Manager, Pharmaceutical Strategy, Ontario Public Service
Public Administration, Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) 2011

Tell prospective students a bit about the work you do?

As Manager, Pharmaceutical Strategy within the Ontario Public Drug Programs, I lead and manage the activities of professional staff engaged in inspection and audit of pharmacies and the extensive analysis and interpretation of data for the branch. Key activities of my team include:

• Providing oversight of payments to pharmacies for drug claims and professional services reimbursed under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program.

• Providing education / relationship management with over 4,500 pharmacies to ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and other ministry policies and procedures.

• Preparing analysis and developing recommendations to address matters related to pharmacy billing practices and other pharmacy behaviors related to the administration of Ontario Public Drug Programs including consultation with divisional colleagues, the Ontario College of Pharmacists and the Ontario Pharmacists Association.

Tell prospective students a bit about how your studies at York helped you to get where you are today.

Reflecting on my career progression, the biggest takeaway from my time at York University and the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) was the networking opportunities that were provided throughout the program. Specifically, I can directly trace the start of my Ontario Public Service (OPS) career to the 4th year practicum course - AP/PPAS 4995 6.0 - which provided an opportunity to engage with OPS professionals at the former Ministry of Environment. This experience provided insight into ministry operations, workplace culture and commitment to employee development and career growth. Overall, this experience sparked my desire to pursue a career in the OPS.

In addition, the program's curriculum and knowledgeable professors enabled me to obtain strong foundational knowledge in government decision making processes, project management and critical thinking skills that prepared me for my work assignments from day one in the OPS. I was able to hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since.