Serviam Announces New Executive for Pharmacy
Serviam welcomes Eric Folino as the new Executive Vice President of Pharmacy. Eric is leading all operations and future development of Serviam’s pharmacy services. With 30 years of experience, Eric understands the challenges for senior living industry partners. To get to know Eric better, we asked him a few questions.
Why are you involved in the senior living industry?
I’ve been fortunate to work in everything from start-up pharmacy operations to large publicly traded pharmacy companies, and most of that has been in Assisted Living or in intellectual and developmental disabilities. I’ve always had a passion to serve underserved populations.
It all started when I was boy. My father owned his own “mom and pop” pharmacy in a small town outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He put me to work in 7th grade, where he taught me the business and mentored how to properly care for customers to create value. He set the basis for my whole life – customer service is paramount. I believe in making relationship a priority between pharmacy and family.
What motivates you at Serviam?
It’s all about value-based care and creating positive outcomes for people we serve. We all know a senior’s hospital stay doesn’t usually produce a great outcome. The goal is to keep them out of the hospital, and pharmacy can play a vital role that supports fewer hospital stays. It’s getting the right meds to residents at the right time. It’s making sure there are no risks with the medicine being prescribed. It’s the value-add service dad taught me that Serviam delivers for better health outcomes for residents.
We believe senior living deserves better – by instilling good communication between communities and pharmacy, getting to know those who work with residents – the nurses and executive directors. That develops a level of trust. Communities don’t get that with big box pharmacies.
What is your biggest challenge at Serviam Pharmacy?
Government regulations and changes that effect the industry related to reimbursements. Adapting to constant regulatory changes – both state and federal – can be time-consuming for operators and their communities, especially those in multiple states. That is challenging for big pharmacies, too. They can’t provide consistent service, which puts providers at risk for citations and residents at risk with medications.
Serviam is reducing those risks by giving close attention to regulatory requirements and changes. Plus, we know the tight financial margins providers are trying to manage, which is why Serviam has created another revenue stream to those operators through pharmacy partnerships. We want to be of service on multiple levels, which will help provide the best care possible for seniors.
On personal level, what are you most proud of?
I’m proud of my family! I have a terrific wife and two wonderful kids – both are about to graduate. My son is a 22-year-old college senior, and my daughter is an 18-year old high school senior. They are both people of character, and I know they will both be very successful in their choice careers. I’ve very proud of them.
What’s your favorite weekend activity?
My daughter is a catcher for Allegany College women’s softball team, so we travel a lot on weekends to watch her play. When I’m not watching sports, then I’m likely watching musical theater! I’ve been told I should have been a Broadway singer. Yes, I was a musical theater kid, and it has stuck with me. In my youth, the two shows I enjoyed performing in most were Chorus Line and Sound of Music, though my absolute all-time favorite musical has to be Les Misérables.
If you would like to connect with Eric regarding Serviam Pharmacy, he would love to hear from you. Email Eric at eric.folino@serviam.org