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We’re excited to welcome two new team members to Alchemy! Kelsey Speciale, PharmD, joins as a Clinical Programs Manager, and Patrick Fox as a Pharmacy Operations Manager.
Kelsey joins us from El Rio Community Health Center, an FQHC in Tucson, Arizona, where she spent seven years in 340B pharmacy and direct patient care. Her work focused on supporting patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
Patrick joins us from Alto Pharmacy, where he spent six years in pharmacy operations and leadership. He helped launch and scale a 60-person Prior Authorization team, partnered cross-functionally to strengthen compliance and operations during rapid change, and rebuilt Alto’s workforce management function to improve forecasting and staffing.
We sat down with both to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to Alchemy, and what they are looking forward to in their new roles.
Tell us a bit more about your background and career path
Kelsey Speciale, PharmD: I completed pharmacy school at the University of Arizona in Tucson, then a residency at the VA in Seattle. For the past seven years, I worked at an FQHC in Tucson where I split my time between the 340B pharmacy dispensary and direct patient care, primarily around diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia through a collaborative practice agreement.
Patrick Fox: I started as a pharmacy technician at Kroger early in college and have been in the pharmacy space for over 11 years. In 2019, I joined Alto Pharmacy as a technician and gradually moved into different roles including Supervisor, Department Manager, Chief of Staff to an Operations VP, and most recently, Workforce Manager. I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and taking on challenges, and that curiosity has guided my career growth.
What made you excited to join Alchemy?
Kelsey: I was excited for the chance to expand my skills in developing clinical programs. I’ve worked in the 340B pharmacy setting for many years, but I haven’t had the opportunity to shape programs at the administrative level. Alchemy offers a unique way to tackle the problems I’ve seen firsthand in healthcare and to increase access for underserved populations.
Patrick: Alchemy is led by incredibly driven and experienced people who are focused on making a real difference. They’re tackling an underserved area of pharmacy with huge potential to support underprivileged communities, something I feel proud to be part of. And because the company is still young, there’s a lot of opportunity to help optimize, streamline, and build strong foundations as we grow.
What will you be working on in your role?
Kelsey: I’ll be supporting Alchemy’s insurance enrollment program, prior authorization efforts, and mobile clinic workflows. I also expect to work on improving follow-up and medication adherence metrics in the future.
Patrick: I’ll be focused on helping new clinic partners get their pharmacies up and running, from licensing and buildout to making sure the pharmacy is fully functional and ready to serve patients.
What’s one fun or surprising fact about you?
Kelsey: I have a very large family - more than 40 first cousins!
Patrick: I have a million hobbies and love picking up new skills. Lately I’ve been learning 3D CAD design and building a custom cat nap/play area for my kittens that fits into a high window in our lofted living room.
What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
Kelsey: I’m looking forward to developing new skills and contributing to programs that improve patient access to care.
Patrick: I’m excited to dive deeper into 340B, learn the clinic ramp-up process in detail, and find ways to make it all more efficient. I enjoy streamlining operations once I understand how the pieces fit together.
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