Jason Smith Named URMC’s Chief Pharmacy Officer
Jason R. Smith, PharmD, has been named Chief Pharmacy Officer for the University of Rochester Medical Center effective Feb. 16.
Smith has worked in a number of roles at a time when URMC’s Department of Pharmacy experienced rapid system-wide growth and notable success of staff pipeline training programs and outpatient services locally and in the region.
Most recently, he served as senior director of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, where he previously worked as the director. Smith played a key role in several significant initiatives, including an expansion that created one of the nation’s few 24/7 hospital-based outpatient pharmacies at Strong Memorial.
Other highlights include the addition of free prescription delivery for UR Pharmacy patrons, and opening new pharmacy locations including one at Brooks Landing. All of these efforts are aimed at improving health equity through better access to care. Smith also played a key role in establishing URMC’s specialty pharmacy that has strengthened the partnerships with providers to ensure specialty prescription referrals are included in patients' care plans.
Prior to joining URMC in 2015, Smith served as Pharmacy director for Lifetime Medical Group. He also held multiple regional management roles for both Rite Aid and CVS and founded RPh on Demand, a startup that assists with recruitment for regional pharmacies.
“Jason’s experience in the field partnered with his extensive institutional knowledge make him well suited to lead our pharmacy programs as we look to the future,” said CEO and Dean David C. Linehan, MD. “His leadership will further our mission of being the health system of choice in our region and beyond.”
A licensed pharmacist, Smith earned his doctor of pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy. He was born at Noyes Hospital and raised in the small town of Wayland, New York, where he jokes there were “two stoplights” and a street named after his grandfather who was a farmer.
Smith’s time working in the industry opened his eyes to the great need in our local communities—and this starts with building a skilled workforce from the ground up.
“I am most proud of the team that we have built here,” Smith said. “Those currently reporting to me have been a tremendous support in starting and growing all these programs. I think the key to our success is building our talent pool, from recruiting pharmacists to people in entry-level positions who can advance within our organization,” he added.
“I hope that I can continue to make a positive impact for the University, and for the Pharmacy team. My goal is to be successful in this role, not just for me, but for the whole department.”
“Since he first came onboard, I have been impressed by Jason’s leadership and dedication to our department and the people we serve,” said Chief Pharmacy Officer Curtis Haas, PharmD, who is retiring. “I am confident that Jason will lead with the same drive and thoughtfulness he has shown since day one.”
“We are excited to welcome Jason into this critically important leadership role,” said Kathy Parrinello, CEO of Strong and Highland hospitals. “Be it inpatient or outpatient care, safe and effective medication management is critical to providing high quality care to our patients. Jason’s commitment to teamwork in collaborating with all our professional disciplines will continue to be an important asset as we move forward in serving our community and region.”
Smith lives in Webster with his wife Kristen, and their two teen daughters, Jordan, and Kylie.
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