Caitlin Quigley

Caitlin Quigley began her career at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, where she transitioned into a pharmacy technician role and earned her technician license. Shortly after, she moved to Boston and joined Brigham and Women's Hospital, where she received her certification as a pharmacy technician. Over time, she advanced to the position of Pharmacy Technician Specialist and later became a Pharmacy Systems Administrator. Currently, Quigley is enrolled in the ASHP Pharmacy Leadership Academy, where she will earn credentials in Pharmacy Leadership and Administration (DPLA) in June 2025. She is also working toward achieving the Certified Pharmacy Technician-Advanced (CPhT-Adv) certification. These programs will further enhance her leadership skills and knowledge in pharmacy operations, preparing her for advanced roles in the field.

Current Responsibilities:
Quigley currently serves as a pharmacy systems administrator at Brigham & Women's Hospital (BWH). In this role, she focuses on optimizing pharmacy systems, workflows, and procedures to improve efficiency and patient care. Quigley plays a key role in managing automated dispensing cabinets (ADC), increasing capture rates of patient-specific doses, and reducing refill events, significantly decreasing pharmacy technicians' workload and enhancing medication distribution accuracy. In addition to her work at BWH, Quigley actively supports pharmacy technician advancement by promoting specialized certificates and certifications, working to create pathways for professional growth. She is deeply engaged in the Massachusetts Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP), contributing to initiatives aimed at enhancing technician recognition and involvement in pharmacy operations. Though not directly involved in academic teaching, Quigley is a mentor and resource for advancing clinical staff and pharmacy technicians, helping them develop their skills and progress in their careers.

Facility:
Brigham & Women's Hospital (BWH) is a renowned academic medical center and a founding member of Mass General Brigham, one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the United States. As a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, BWH provides cutting-edge care across a wide range of specialties, including surgery, cardiology, oncology, and neurology. It is a leader in clinical research and innovation, with a focus on delivering patient-centered care. BWH treats hundreds of thousands of patients annually, both inpatient and outpatient, with an extensive outpatient network that serves diverse communities. The hospital is also a major hub for advanced training programs, supporting the development of future healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, through residency and fellowship opportunities. As a high-volume healthcare facility, BWH is committed to excellence in clinical services, research, and education.

Recent Significant Projects:
As a pharmacy systems administrator at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, I focus on several key areas for optimization. Recently, I have been involved in optimizing the use of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) across inpatient units, achieving an impressive 90% capture rate of patient-specific doses. This project has significantly reduced the number of refill events and streamlined the workload for pharmacy technicians. I have enhanced inventory management by implementing advanced tracking systems for ADCs to reduce waste and improve medication availability. By analyzing usage patterns, I adjust stock levels to meet future needs and explore new technologies to integrate with electronic health records (EHR) for real-time data access. Streamlining workflows is another priority, as I evaluate existing processes to identify bottlenecks and create ongoing training programs for pharmacy staff. Collaboration is fostered through strong communication between pharmacy staff, nursing teams, and other healthcare professionals, supported by feedback mechanisms that encourage insights on workflow improvements. Utilizing data analytics tools, I monitor key performance metrics and generate regular reports to demonstrate the value of pharmacy services. I ensure regulatory compliance through internal audits and stay informed about current standards. Finally, she implements patient-centered care initiatives, such as effective medication reconciliation processes and patient education resources, to improve safety and engagement. Through these efforts, I significantly enhance the efficiency of pharmacy operations and contribute to better patient care.

Advice for Someone New to a Specialty Area:
I would advise anyone new to the pharmacy profession to be proactive in learning the technology and workflows that drive pharmacy operations. Building strong relationships with both the clinical and technical teams is crucial, as pharmacy systems impact many areas of healthcare. I stress the importance of staying adaptable and open to feedback, recognizing that processes are continually evolving with new technologies and regulations. I also emphasize continuous learning through certifications, involvement in professional organizations like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and seeking mentorship opportunities. Lastly, she encourages new professionals to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, focusing on how to optimize systems to improve efficiency and enhance patient care.

Involvement with ASHP:
I am actively involved with the ASHP as a member of the Section of Specialty Pharmacy Leaders (SSPL) Executive Committee and Section Advisory Group for New and Emerging Leaders. In this role, I collaborate with other pharmacy professionals to address key issues and initiatives that focus on the advancement of emerging leaders within the pharmacy field. I contribute to discussions aimed at promoting leadership development, fostering innovation, and improving practices within the profession. Through my involvement with ASHP, I play a crucial role in shaping best practices and sharing insights that enhance pharmacy systems and workflows.

Reason for ASHP Involvement:
I became involved in ASHP to connect with a broader network of pharmacy professionals and contribute to the advancement of the pharmacy technician profession. I recognize that ASHP provides valuable resources, educational opportunities, and a platform to influence meaningful change in pharmacy operations and workforce development. Through ASHP, I see the opportunity to advocate for pharmacy technicians, promote their role in healthcare, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving pharmacy systems, safety, and quality of care.

Value of ASHP for Peers or Colleagues:
I would explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague by highlighting its role as a leading organization for professional growth, education, and networking in the pharmacy field. ASHP offers access to cutting-edge resources, best practices, and certifications that help advance careers and improve pharmacy operations. It’s also a platform for collaboration, where members can exchange ideas, solve common challenges, and contribute to the profession’s future. For pharmacy technicians, I would emphasize that ASHP is instrumental in advocating for their role, providing opportunities for career development, and offering support through various forums and committees.

Value of ASHP for the Profession:
I believe that ASHP plays a critical role in advancing the pharmacy profession. ASHP sets the standards for excellence in patient care, pharmacy practice, and medication safety by providing education, advocacy, and professional development opportunities. It serves as a unifying force for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.