Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Michael McKendall, Chief Pharmacy Officer at InclusivCare
Oct 30, 2025
Michael McKendall, Chief Pharmacy Officer at InclusivCare, shares his insights from the frontline of pharmacy operations. He discusses innovative strategies to enhance patient outreach and the importance of transitions of care for vulnerable populations. Michael highlights past successes in improving patient access and reducing emergency department lengths of stay. As he navigates upcoming regulatory changes and industry pressures, he emphasizes a team-centered approach and the need for effective mentorship in healthcare.
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Full-Circle Return To Pharmacy
- Michael McKendall returned to pharmacy work as Chief Pharmacy Officer at InclusivCare after leadership roles in hospitals.
- He frames this move as going back to where his heart is and serving vulnerable patients at a federally qualified health center.
Access Drives Quality Metrics
- At Sentara, the team prioritized patient access and achieved some of the system's lowest ED length-of-stay metrics.
- Rapid access to services like imaging and pharmacy refills directly supports quality metrics and patient experience.
Proactive Transitions-Of-Care Outreach
- Do build a transitions-of-care program that proactively reaches patients from a clinical pharmacy angle.
- Reach out before patients come for refills to address polypharmacy, appointments, and basic nutrition needs.