Alexandra Figueroa Cruz
Guaynabo
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pharmacist in Charge
Puerto Rico General Distributing Company
Carolina
08.2023 - Current
- Supervised medication dispensing and handling processes within the facility
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for pharmaceutical storage, distribution, and sales
- Developed and implemented SOPs for receiving, storage, security, inventory, and distribution of medications
- Conducted daily and periodic inventory audits and managed stock levels
- Trained staff on proper pharmaceutical handling, distribution practices, and compliance procedures
- Maintained accurate documentation for traceability, including inbound/outbound records
- Coordinated product recalls, notifying clients and ensuring proper removal from distribution
- Monitored expiration dates and coordinated returns to vendors when necessary
- Managed receiving reports, invoices, and product claims, including discrepancies and quality issues
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and maintained up-to-date operational licenses
- Provided ongoing training and supervision to staff to ensure adherence to policies and procedures
Staff Pharmacist
Costco Wholesale
Bayamón
04.2021 - 09.2023
- Provided advice and information to patients on medication use, side effects, interactions, contraindications, and over-the-counter products.
- Dispensed prescription medications in a high volume pharmacy.
- Performed drug therapy reviews, verification, and medication management tasks.
- Promoted teamwork and motivated pharmacy staff by establishing expectations, and recognizing progress.
- Performed clinical and wellness services such as immunizations, flu shots, and healthcare preventative services.
Clinical Pharmacist, Prior Authorization
United Health Care Group
Guaynabo
11.2020 - 03.2021
- Interpreted clinical guideline criteria, and reviewed coverage determination for prior authorization cases.
- Performed duties and functions in compliance with state and federal pharmacy laws and regulations.
- Consulted with physicians regarding use of medications and advised of appropriate formulary alternatives when requested.
Outpatient Pharmacy Resident
Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy
Baltimore
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Provided safe and effective patient care during the delivery and dispensing of medications.
- Counseled and educated patients and caregivers about the proper use of medications, self-care products, and medication adherence.
- Utilized state and federal laws to interpret prescription regulations, and dispensed medications.
- Resolved insurance discrepancies and barriers experienced within the pharmacy workflow.
PGY-1 Community-based Pharmacy Resident (Equivalent to 3 years’ experience)
Johns Hopkins Home Care Group
Baltimore
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Provided patient care services including medication therapy management, immunizations, and compounding.
- Worked in a collaborative environment with exposure to diverse specialty rotations, including infectious diseases, geriatrics, oncology, cystic fibrosis, and transitions of care.
- Collaborated with providers in an integrated health system to improve patient care outcomes.
Pharmacy Intern
CVS Pharmacy
Catonsville
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Prepared, filled and dispensed medications to the patients.
- Provided pharmacy services such as counseling and education about the medications and diseases.
- Demonstrated strong communication, customer service skills and interpersonal abilities to effectively interact with technicians, pharmacists, physicians, and patients.
Spanish Summer Immersion Internship
CVS Pharmacy
Catonsville
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Assisted in providing proper recommendations in the care of patients with acute and chronic diseases.
- Provided effective communication, counseling, and drug information skills to Spanish speaking patients.
- Collaborated with other pharmacy students to improve the pharmacy workflow and provide effective and safe dispensing of medications.
Pharmacy Intern
Dulaney Valley Health Mart Pharmacy
Towson
05.2016 - 06.2016
- Assisted in pharmacy workflow by processing, filling, and dispensing prescriptions under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Demonstrated strong customer service skills and the ability to maintain productive working relationships with coworkers.
Education
Doctor of Pharmacy -
Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland05-2019
Bachelor of Natural Sciences -
University of Puerto Rico
Cayey, Puerto Rico05-2014
Skills
- Proficient in English
Affiliations
- Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society Delta Beta Chapter (PLS)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Certification
- Pharmacist License #6790, Puerto Rico Board of Pharmacy, 10/20, Present
- Pharmacist License #26880, Maryland State Board of Pharmacy, 09/19, Present
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid, American Red Cross, 04/18, Present
- Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Overdose Response Program, 03/18, Present
- Medication Therapy Management Certificate, American Pharmacists Association (APhA), 05/18, Present
- Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate, American Pharmacists Association (APhA), 04/17, Present
Presentations
- Basic Geriatric Pharmacology, Hopkins ElderPlus at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 05/20
- There’s an App for That! An Update on Diabetes Glucose Monitoring Technology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 03/20
- 340B In Action, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy, 09/19
- COPD and the use of Inhalers in the Elderly Population, Hopkins ElderPlus at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 09/19
- Overdose Responding Program Training, University of Puerto Rico School of Pharmacy, 11/18
Platform Presentations
Integration of medication Therapy Management (MTM) services in two outpatient pharmacies, Research project presentation at Eastern States Residency Conference, Johns Hopkins Home Care Group, 05/20
Poster Presentations
- Fu D, Figueroa Cruz A, Blackwell J, Green R, Lengel M, Zvaleny J, Integration of Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services in two outpatient pharmacies, APhA 2020 Annual Meeting and Exposition, 05/20
- Couch K, Figueroa Cruz A, Bartolomei A, Evaluation of the appropriate use of antibiotics in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations, Capstone Reception, Notre Dame of Maryland University, School of Pharmacy, 05/19
Special Skills Or Expertise
Proficient in English
Publications
- Polypharmacy and the Elderly, HealthWISE Newsletter. APhA-ASP Operation Diabetes Monthly Newsletter Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy, 11/18
- Figueroa Cruz A., Beliard R., Maryland Pharmacists Dispensing of Contraceptives, The Medicine Cabinet, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 06/28
Community Service
- Baby Diaper Pantry, Annapolis, Maryland, 04/20, 06/20, Distributed baby diapers to families in need and assisted in Spanish translation
- Day at the Market, Baltimore, Maryland, 10/19, 02/20, Provided health and wellness information to the community on diverse health topics and engage the community on participation and promotion of well-being
- Caroline Center Flu Clinic, Baltimore, Maryland, 02/19, Administered flu shots to pharmacy technicians and nursing students
- 2ND Puerto Rico Health Clinic, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 12/18, Organized and conducted a health care clinic with the purpose of educating the community on the importance of immunizations and provided health screenings and education of chronic diseases
- Help Us Rebuild Initiative, Baltimore, Maryland, 10/18, Organized donation drives to collect items, medical products and monetary donations for the victims of natural disasters in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, and U.S. Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico Health Clinic, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 05/17, Organized a health care clinic to provide education and preventative care counseling to the community
- 11TH Annual Maryland Pharmacy Legislative Day, Annapolis, Maryland, 02/16, Met with Members of Congress and advocate for the pharmacy profession and promote pro-pharmacy legislations
- NDMU Annual Flu Clinic, Baltimore, Maryland, 10/16, Provided information and counseling to patients regarding the importance of flu shots
Leadership Experience
- Professional Development Committee Member, Maryland Pharmacist Association, Columbia, Maryland, 11/19, 06/20, Attended monthly meetings and created blurbs/clinical pearls in the MPhA website, Assisted in the creation of an ACPE continuing education presentation regarding the proper use and recommendations of OTC medications
- Employee Engagement Strategic Planning, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy, 08/19, 06/20, Participated in action planning and implemented tactics to improve a pharmacy’s employee engagement
- Medication Safety Committee Secretary, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy, 08/19, 06/20, Prepared meeting agenda, facilitated conversation and distributed meeting minutes, Led discussions on safe medication practices to optimize patient safety and ensure the quality of patient care
Research
- Integration of Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services in two outpatient pharmacies, Denise Fu, PharmD., BCACP, Johns Hopkins Home Care Group, 09/19, 06/20
- Evaluation of the appropriate use of antibiotics in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation, Kimberly Couch, PharmD., BCPS, FIDSA, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Stevensville, Maryland, 08/18, 11/18
Timeline
Pharmacist in Charge
Puerto Rico General Distributing Company
08.2023 - Current
Staff Pharmacist
Costco Wholesale
04.2021 - 09.2023
Clinical Pharmacist, Prior Authorization
United Health Care Group
11.2020 - 03.2021
Outpatient Pharmacy Resident
Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy
08.2019 - 06.2020
PGY-1 Community-based Pharmacy Resident (Equivalent to 3 years’ experience)
Johns Hopkins Home Care Group
06.2019 - 06.2020
Pharmacy Intern
CVS Pharmacy
08.2017 - 05.2019
Spanish Summer Immersion Internship
CVS Pharmacy
06.2017 - 08.2017
Pharmacy Intern
Dulaney Valley Health Mart Pharmacy
05.2016 - 06.2016
Doctor of Pharmacy -
Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Natural Sciences -
University of Puerto Rico