Q: Where did you grow up?
I was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up most of my life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We moved a few times, but it was all within the city. The best memories I had growing up were playing sports at the park and on our block.
Q: Where did you go to college?
I received a Bachelors in Healthcare Administration and Policy from Penn State University then I completed a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Widener University in the state of Delaware.
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: Barbecue Ribs!
Movie: Home Alone
Musicians: NF, Aha Gazelle, Lecrae
Destination: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family! I have 4 kids so any breaks I get are to have game nights and movie nights with them.
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
My company provides third party administration services. My company stands out because it is truly a 340B TPA built by and operated by 340B professionals that worked at covered entities. We provide a full suite of 340B solutions.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
This is a funny question because the honest truth is I think 340B chose me… I applied for a manager position at a health center to help manage several medication dispensaries. The role included a 340B component and I had no idea what it was. I then realized how much I enjoyed the complexity and challenges of managing the program. A decade later and here I am working on new technology.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer?
I think my most important contribution is to use my experience in 340B combined with my technological experience and create products and solutions that help covered entities continue to maximize their programs. Additionally, I enjoy educating and doing webinars where I get to share my experience with other 340B professionals.
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
I love this question! I have four things for young professionals:
- Write out your goals- as you are exposed to different positions and roles start thinking about the ideal career path for you. Write down your goals: what position do you want next? How much you would want to earn? etc.
- Embrace the challenges- don’t ask for less problems ask for more learning opportunities. When things go wrong it means you get to learn and an opportunity to solve a problem.
- Personal development- Always work on yourself, develop new skills. Working on yourself increases your overall value to the organization and the market. Improve your excel skills, data analytics skills, finance related skills, etc.
- Work hard- sounds cliché but it’s very key in success. Outwork everyone and show the results of your work.
For questions, Anthony Velasquez can be reached at avelasquez@thepharmaforce.com.
