EXPERTISE AT THE HELM
DAVID A. KVANCZ MS, RPh, FASHP
Healthcare Consultant
30+ years of experience as a health system pharmacy leader and senior executive for Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, and other organizations. Led and influenced small to large teams up to 13,000 staff, managed budgets to $6B, and operations, clinical, quality, safety, government affairs, compliance, and supply programs. David serves as the Founder and Principal Consultant of Valore Healthcare Consulting.
Developed and implemented contemporary pharmacy facility designs, workflow systems, and leading-edge technologies including $840M outpatient pharmacy system implementation at Kaiser Permanente as well as automated medication use systems and pharmacy facilities for Cleveland Clinic that were recognized as best-in-class.
Designed, justified, and deployed advanced practice models for inpatient/outpatient staff pharmacists, clinical pharmacy specialists, and pharmacy technicians, which were supported by enhanced drug information, drug utilization, quality and safety programs, as well as workload and outcome-measurement systems.
Created the foundation for a national pharmacy program at Kaiser Permanente and led turnaround efforts for Cleveland Clinic, University of Texas Medical Branch, and Tucson Medical Center.
History of building strong, loyal executive teams and cultivating trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders to boost productivity, increase profitability, and accelerate the organizational vision and goals.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
VALORE HEALTHCARE CONSULTING, President
VISANTE INC – Minneapolis, MN
Senior Consultant ▪ 2022 to present
Senior Vice President, Strategic Client Relationships ▪ 2016 to 2022
Visante Inc. is a healthcare consulting company focused on medication use optimization in the US market place. Primary practice areas include Hospitals and Health Systems, Managed Care, and Pharmaceutical and Pharmacy Technology companies. In addition, consulting services are provided in the international healthcare marketplace through Visante Ltd with operations currently located in the United Kingdom and Canada.
- As a member of the senior leadership teams of both Visante Inc and Visante Ltd, responsibilities include expanding key strategic partnership relationships in the primary practice areas with a particular focus on expanding the current offering of Visante consulting services to the pharmaceutical and pharmacy technology marketplaces.
VALORE HEALTHCARE CONSULTING, LLC. – Yorba Linda, CA
President ▪ 2015 to present
Valore Healthcare Consulting offers value based healthcare consulting services focused on improving the understanding of, access to and effective and safe operation of medication use systems within all pharmacy and patient care settings, in addition to providing expertise to the pharmaceutical and pharmacy technology marketplaces.
- Services provided include subject matter expert participation in market research surveys, interview and panel discussions; subject matter expert participation in pharmaceutical and pharmacy technology advisory boards, including facilitator and moderator roles; speaking engagements, lectures, educational program development and presentation for professional and educational organizations as well as pharmaceutical and pharmacy technology companies; and limited scope consulting engagements for medication use system evaluations for safety, efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, diversion and clinical outcomes.
KAISER PERMANENTE – Downey, CA
Vice President, National Pharmacy Programs and Services ▪ 2010 to 2015
Recruited to develop the vision and strategy, and provide the influence required to consolidate eight Kaiser Permanente regions into a national pharmacy program with over 13,000 staff members, 378 outpatient, 38 hospital, and multiple mail-order, specialty and home care pharmacies, as well as infusion clinics and member call centers. In addition, provided inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory clinical services for 10M members nationwide. Total operating costs exceeded $6B.
- Team Building & Leadership: Hired a core group of executives to revamp and revitalize inpatient and outpatient programs and ensure consistent operations, services, accessibility, staffing models, quality, and technologies across the U.S. Brought in executive leadership coach for skill building and change management. Collaborated with KP Hospital and Health Plan executives as well as Permanente Medical Group leaders.
- Automation & Information Technology: Created analytical methodologies to identify the best technology solutions for enterprise-wide operations. Reenergized a faltering project to implement a large outpatient computer system—replacing legacy prescription processing and point-of-sale software—and ensuring full system integration in all regions. Piloted and rolled out EPIC’s Beacon oncology module, Alaris Medley smart infusion pumps, and Pyxis (Carefusion) System 4000 in all patient-care settings.
- Strategic & Operational Planning & Execution: Developed strategic, operational, and capital plans and oversaw all health plan functions to improve member experience, workflow, automation, cost savings, risk management, and clinical outcomes. Interacted extensively with national consultants and regulatory/auditing entities. Integrated the national pharmacy program into the enterprise shared-services strategy and plan.
- Executive Program Sponsor/Co-Sponsor: Led projects to enhance centralized pharmaceutical warehouse distribution, central fill/mail-order consolidation, Medicare PBM replacement, clinic-administered medications, and large-volume IV smart pump implementation. Expanded pharmacy quality, medication safety, and compliance programs and oversaw the creation of a new pharmacy controls improvement program.
- Executive Leadership: Served on the National KP Hospital Committee, KP Quality Council, KP Product Council, KP Business Continuity Management Governance Council, Clinical Library Committee and KP.org Health Strategy and Governance Group, National Pharmacy Compliance Committee, and annual Conference Planning Committee.
- Select Financial Outcomes: Delivered cost savings from national strategic purchases program and drug utilization initiatives exceeding $500M-$700M annually. Identified in excess of $100M in potential labor cost savings based on changes in staff mix, productivity and hours of operation for inpatient and outpatient pharmacies.
- Industry Awards & Recognition: JD Power's #1 Mail Order Pharmacy Program (2009 through 2014), JD Power's Service Champions Award (2011), Medicare 5-Star Health Plan with Prescription Drug Benefit (2011 and 2012), Pharmacy Quality Alliance Medication Safety Excellence Awards (2011 through 2014).
THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION – Cleveland, OH
Chief Pharmacy Officer ▪ 2003 to 2010
Director of Pharmacy ▪ 1997 to 2003
Hired as Director of Pharmacy for the 1,000-bed main campus of the Cleveland Clinic, and promoted to lead all pharmacy operations and programs for the Cleveland Clinic Health System and Cleveland Clinic Florida. Built a world-class team of dedicated, loyal executives and led over 800 FTEs to implement contemporary medication use systems and clinical services
- Major Turnaround Efforts: Provided leadership to transform the organization, secure funding for capital projects, and improve performance results. Retained 100% of direct reports during a period of substantial change and uncertainty. Championed a three-year culture change program.
- Automation & Information Systems: Defined and implemented five-year strategic plan for total redesign of inpatient medication use system. Introduced central pharmacy automation systems such as vertical carousels, decentralized medication cabinets and other preparation, repackaging, and dispensing technologies. Led Cleveland Clinic to become the third health system in the U.S. to go live with EPIC including CPOE and eMAR.
- Facility Redesign: Redesigned and expanded inpatient, satellite, and outpatient pharmacy facilities to improve lean workflow processes and leverage technologies, which were recognized nationally and internationally as best-in-class. Also designed facilities, automation and workflows for new pharmacies at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice Models: Developed an inpatient nursing-unit-based practice model resulting in national recognition for Cleveland Clinic. Significantly expanded the clinical pharmacy specialist program, drug information services, investigational drug services, quality, safety, research outcomes and ASHP-accredited residency programs.
- Personnel Management: Created a regional and national branding and recruitment program for pharmacists during workforce shortage as well as work-at-home program. Developed a career-ladder program for all staff pharmacists, clinical specialists, and pharmacy technicians. Defined non-pharmacist roles for key pharmacy leader positions.
- Health System Integration: Consolidated all foundational elements of the pharmacy program including supply chain, information & automation systems, drug information services, formulary management, Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee functions, outpatient pharmacy operations, accreditation & regulatory services. Implemented mandatory employee prescription refill program through new mail order pharmacy operations ($1.5M savings annually.)
- High-Profile Leadership: Served on the Cleveland Clinic Medical Operations Committee, JCAHO SWAT team and task forces on Prevention of Errors in Medicine, Alternative Medicines, and Pain Management. Chaired CCHS Directors of Pharmacy Committees for Cleveland Health Network (a regional IDN/GPO). Major initiatives included wholesaler contract ($6.3M savings over five years), two PBM RFP and selection processes for CHN member pharmacy benefit plan (90K+ lives) and outsourcing of TPNs and cardioplegia through unique partnership with B. Braun/CAPS.
- Select Financial Outcomes: Maintained total-cost-per-admit of <2.8% average and drug-cost-per-admit of <1.5%. Drove ambulatory prescription volume 95% and increased contribution margin >97% in seven years. Improved total pharmacy departmental margins 73.5% in seven years. Captured $10M in cost savings and avoidance in one year ($6M above goal). Negotiated millions in contract savings.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH – Galveston, TX
Associate Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services ▪ 1994 to 1997
Planned and directed services for a 900-bed hospital and 107 clinics supported by five ambulatory pharmacies. Oversaw the outpatient pharmacy program, clinical pharmacy services, information systems, purchasing, inventory, billing, and process improvements. Led 170 employees. Served as Program Director for ASHP-accredited residency.
- Clinical Pharmacy Services & Practice Model Expansion: Recruited clinical pharmacist specialists to expand ambulatory care, oncology, nephrology, pediatrics, investigational drug services, and other practice areas. Developed home care pharmacy facility as well as IV infusion and pharmacist-based anticoagulation clinic programs.
- Contemporary Facilities Design & Technology Systems: Led improvement and turnaround projects for medication use systems in inpatient and ambulatory pharmacies. Selected medication order and prescription-filling technology and created facility redesigns and workflows to support these high-volume systems. Coordinated outpatient pharmacy computer system RFP and conversion of inpatient pharmacy computer system. Developed software tools for general ledger postings, COGS and inventory tracking, employee record management, and outcomes monitoring.
- Pharmacy Purchasing & Fiscal Management: Acquired Public Health Service (PHS) drug pricing to save $2M annually. Implemented government/industry-sponsored patient assistance programs. Secured $3M in cost avoidance and reimbursement on $22M drug budget. Managed online adjudication, patient co-payment systems, and managed care contracts for prescription benefit services in support of $8M ambulatory prescription cost reimbursement program.
TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER – Tucson, AZ ▪ 1982 to 1994
Assistant Director of Pharmacy ▪ Pioneered and directed inpatient and ambulatory pharmacy services for 650-bed acute care community teaching hospital and affiliated facilities. Introduced mobile decentralized pharmacist services, inpatient medication computer system, automated Pyxis cabinets, syringe mini-infuser system, 24-hour TPN program, facility redesign, staff pharmacist drug utilization initiatives & clinical pharmacy services as well as cost accounting and purchasing programs.
PRODUCTIVE DATA MANAGEMENT – Los Angeles, CA ▪ 1992 to 1993
Consultant Pharmacist │ Designed and developed Windows-based inpatient medical system software to replace legacy medication ordering, monitoring, and charting for all hospital clients.
THE STRATFORD CENTER / HOPE CENTER / CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH – Tucson, AZ ▪ 1987 to 1994
Consultant Pharmacist │ Designed and implemented computerized PC pharmacy software and created automated workflow processes for methadone treatment health care clinics. Provided weekly dispensing and inventory record-keeping services.
MOUNT CARMEL MEDICAL CENTER – Columbus, OH ▪ 1979 to 1982
Special Pharmacy Projects Coordinator │ Managed construction of 4,500-square-foot pharmacy facility, JCAH accreditation visit preparation, and risk-management review of the mobile decentralized program for this teaching hospital.
Hospital Pharmacy Resident (ASHP Accredited) │ Implemented and evaluated mobile decentralized pharmacy services.
View the detailed list here: Expert Witness
▪The Ohio State University Medical Center, Clifton J. Latiolais Award for Excellence in Health System Pharmacy (2008)
▪ Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, John W. Webb Visiting Professor Award for Excellence in Health-System Pharmacy Leadership (2005)
▪ The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Jack L. Beal Post – Baccalaureate Alumni Award (2005)
▪ American Society of Health System Pharmacists Foundation, Achievement in the Professional Practice of Pharmacy in Health Systems (2002)
▪ Institute for Safe Medical Practices, Cheers Award, Medical, Honorable Mention (2002)
▪ Abbott Laboratories, National Hospital Pharmacy Quality Award, Medical, 1st place (2000)
▪ American Society of Health System Pharmacists Fellow (1996)
▪ Arizona Society of Health System Pharmacists, Pharmacist of the Year (1990)
Ph.D. STUDENT IN MANAGEMENT AND POLICY SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH ▪ UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER – Houston, TX (not completed)
M.S., HOSPITAL PHARMACY ▪ OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY – Columbus, OH
B.S., PHARMACY ▪ ALBANY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY – Albany, NY
SELECT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Exploring Group Dynamics, Kenneth Sole & Associates ▪ Kaiser Permanente/Wolf Creek Partners Advanced Leadership Program ▪ Boston University/ ASHP School of Management Executive Leadership Institute ▪ University of North Carolina / ASHP Executive Management Seminar (Accrue Level III Graduate)
DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCILS
CURRENT
• Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
• Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy
PREVIOUS
• The Ohio State University, College of Pharmacy, Latiolais Leadership Program Executive Committee
• University of California San Francisco, School of Pharmacy
• University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
• Northeastern Ohio University Colleges of Medicine & Pharmacy
ASSOCIATE, ASSISTANT & ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OR INSTRUCTOR ROLES
PREVIOUS
• The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
• Northeastern Ohio University Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy
• Midwestern University College of Pharmacy
• University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
• University of Houston College of Pharmacy
• University of Arizona College of Pharmacy
• Mount Carmel School of Nursing
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
“Considering a 503B Compounding Program? – It’s Harder Than You Think” Kvancz, DA, Blankenship, CL, Roche, K American Society of Health System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, Las Vegas, NV Dec 4, 2016
“Consideration for the Use of Biosimilars in the US Healthcare System” IDN Summit & Reverse Expo, Phoenix, Az September 21, 2016
“Impact of Healthcare Reform on Health System Pharmacy” (Closing Keynote Session) Kvancz, DA California Society of Health-System Pharmacists Seminar CSHP Oct 2011
“Getting Noticed: Promoting Pharmacy’s Impact and Gaining Organizational Influence” Kvancz, DA, Thompson, R, Tipton, J. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting Dec 7, 2010 Orlando, Fl
“ Comparison of implementation of Open Architecture Clean Rooms at Two Large Academic Medical Centers” Yaniv, AW, et.al. ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, Orlando, Florida December 7 -11, 2008
“Outsourcing of IV Admixtures” Kvancz, DA Institute for Safe Medication Practices Seminar, ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, Orlando, Florida December 8, 2008
“Leadership Lessons Learned: Leading Through Change” Kvancz, DA Union University, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany New York June 2, 2007
“Implementation of a New Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Structure in a Large Academic Institution” Goldman MP, Leonard MC, Kvancz DA, Michota F American Society of Health System Pharmacists Mid-Year Clinical Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, December, 2007.
“Leadership Lessons Learned: The PASS Principle” Kvancz, DA. Special Guest Lecturer, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN March 9, 2007
“Strategies for the High Performing Pharmacy: The Evolving Role of the Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) Position” Kvancz, DA. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, Anaheim, CA December 5, 2006
“Administrative Perspectives on Pharmacist Managed Care Clinics” Kvancz, DA. Pre-symposia, University Pharmacotherapy Associates, American Society of Health System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, Anaheim, CA December 3, 2006
“Reality Based Financial Perspectives” Kvancz, DA. University Pharmacotherapy Associates Seminar Sanibel Island, FL, Oct 8, 2006, Oct 9, 2005
“Operational Considerations for Growth Factor Management” Kvancz, DA. Meeting Seminar, University Pharmacotherapy Associates, American Society of Health System Pharmacists Summer Meeting, Orlando, FL June 26, 2006
“Making it Happen: Developing a Pharmacy Based Outpatient Drug Coding and Reimbursement Program” Kvancz, DA. Web based audio program, ASHP Advantage Program Washington, DC May 15, 2006
“Managing the Continuing Evolution of Pharmaceutical Reimbursement: Practical Strategies” Kvancz, DA. Meeting Symposia ASHP Advantage, American Society of Health System Pharmacists Summer Meeting Boston , MA June 11, 2005
“Pharmacy Specific Business Plan Examples” Russo, PR, Kvancz, DA, Stemley, EC, Zadvorny, EB. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Summer Meeting, Boston, MA June 14, 2005
“The Evolution of a Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) Position: Why, Where and How?” Kvancz, DA. Pre meeting symposia ASHP Advantage, American Society of Health System Pharmacists Annual Meeting, Boston, MA June 12, 2005
“A Retrospective Drug Use Evaluation of Epoetin and Darbepoetin within the Cleveland Clinic Health System” Leonard, ML, et. al. American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Dallas, Texas, October 24-27, 2004
“The Inclusion of a Phamacoeconomic Template and Safety Checklist For All Formulary Decisions” Goldman, MP, Leonard, ML, Kvancz, DA. International Congress of Clinical Pharmacy, Paris, France, April 28-30, 2004
“Internal Pressures Within Hospital Pharmacy” Kvancz, D.A. A Leader’s Conference on Positioning Pharmacy for the New Millennium, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort, Palm Springs, California Oct 26-29, 2000
“Results From a Clinical Staff Pharmacist Practice Model Pilot Program” Nesbit TW, Shermock KM, Goldman MP, et al. American College of Clinical Pharmacy Spring Practice and Research Forum, Monterey, California April 2 - 5, 2000
“Development of a Pharmacoeconomic Model to Assess the Value of Pharmacist Interventions” Shermock KM, Nesbit TW, Goldman MP, et al. American College of Clinical Pharmacy Spring Practice and Research Forum, Monterey, California April 2 - 5, 2000
“Cost Avoidance of Providing Intensive Management of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy” Shermock KM, Yanak F, Begany K, et al. American College of Clinical Pharmacy Spring Practice and Research Forum, Monterey, California April 2 - 5, 2000
“Development of an Integrated Employee Database System” Kvancz, D.A. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Annual Meeting Minneapolis, Minnesota June 3, 1997
“Basic Clinical Skills for Staff Development” Lopez, J., Jensen, M.& Kvancz, D.A., American Society of Health System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting Las Vegas, Nevada December 5, 1995
“Assessment of Parenteral Products Waste Recycling and Crediting” Garnick, J., Summerfield, M., Arkinson, T., Kvancz, D.A., American Society of Health System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting Las Vegas, Nevada December 5, 1995
“Pharmaceutical Care: The Role of the Pharmacy Technician” Kvancz, D.A., Arizona Society of Hospital Pharmacists Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, Arizona July 12-14, 1991
“Development of a Peer Review Process for Non-Formulary Medication Order Interventions” Hasuike-Young, B., Kvancz, D.A. & Messier, D.M. (Poster Session) American Society of Hospital Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting Dallas, Texas December 6, 1988
“Use of Co-Worker Assessments in Job Performance Evaluations” Buck, D.W., Kvancz, D.A. & Messier, D.M. (Management Case Study) American Society of Hospital Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting Dallas, Texas December 6, 1988
“Clinical Pharmacy Services in Community Hospitals” Kvancz, D.A., Arizona Society of Hospital Pharmacists Annual Meeting Sedona, Arizona July 10-12, 1987
“Ambulatory Pharmacy Services: Opportunities and Issues” Banner, E.G. & Kvancz, D.A. University of Arizona Rural Health Office & The Arizona Society of Hospital Pharmacists; November 9, 1987 Flagstaff, Arizona; July 27, 1987 Show Low, Arizona; & April 5, 1987 Lake Havasu City, Arizona
“Methodology for Development of Hospital Cost Accounting & Workload Measurement Systems” Kvancz, D.A. & Messier, D.M. (Management Case Study) American Society of Hospital Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 8 -12 1985
“The Dilemma of Pharmacy Coordinated Home Health Care Services in a Large Community Teaching Hospital” Kvancz, D.A., Louie N., Messier, D.R., & Barreuther, A., (Management Case Study) American Society of Hospital Pharmacists Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts June 6, 1984
“Design and Justification of Mobile Decentralized Pharmacy Services Based on Workload Simplification and Integrated Clinical Pharmacy Services” Cummins, B.A., Kvancz, D.A. & Bennett, D.L., (Management Case Study) American Society of Hospital Pharmacists Annual Meeting, Detroit, Michigan, June 7, 1983
“Predictive Analytics: A Case Study in Machine-Learning and Claims Database” Kvancz, DA, Sredzinski, MN, Tadlock, CG Am J Pharm Benefits Nov/Dec 2016:8 (6) 00-000
“The Impact of Rare Diseases and Drug Therapy” Kvancz, DA, Am J Pharm Benefits July/Aug 2016:8(4) 128-132
“An Indelible Mark” Kvancz, DA, Am J Health Syst Pharm June 1, 2009 66:1044-1047
“A Distinctive Competency” Kvancz, DA, Am J Health Syst Pharm May 1, 2006 63:819-828
“Facility Planning and Design” Barker, KN, Flynn, EA & Kvancz, DA Handbook of Institutional Pharmacy Practice 4th edition American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2006 Chapter 38 pgs 519-541
“Implementation and Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of a Clinical Staff Pharmacist Practice Model” Nesbit. T.W., et al. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy Vol 58:784-791 May 1, 2001
“Implementation of Mobile Decentralized Pharmaceutical Services in a Community Teaching Hospital” Cummins, B.A., Kvancz, D.A., Bennett, D.L., & Fontana, L.C., American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy Vol 44:318-324 February 1987
• 2000 - PRESENT
Emily Jerry Foundation Board of Directors • American Society of Health System Pharmacists: Center for Health System Pharmacy Leadership Development Advisory Committee, Practice Management Section Chair, Administrative Affairs Council Vice Chair • Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties: Oncology Specialty Panel • Premier Inc: IV Task Force, Pharmacy Executive Committee Chair
• 1990-1999
Ohio Society of Health System Pharmacists: Organizational Affairs Division Chair • University Health System Consortium: Information Systems and Wholesaler Committees • Public Hospital Pharmacy Coalition: Strategic Planning Committee
• 1980-1989
Arizona Society of Hospital Pharmacists, President • Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy Rule & Regulatory and Supportive Personnel Subcommittees
• 2010 - PRESENT
Joint Commission on Pharmacy Practice Vision 2015 • Provider Status for Pharmacist: Creating a National Plan Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative
• 2000-2009: The Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems for the 21st Century • Executive Session to Build a Shared Vision of Nursing and Pharmacy About Safe Medication Use in Hospitals • Measuring Medication Safety in Hospitals • A Leader’s Conference for Positioning Pharmacy for the New Millennium
• 1980-1989
Invitational Conference on Technical Personnel in Pharmacy • Western Region Conference on Clinical Pharmacy Practice