Chris Urbanski

His Story

Chris Urbanski, BS Pharm, MS, FASHP, graduated from Butler University in 1982, and upon graduation obtained a staff pharmacist position with Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, part of a two-hospital system with University Hospital under the Indiana University Medical Center. During his 13 years at Riley Hospital and the Medical Center, he became pharmacy operations manager, and during this time began automating various functions within the pharmacy utilizing homegrown software programs. In 1995, he was named the inaugural informatics pharmacist for Riley and University hospitals, implementing and supporting pharmacy information and automation systems. He continued his career as an informatics pharmacist, IT manager, and Director of Clinical IT for Indiana University Health in Indianapolis.

Overview of Facility/Health System

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 65,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care.

Significant Projects

As a member of the Medical Affairs team, Mr. Urbanski has worked most recently on several innovation projects in both the dispensing and analytics space. For example, he worked with software and requirements engineers over the last two years to enhance the usability for a key reporting tool. Mr. Urbanski also helps  coordinate and facilitate thought leadership engagements with customers on key pharmacy and healthcare topics. Additionally, he participates on a committee to ensure safety and compliance of medication management solutions throughout their product lifecycle.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

Mr. Urbanski has been a member of the Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology since its creation in 2007, and has served in various leadership roles, including Section Chair of the Advisory Group on Automation and Documentation 2007-2008, 2008-2009; Chair, Executive Committee ASHP Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology, 2010-2011; and the ASHP House of Delegates

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

Pharmacy informatics has been a growing area of pharmacy for many years, and will continue to need trained pharmacists to understand, develop, and support new healthcare technologies. Technology companies like BD will continue to recruit and hire motivated individuals with strong backgrounds in a broad range of pharmacy and healthcare practice areas. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Pharmacy has a lot to offer in a lot of different environments, and a degree in pharmacy can open up many opportunities.

Why did you become involved in ASHP?

I learned early on in my career the importance of sharing practice experiences and learnings with other pharmacy colleagues both locally and nationally. In 1986, I attended and presented at my first ASHP Midyear Clinical meeting and saw firsthand the power of collaboration and networking. The experience inspired me to continue to stay involved and be active in professional organizations such as ASHP and contribute to the pharmacy profession.

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague?

 ASHP has a broad spectrum of offerings for health-system pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students. In addition to the annual conferences, the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, and ASHP Connect, there are many opportunities to become involved in ASHP. These opportunities include being involved with the section advisory groups, councils, and committees, and by presenting at a meeting. Many times, the value received from belonging to a professional organization is realized by the effort and time one contributes to that organization. Through my time volunteering with ASHP, I have met many dedicated, hard-working, and bright colleagues that have helped guide my career and inspire me as I worked alongside them on various committees and projects. Most importantly, I have made lasting friendships that wouldn’t have been possible without my membership and involvement with ASHP.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession? 

ASHP provides an organized and collective voice to advance the practice of pharmacy and sustain our future as valued healthcare practitioners. The organization provides numerous opportunities – such as conferences, forums, webinars, Sections, news briefings, etc. - for members to stay abreast of and participate in to become part of this collective voice.