Pantelis (Telly) Demestihas MS, RPh
Trumbull,CT
Summary
Innovative clinical and consulting pharmacy executive with a strong focus on pharmacogenomics, clinical decision support, and healthcare innovation. Expertise in merging deep clinical knowledge with strategic leadership to enhance pharmacy benefit design, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve patient-centered outcomes. Proven track record in developing and implementing cutting-edge PGx and MTM programs that elevate care quality while reducing costs across managed care and health system environments. Dynamic leader adept at transforming pharmacy services into strategic assets, advancing value-based care, and utilizing data analytics to optimize operational efficiency and medication outcomes.
Experienced with clinical pharmacy management, ensuring optimal medication therapy and patient safety. Utilizes advanced clinical knowledge and leadership to guide pharmacy teams effectively. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and achieving impactful healthcare outcomes.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Pequot Pharmaceutical Network
09.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for all clinical pharmacy services across Pequot Pharmaceutical Network, ensuring the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical care. Oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary clinical team, including pharmacy benefits coordination, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to optimize therapeutic outcomes and operational performance. Spearhead the development and implementation of clinical programs, quality initiatives, and evidence-based protocols that enhance patient outcomes and align with regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
- Lead all aspects of clinical pharmacy operations, including formulary management, medication utilization, and MTM program design and execution.
- Drive quality improvement, medication safety, and adverse event reduction through data analytics and policy development.
- Partner with medical leadership to advance evidence-based prescribing, ensuring alignment with clinical best practices and organizational goals.
- Develop and maintain clinical protocols, standing orders, and prior authorization workflows to improve care efficiency and compliance.
- Deliver therapeutic reviews and academic detailing presentations at Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee meetings.
- Champion community engagement by leading vaccination initiatives, mental health awareness events, and chronic disease management programs.
- Educate staff and patients on evidence-based management of asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
- Implemented medication management protocols, enhancing patient safety and therapeutic outcomes.
- Led staff training initiatives, improving team competency in clinical pharmacy practices.
- Developed strategic relationships with healthcare providers to optimize medication therapy management.
- Analyzed prescription data to identify trends and implement process improvements for efficiency.
- Spearheaded quality assurance programs, ensuring adherence to clinical guidelines and protocols.
- Oversee specialty pharmacy operations, including patient assistance programs, adherence optimization, and disease-state analytics.
- Leverage EHR systems, managed care principles, and pharmacy informatics to enhance medication safety, efficiency, and clinical decision-making.
- Directed pharmacy operations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
Owner / Pharmacogenomic Consultant
Remedy PGx LLC
07.2022 - Current
- Developed a pharmacogenomic program providing genetic testing and clinical recommendations to physicians. Created educational content for clinicians and patients, and participated in the NCPDP Taskforce to integrate PGx into mainstream utilization.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Medication Therapy Management Independent Pharmacist
Demestihas Consulting
01.2012 - Current
- Focused on improving medication utilization, adherence, and outcomes through MTM and patient education programs. Delivered cost reduction and enhanced clinical outcomes via disease management programs for asthma and diabetes.
Pharmacy Manager
Community Health RX
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Oversaw daily pharmacy operations, medication safety, and staff workflow. Ensured compliance with state and federal pharmacy regulations.
- Supervised daily pharmacy operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
- Oversaw prescription processing, ensuring accuracy and timely fulfillment for patient needs.
Dispensary Pharmacy Manager
Curaleaf
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Led pharmacy operations for cannabis-based products. Managed 20 staff members, payroll, compliance, and inventory. Created efficient workflows, ensured adherence to all regulatory standards, and maintained patient safety.
- Managed inventory levels, utilizing advanced pharmacy management systems to optimize stock control.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows and increased operational efficiency.
Pharmacist
Medical Arts Pharmacy
11.2019 - 04.2020
- Supported drug distribution, oversaw daily operations, and built customer relations to support pharmacy growth.
Pharmacist (Contract)
Valisure RX
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Assisted in laboratory-pharmacy workflow optimization and quality assurance processes.
- Oversaw medication dispensing processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Clinical Pharmacist
Prospect Medical Holdings
07.2017 - 11.2019
- Performed medication reconciliation and clinical reviews for high-risk patients. Developed drug guidelines, supported CMS 5-Star goals, and implemented Epic integration for ACO patient management.
- Conducted medication reviews to optimize patient therapy outcomes.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop comprehensive medication management plans.
Pharmacy Consultant (Contract)
CVS Health
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Delivered academic detailing to over 400 physician offices. Used data analytics and Salesforce reporting to improve quality metrics and STAR performance.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive pharmaceutical care and support.
Medical Information Specialist (Contract)
The Medical Affairs Company
07.2016 - 11.2016
- Responded to medical inquiries, recorded adverse events per FDA timelines, and prepared MedWatch documentation.
- Analyzed complex medical data to provide accurate information to healthcare professionals.
- Facilitated cross-functional team meetings to streamline communication regarding product inquiries.
Dispensing Pharmacist (Contract)
Omnicare
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Dispensed medications to long-term care facilities ensuring compliance with all federal and state pharmacy regulations.
- Mentored junior pharmacists, promoting knowledge sharing and adherence to best practices in patient care.
Senior Pharmacist
Pharmagen Labs
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Oversaw sterile and non-sterile compounding operations. Led regulatory compliance with FDA and BOP inspections.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop patient-centered medication therapy plans.
- Oversaw medication management and distribution processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Pharmacy Manager
Walmart
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Managed a team of 12 technicians. Improved profitability, reduced medication errors, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Pharmacy Manager
Target
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Increased prescription volume by 40%+ through improved processes and training. Maintained compliance and achieved 90% patient satisfaction scores.
Staff Pharmacist
St. Vincent’s Medical Center
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Specialized in TPN, IV antibiotics, and chemotherapy. Served as clinical advisor during ICU rounds and contributed to CPOE implementation.
Medical Science Liaison (Contract)
Publicis Touchpoint Solutions
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Provided clinical education to physicians in urology, OB/GYN, and cardiology. Supported formulary inclusion and managed care presentations.
Senior Manager, Pharmacy Network Auditing
National Prescription Administrators (Express Scripts Division)
01.2000 - 12.2004
- Directed audit operations to detect insurance fraud and compliance issues in pharmacy networks.
Managed Care Consultant Pharmacist
MEDCO Health
01.1997 - 12.2000
- Provided drug utilization review and physician consultation for managed care clients.
Clinical Staff Pharmacist
Veterans Administration
01.1991 - 12.1995
- Performed clinical pharmacy duties, medication reconciliation, and patient consultations for veterans’ healthcare services.
Education
M.S. - Pharmaceutical Administration & Healthcare Marketing
Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University
Brooklyn, NYB.S. - Pharmacy
Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University
Brooklyn, NYSkills
- Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
- Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
- Clinical Decision Support
- Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM)
- Medicare & Medicaid Expertise
- Regulatory Compliance & Auditing
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Project & Program Management
- Health System Collaboration
- Data-Driven Clinical Analysis
- Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement
Affiliations
AMCP - Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists - Northeast Chapter Secretary
AHEPA - American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association - Norwich, CT chapter secretary
Certification
- Registered Pharmacist – Connecticut, New York, New Jersey
- Certified Immunizer
- CPR/BLS Certified
- Pharmacogenomic Certified Pharmacist
- Member, NCPDP Pharmacogenomic Task Force (PGx EHR Integration)
Languages
Greek
Volunteer work
- Organized community events to enhance local engagement and participation.
- Supported fundraising initiatives, contributing to resource mobilization for various projects.
Timeline
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Pequot Pharmaceutical Network
09.2022 - Current
Owner / Pharmacogenomic Consultant
Remedy PGx LLC
07.2022 - Current
Pharmacy Manager
Community Health RX
01.2022 - 07.2022
Dispensary Pharmacy Manager
Curaleaf
11.2020 - 09.2021
Pharmacist
Medical Arts Pharmacy
11.2019 - 04.2020
Pharmacist (Contract)
Valisure RX
10.2019 - 03.2020
Clinical Pharmacist
Prospect Medical Holdings
07.2017 - 11.2019
Medical Information Specialist (Contract)
The Medical Affairs Company
07.2016 - 11.2016
Pharmacy Consultant (Contract)
CVS Health
01.2015 - 12.2016
Dispensing Pharmacist (Contract)
Omnicare
01.2014 - 12.2015
Senior Pharmacist
Pharmagen Labs
01.2013 - 12.2014
Medication Therapy Management Independent Pharmacist
Demestihas Consulting
01.2012 - Current
Pharmacy Manager
Walmart
01.2009 - 12.2012
Pharmacy Manager
Target
01.2007 - 12.2009
Staff Pharmacist
St. Vincent’s Medical Center
01.2005 - 12.2007
Medical Science Liaison (Contract)
Publicis Touchpoint Solutions
01.2004 - 12.2005
Senior Manager, Pharmacy Network Auditing
National Prescription Administrators (Express Scripts Division)
01.2000 - 12.2004
Managed Care Consultant Pharmacist
MEDCO Health
01.1997 - 12.2000
Clinical Staff Pharmacist
Veterans Administration
01.1991 - 12.1995
M.S. - Pharmaceutical Administration & Healthcare Marketing
Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University
B.S. - Pharmacy
Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University