and maintaining a positive and productive work environment. A head of pharmacy also needs to communicate and coordinate with other managers, leaders, and departments within the health care facility, as well as external partners, such as suppliers, distributors, and regulators.

5 Learning and developing

A head of pharmacy needs to learn and develop their inventory management skills and knowledge continuously. This involves staying updated on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in pharmacy and inventory management, as well as participating in professional development opportunities, such as courses, workshops, webinars, or conferences. A head of pharmacy also needs to share and exchange their inventory management insights and experiences with their peers, colleagues, and networks, as well as seek feedback and guidance from mentors, coaches, or consultants.

A head of pharmacy is a challenging and rewarding role that requires a high level of inventory management expertise and experience. A head of pharmacy can make a significant impact on the quality, safety, and efficiency of the pharmacy department and the health care facility as a whole.