WVU Health System names chief pharmacy officer
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Todd Karpinski, Pharm.D., an experienced leader in pharmacy operations, has been named chief pharmacy officer for the West Virginia University Health System, Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO, announced today (Jan. 14).
In his newly created role, Dr. Karpinski will be responsible for the strategic planning, development, and operations of all WVU Medicine pharmacy services across the West Virginia University Health System. His charge will include identifying and growing opportunities for business development and clinical services, as well as managing operations, pharmacy data analytics, and pharmacy procurement. He will also direct strategic initiatives aimed at driving cost-reduction efforts and achieving the highest in clinical quality and customer service across all WVU Medicine facilities.
“Todd has an extensive career in leading and problem solving, particularly within large environments, like our System,” Wright said. “His ultimate goals will be providing efficient, value-driven services that meet the needs of patients, physicians, trainees, the public, and staff. This is an especially crucial role as we continue our efforts to build a highly efficient and integrated healthcare delivery system, the primary focus of which will be on population health.”
Wright said a Journal of American Medical Association study published last year, entitled “Health Care Spending in the United States and Other High-Income Countries” examined the disparities of healthcare spending in the U.S. and other countries. According to the study, the U.S. spent approximately twice as much as other high-income countries on medical care, yet utilization rates in the U.S. were largely similar to those in other nations. The study concluded that pharmaceuticals were one of several major drivers of the difference in the overall cost between the U.S. and other high-income countries.
“Todd will therefore focus much of his thinking on developing strategies around how we can reduce our pharmaceutical costs while still improving the overall level of care and the outcomes of our patients,” Wright said.
Karpinski joins WVU from his position as national director of ambulatory pharmacy for The Resource Group, a component of Ascension Health. The Resource Group is a business consulting organization that provides contracting, operations and logistics, and integrated management strategies and implementation services to clients across the United States.
As director, he was responsible for developing and maintaining high quality, patient-focused ambulatory pharmacy services in alignment with clients’ strategic planning priorities. He identified opportunities for clients in infusion therapy and specialty pharmacy, as well as pharmacy services in physician offices and clinics. His role included the strategy, direction, and business decisions in these areas.
Karpinski was formerly chief pharmacy officer and associate dean for health system practice at Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin. During his 10-year tenure there, he helped lead and create an extensive ambulatory pharmacy model that included 12 retail pharmacies, a large specialty pharmacy program, mail-order services, and home infusion and integrated pharmacists into primary and specialty practice clinics.
Karpinski serves as a board member with the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists and is a current fellow with the American College of Health System Executives. In 2013, he received the Pharmacist of the Year from the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University and his Master of Science in Hospital Pharmacy from the University of Kansas.
His first day with WVU Medicine is Feb. 18.