Doug Zurawski

His Story

After completing his Pharm. D. as the University of Michigan, Dr. Zurawski completed a PGY-1 Residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. He began his professional career at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a supervisor. From there, he moved to the Detroit Medical Center as Associate Director of Pharmacy at Harper University Hospital. Dr. Zurawski’s clinical practice experience also includes holding the position of Regional Director of Pharmacy at Ascension Health in Detroit.

With the passion for advancing efficiencies of the clinical pharmacist practice, as well as patient safety, through leadership in hospital pharmacy technology and software, Dr. Zurawski moved to the industry side of pharmacy when he joined McKesson in 1997. Between 2001 and 2008 he held the position of National VP of Sales at ForHealth Technologies, the first maker of robotics for IV compounding. Dr. Zurawski is currently Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Kit Check.

Dr. Zurawski has served as an independent consultant to various health systems, hospitals and healthcare industry technology providers, including Waste Management’s Healthcare Solutions group. His commitment to the profession extends to his continual work as an educator and adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore College of Pharmacy. He considers himself very fortunate to have trained and mentored numerous students and residents throughout his career.

Overview of Facility/Health System

Pharmacy Technology Company.

Significant Projects

Collaborated with colleagues to advance the UnitVisID RFID Industry Consortium, increasing membership and visibility within the industry. Advanced the use of innovative technology within hospitals across the country. Helped to introduce the use of RFID in over 600 hospital pharmacies.  Mentored and taught APPE students from two colleges of pharmacy.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

I am a 30+ year ASHP member and now member of the Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology’s Operations and Automation Section Advisory Group. 

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

Early in my time in pharmacy school I understood the mutual value gained by joining a professional association. I was an ASHP Member from the beginning of pharmacy school.

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

It is important to find a mentor or someone that is in the role you would like some day. They can help guide your experiences to help you achieve that goal.

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

The value of networking opportunities is significant. We all face the same challenges personally and professionally, and having a vast network of professionals upon which to rely is incredibly helpful.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession? 

ASHP provides a place for pharmacists to grow through involvement in activities, it is the conduit to the legislative process for issues that we care about. ASHP provides a network of peers with which to collaborate, live and remotely.