Angelica Berni

Her Story

Angelica Berni, Pharm.D., M.S., BCPS is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University where she earned a Doctorate in Pharmacy. She went on to complete a combined Postgraduate year 1 and year 2 residency in Health System Pharmacy Administration at The University of Kansas Health System where she also earned her master’s in pharmacy practice and teaching certificate from The University of Kansas. During her residency she focused on ambulatory care / specialty services and assisted the ambulatory division to achieve URAC specialty pharmacy accreditation.

Facility

Dr. Berni is currently the Director of Specialty Pharmacy at Baptist Health South Florida and supports the ambulatory clinical service line. Baptist Health South Florida is non-for profit 11-hospital health system located in South Florida with facilities in the Florida Keys up to Palm Beach County. Additionally, Baptist Health System has approximately fifty outpatient and urgent care centers and several community health and outreach programs. The specialty pharmacy is physically located in the Miami cancer Institute in Miami Florida and under the leadership of the pharmacy clinical enterprise.

Recent Significant Projects

Since Dr. Berni has joined the Baptist Health South Florida team, she oversaw the implementation of a pharmacy call center to support the specialty pharmacy and ambulatory service line. Additionally, she led the transition of the prior authorization process within Baptist Health South Florida to the specialty pharmacy reimbursement specialist team.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

I serve as a member of the inaugural ASHP Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners Section Advisory Group on Outcomes and Value.

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

 I started my involvement with ASHP back in pharmacy school. I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the profession and to stay up to date. I wanted to be a part of the changing workforce. Continuing to be involved in your profession whether it is through legislative work, pharmaceutical organizations or being abreast to the ever-changing field is necessary to keep up. I have met great mentors through ASHP, learned about opportunities and continue to network and be involved.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

Be bold and step out of your comfort zone. You will learn something new every day in our ever-changing field. Specialty and ambulatory pharmacy services are continually evolving. There is always a new medication or new regulation or standard to abide by so welcome them and take on the challenge.

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

ASHP is not just a tool in your career; it is an entire toolbox. It supports you in any way you can imagine or need at any point in your career or pharmacy journey.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

ASHP advocates for our profession. They ensure we keep moving forward and provides updates for those who want to stay abreast and involved.