pharmacist spotlight

Each month a managed care pharmacist is interviewed about questions regarding managed care and their role within this capacity.  Enjoy the knowledge shared from these pharmacists and feel free to email us with any questions for current or future pharmacists at amcpclub@westernu.edu.

dr. Diane Giaquinta, pharm.d.
StrategiCAre Inc.
president

What do your overall responsibilities entail?

"Consultant in the area of managed care pharmacy and commercialization of new pharmaceuticals to managed care.”

what is a typical day like for you at work?

"Morning usually focused on emails followed by conference calls with clients and research with managed care customers and specific disease reviews, onsite visits with managed care customers for strategic planning.”

What education and experience did you have to prepare you for this position?

"Pharm D from USC, Fellow of the AMCP, jobs in health plans and PBMs in clinical management, PT, network and provider relations, disease management and then overall general management. Additionally, spent several years working directly for the pharmaceutical industry in international managed care. Past President of the AMCP."

What do you like most about your job?

"The diversity of projects and clients.. always interesting."

What about your job do you find the most challenging?

"Lack of deep infrastructure to complete projects.”

what skills do you think are the most vital to being successful as a pharmacist in a managed care position?

"Good communication, research skills, broad marketplace knowledge of all parts of the health care system. Ability to recognize and support the value of a new pharmaceutical.”

what advice would you give to students looking for a career in managed care pharmacy?

"Get experience working in a health plan or PBM, be active in the AMCP.”