Leadership in Senior Care Pharmacy

This year for Pharmacy Appreciation Month, we sat down (virtually) with two of our leaders Jeff May and Puneet Khanna (who are both licensed pharmacists), to present a unique perspective - on leadership in the senior care pharmacy sector.

Jeff May has been CareRx's Chief Operating Officer since May 2020. Jeff is an industry veteran, bringing over 30 years of pharmacy and other healthcare experience to the organization. Puneet Khanna joined CareRx in November 2020 as our Chief Commercial Officer, and has over 20 years of pharmacy and senior care experience, including serving as CEO at Med e-Care Healthcare Solutions Inc.

CRx: What do you love about pharmacy – what brought you into the industry?

JM: I was drawn to pharmacy because of its ability to help treat health conditions and improve quality of life. I was influenced by two pharmacists in my youth. Their care, compassion, and focus on my health made a substantial difference to me and my family. These two professionals showed me the impact that pharmacists have on people's lives and on society as a whole.

PK: I love that pharmacy is a rewarding career that allows for patient care through various career paths. I have experienced both retail and long-term care pharmacy while working in a number of business areas: operations, human resources, government affairs, marketing, and business development. I feel fortunate to work at CareRx as we are a growing, innovative company that is focused on building better pharmacy services to support seniors across Canada. Being at the forefront of innovation in medication therapy and the use of new technologies to support medication dispensing, administration, and adherence is what excites me about my role and this industry.

CRx: What does your role currently entail?

JM:?I’m responsible for CareRx’s pharmacy service delivery to our home partners, the clinical supports provided by our clinical consultant pharmacists, and the technologies and support services that keep our pharmacies and clinical teams operating. I am also involved in our advocacy efforts with various provincial governments. I have a talented team of over 1,400 people in my division, including pharmacists, registered pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and other specialists in specific functions.

PK: Pharmacy is about developing strong professional relationships to influence health outcomes.?As Chief Commercial Officer, I employ this relationship-building approach with our home partners to improve the health of seniors. I also collaborate with our team in building new and innovative programs, services, and technologies that support our home partners, so they can put more focus on resident care.

"I was influenced by two pharmacists in my youth. Their care, compassion, and focus on my health made a substantial difference to me and my family."

CRx: How does your pharmacy background/experience help you in your current role?

JM: I have had the privilege of having leadership roles in long-term care pharmacy,?a major pharmacy chain, a North American pharmacy business in addition to my experiences as a practicing pharmacist. I have also been involved in advocating for pharmacy through pharmacy associations and regulatory organizations in all provinces in Canada, which includes experience on professional and regulatory boards. My participation in diverse pharmacy practice, management, projects, and strategic initiatives has given me the tools to succeed in my role as COO.?

PK: My pharmacy background helps to understand desired resident health outcomes. Having this joint goal with home partners helps to jointly develop and implement meaningful clinical programs and services for our residents. In addition, my knowledge of the regulations governing the profession is important in program development and assisting home partners with compliance.

If you're considering the pharmacy profession, we hope the insights gleaned from our pharmacy leaders have swayed you in the right direction! What unites all the amazing pharmacists at CareRx - from our registered pharmacy technicians to our clinical consultant pharmacists, pharmacy managers, pharmacy operations leaders, and executive leaders - you all contribute to this incredible company, sector, and profession, because you C.A.R.E! THANK YOU!

#PharmacyAppreciationMonth #PAM2022 #CareRx