We celebrate the contributions, achievements, and engagement of our alumni. We invite you to learn more about members of our Badger pharmacy family through the alumni profiles.

When did you get your degree(s) at UW? What is/was your area of expertise?
I received my Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing, Risk Management and Insurance) from UW-Madison in 2003 and PharmD in 2009. My expertise is Managed Care and Pharmacy Benefit Management.

Where do you currently work? What are your job responsibilities?
I work at Navitus Health Solutions and am Manager in our Industry Relations & Contracting department out of our Madison office. My current job responsibilities include negotiating with drug manufacturers with the goal of lowering the cost of prescription drugs while maintaining clinical appropriateness.

Describe a special memory from your time at the School of Pharmacy?
One of my favorite memories was the daily walk from my parking spot near picnic point into the school of pharmacy for classes. Most days it turned into a jog with me running late…

How do you feel pharmaceutical sciences and/or the pharmacy profession has changed since you graduated from the School of Pharmacy?
I think one big change was that pharmacy seemed to be very heavily focused on inpatient pharmacy practice over a decade ago. However, there has begun to be more attention and education given to support other practice opportunities such as retail and managed care. There is an increased market demand for pharmacists that understand the business and financial impacts that the industry has on society and patient care.

How do you “stay connected” with UW grads or with the School of Pharmacy?
Participation as a member of the Pharmacy Alumni Association (PAA) Board and attendance at local meetings.

What advice would you give to current or aspiring pharmacy (PharmD or graduate) students?
Same thing that I tell my three kids – don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t steal. Also learned daily from a prior employer based out of Iowa that smiling and integrity go a long way in life.

If you had to take one course again. What course and how would you do?
Drug Literature Evaluation. I would have focused more on the best practices of written communication.

Faculty and or staff member remembered the most and why?
Lee Vermeulen. I was fortunate enough to work for him for a couple of summers in an administrative role at the Center for Drug Policy before and during pharmacy school. He also taught the Drug Literature Evaluation course at the time. His knowledge and intensity for accuracy set a high standard and for me was extremely valuable as I entered pharmacy school and went on to consider a career in managed care.

Hobbies/interests
Hanging out with my wife and kids. Various sports, exercising, fishing, and sleeping in if and when possible.

Random thoughts…
UW-Madison Students – sign up as an IPPE or APPE at Navitus if you have an interest in learning more about Managed Care and Pharmacy Benefit Management in the Madison area.