Q: Where did you grow up?
Houston, TX
Q: Where did you go to college/graduate school?
For undergrad, I graduated from the University of Houston. Later in life I went back to school and got my master’s in clinical practice management from Texas Tech University Health Science Center.
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: Mexican! I could eat Mexican food everyday and never get tired of it!
Movie: The original Star Wars movie! I love Sci-Fi movies and this it the one that started it all for me as a kid! Honorable mention would be Cape Fear! Great actors and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Musicians: Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and Nas.
Destination: I have a few but my favorite would be the twin islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not at work I’m spending time with my wife and two teenagers. When we’re not going to one of the kids’ sporting events or band performances, we like to see movies and try new restaurants. My family and I also love to travel and experience new cultures!
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
At Verity our solutions, such as VERISAVE for purchase optimization, Fusebox Inventory Management System, and our Own Use Program, empower healthcare systems and providers to optimize purchasing strategies and inventory management to achieve critical cost savings and better outcomes. Additionally, we excel at providing top-of-the-line system solutions with outstanding client support. Our Account Management team is given the tools, and the time, to proactively manage their clients’ programs and optimize the benefits of 340B. Our product and development teams constantly add additional tools, updates and features to our platform. This is why Verity Solutions has been recognized 7 times as Best in KLAS for 340B Management Systems by KLAS Research.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
I feel like 340B chose me! Prior to 340B, I was working in another area of healthcare and was downsized. Two weeks after the previous job ended, I got an interview for a position within 340B. Ten years later, through all the ups and downs in the industry, I couldn’t be any happier working in the 340B space.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer/client?
During my tenure in the 340B space, I’ve implemented 340B programs in hundreds of covered entities (CEs). Over the years, I’ve interacted with CEs of various sizes, and had the opportunity to see first-hand how the 340B program has positively impacted these non-profit facilities to be able to serve their indigent patients. I would say my most significant contribution to the 340B world is having the ability to build out a CEs contract pharmacy program and be able to show the before and after savings impact to their bottom-line. In addition, I’ve been part of several projects over the years that enhanced the efficiency and compliance of the 340B programs of the CEs I served.
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
My advice is to be ready for constant change! Whether it’s government initiated or drug manufacturer restrictions, the 340B industry is ever evolving. I would say to a young professional to stay abreast of the various changes that are impacting the industry. This can be done by subscribing to newsletters such as the 340B Report, and attending the bi-annual coalition conferences. I would also recommend that any young professional who plans to stay in the industry become ACE certified. My final piece of advice would be to realize that each day you come to work in 340B, know that you’re positively impacting the lives of the indigent population in this country.
For questions, Marcus Hill can be reached at mhill@verity340b.com.
