2015 Technology Innovator of the Year Finalists

2015 Technology Innovator of the Year Finalists

Director of PBM, Plan Accounts, CoverMyMeds

Columbus, OH

Julie Hessick, RPh, is the director of PBM/plan accounts with CoverMyMeds. “Her accomplishments over the past couple of years have seen pharmacy benefit managers and plans recognize large operational savings through work flow efficiencies,” her nominator wrote. “She has also operationalized clinical criteria to allow providers to receive real-time determinations in some cases, which allows patients to get their medication in a timely manner.”

Greatest Achievements

The implementation of electronic prior authorizations (ePAs) at scale with several PBMs is my greatest achievement.

Source of Inspiration

At CoverMyMeds, I am surrounded by a brilliant, passionate team. Each day we collaborate on ways to improve patient adherence and impact the health care system.

Personal Philosophy

I value our health and believe that health is our greatest form of wealth.

Vision for Pharmacy

Since pharmacists work closely with their patients, we are essential for optimizing medication use, improving patient health, and promoting positive patient outcomes.

VP, Clinical & Technology Services, Artia Solutions LLC

Tallahassee, FL

Greg Kitchens, PharmD, is vice president of clinical and technology services for Artia Solutions LLC. His nominator wrote, “I think it’s exciting to see an energetic and motivated young pharmacist lead the way in an industry that expects perfection and top quality.

Greatest Achievements

The development of a Web portal that is tailored to each client and tracks preferred drug list status and other detailed Medicaid pharmacy information.

Source of Inspiration

I’m inspired daily by my family. They give me the drive and support needed to continually improve Artia Solutions and the innovative services we provide our clients.

Personal Philosophy

I believe we should be constantly changing and improving the way we provide patient care to evolve with our changing health care system.

Vision for Pharmacy

At Artia Solutions, we are dedicated to assisting pharmaceutical companies navigate the complex and changing governmental marketplace. We’ve provided unequaled experience in developing successful strategies that allow access to products while protecting profitability.

CEO, VUCA Health

Lake Mary, FL

David Medvedeff is CEO of VUCA Health. “The solution developed by David and his team not only focuses on patients from a language and literacy perspective, but also supports pharmacy practice by minimizing the time and expense committed to ‘dispensing paper,’” his nominator wrote.

Greatest Achievements

Without a doubt, it is my wonderful family. Professionally speaking, it is the amazing network of colleagues I have developed over my career.

Source of Inspiration

It sounds cliché, but it really is about the patient. There are many opportunities to systematically enhance the patient experience, and I am deeply inspired to do my part in making an impact.

Personal Philosophy

There are 2 related quotes: (1) Do not measure the mountain until you’ve reached the top, and (2) A small team of A+ players can run circles around a large team of B and C players.

Vision for Pharmacy

I believe pharmacy practice will include accessing and managing large volumes of data, both about the patient (eg, genomics, clinical monitoring data, patient tendencies) and the medication regimen (eg, kinetics pathways, anticholinergic burden).