Pharmacists play an essential role in a patient’s health care experience – whether they are working with one patient at a time or utilizing their expertise to improve health outcomes for millions of Americans.
At Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefits management (PBM) arm of Evernorth, many of our pharmacists began their careers dispensing medications in a pharmacy setting. Today, they play a critical role in addressing the needs of large populations, yet their work still has significance for individual patients. Express Scripts serves more than 100 million members each year, providing the pharmacists with a wide view of pharmacy trends and health care challenges.
For example, Express Scripts pharmacists work with data and analytics, in product development, supporting the supply chain, and developing clinical solutions to help improve patient health and to make access to medications safer and more affordable. To celebrate National Pharmacist Day, we are spotlighting a few PBM pharmacists and showcasing how they help shape the pharmacy care experience and improve health care.
Anthony Grillo
Vice President, Pharma Strategy and Contracting
Express Scripts
Anthony Grillo works with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to avoid disruptions in the supply of prescription drugs and to ensure Express Scripts members have seamless access to the therapies they need.
Jill Noehren
Senior Director, Physician Experience
Express Scripts
Jill Noehren is a trusted advisor to Express Scripts clients. Jill and her team inform and influence physicians and other health care providers to improve patients’ health outcomes. They provide benefit and clinical consultations about cost savings opportunities, gaps in care, and medication adherence concerns.
Her team, which includes more than 40 pharmacists and technicians, analyzes pharmacy and medical claims data to identify opportunities for better patient care. They provide patient-specific, actionable information to help prescribers address concerns such as switching to a lower-cost medication, improving adherence, or understanding new protocols.
Edgardo Santiago-Marrero
Clinical Director, Health Plan Division
Express Scripts
Edgardo Santiago-Marrero oversees a team of Regulated Market clinical account executives that serves Express Scripts health plan clients. The team provides consultation to clients on clinical- and formulary-related initiatives, clinical programs, trend evaluation, and interpretation of guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Celeste Player
Senior Vice President, Strategic Drug Sourcing
Express Scripts
Celeste Player is responsible for contracting and drug procurement that leverages Express Scripts’ scale, delivers savings, and ensures our pharmacies have medications to meet the needs of the patients we serve.
Suzanne Strednak
Clinical Program Director, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Express Scripts
Suzanne Strednak oversees a team that ensures members who may be impacted by a change in the formulary – which lists covered drugs – can receive a temporary supply if needed. Her team also supports clients during CMS program audits and provides clinical and regulatory oversight and expertise to ensure CMS compliance and member access.
