Q: Where did you grow up?
Conway, Pennsylvania (approximately 20 miles NW of Pittsburgh). I bleed black and gold – yes, I even cheer for the Pirates!
Q: Where did you go to college/graduate school?
I received both my pharmacy (B.S.Ph.) and law (J.D.) degrees from Ohio Northern University.
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: It is hard to pass up a medium rare bone-in ribeye steak.
Movie: I am a fan of Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.
Musicians: Although my music tastes are broad, I’ve remained true to my Generation X roots. My favorite band remains Pearl Jam.
Destination: In the U.S., my favorite destination is New Orleans. I love the food, music, architecture, and culture. Abroad, either Belgium for its mix of cultures or Paris for food, wine, history, and culture.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
With four children, I spend a lot of time supporting them in their athletic and theater interests from the stands. When not cheering on my children, I enjoy playing golf (though I’m not very good). I also enjoy cooking and barbequing, and I am an avid craft beer fan—I’ve traveled the country for beer festivals and a good beer. My wife and I love to travel with family and friends.
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
Avita is the largest independent nationwide provider of pharmacy services and solutions for Ryan White/STD Grantees, AIDS Service Organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. We care for more than 100,000 patients through over 250 covered entity relationships at 60 pharmacies nationwide. For our partners, we offer 340B program administration and onsite pharmacy management as well as customized community and patient outreach support. In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, we have deep expertise in HIV, PrEP, STI, LGBTQ+, and gender-affirming care. We are passionate about helping our patients unlock a healthier life through individual-focused care, and we want everyone we serve to feel deeply understood, cared for, and empowered to reach their full potential for health.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
As a pharmacist, I am passionate about the critical role that pharmacies play in health care. Pharmacies provide patients, communities, and prescribers with a trusted community-focused health care resource. As part of a national pharmacy services organization that partners with 340B covered entities to provide access to medication, I am able to be part of the solution in helping to alleviate disparities in health care, remove social stigmas, and provide care to patients and communities most in need.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer/client?
Avita has experienced tremendous growth and change in a very short period of time. We combined and integrated four legacy companies (PharMedQuest, Longs/Avita, Paramount, and PharmBlue) into one organization – Avita. This growth and integration of people, processes, and cultures has, at times, been a challenge. My most significant contribution has been helping to bring all of those teams together and empowering them to become the best Avita we can be for our partners and patients who count on the care and expertise we provide. I am incredibly proud of the Avita team!
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
As simple as it sounds, have fun and follow your passion! Find a place that aligns with your personal mission and that empowers you to inquire, develop, and grow. Ask plenty of questions (health care can be complicated) and listen. Find a mentor and build a circle of trust. Then, return the favor and mentor someone else.
For questions, Michael can be reached at michael.yount@avitapharmacy.com.
