John Figueroa 

What does being an honoree of the Outstanding Alumni in Healthcare campaign mean to you?

Being recognized as an Outstanding Alumni at Pepperdine is truly an honor, both personally and professionally. I have dedicated my career to changing the healthcare landscape for the better and am thrilled to be recognized for the work that I have been associated with and the amazing people with whom I have teamed over the years. Serving in healthcare in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to do some very unique things. We focused our company to enhance our services to deliver critically needed medications to people outside of normal healthcare locations. We modified our technology, resources, and people to connect with patients directly and to provide healthcare services at their home or through telemedicine/telepharmacy. This honor, really is recognition for the amazing job my team performed in this time of crisis.

Describe your road to success.

I have been in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and have had the opportunity to serve as either president or CEO of both large and small organizations including McKesson Corporation, OmniCare Corporation, Apria Healthcare, Genoa Healthcare, and CarepathRx. I began my journey in healthcare because I was passionate about improving patient outcomes despite the sometimes cumbersome business of healthcare and I was committed to finding optimal and seamless avenues to do so. I continue to be driven by that goal and am excited to be collaborating with talented leaders in the healthcare industry today. We are making a difference in patient health across the country and I continue to believe that healthcare corporations must be focused on patient health first and be fully committed to principled and honorable corporate values.

Who has helped you achieve success in your career?

It is vital that you surround yourself with talented people. No one can be successful on their own and trusting a good team to do their job is the secret to success. I have found that a good leader finds talent, develops that talent, keeps them challenged, inspired, and focused on the mission of the company.

Describe a lesson you've learned from a challenging time in your career or life.

Although it may be challenging at times, I think it is critically important to fully devote your time and your energy to both your family and to your chosen profession. Understand that both require your absolute best and don't let distractions take you off course. Stay focused on accomplishing every task at home and at work. I have found the result to be a happy and successful life on both fronts.

How do you prepare for a busy day?

The key to managing a busy day is preparation. I am a firm believer that adequate preparation makes the difference between being reactive and being proactive in business and in life.

What's next for you?

I recently started a new company, CarepathRx, focused on developing the first-ever end-to-end comprehensive pharmacy solution within the hospital and entirely within the health system pharmacy supply chain. Historically, once a consumer has left a hospital setting they have been tasked with finding a pharmacy solution on their own. With our company, after a patient has left the hospital care setting, we empower the hospital and health system to provide pharmacy support directly to the patent's home in areas like Specialty, Infusion, and Chronic illness medication. In our first year of operation we will generate almost $2 billion in revenue, but more importantly we have increased the quality of care for patients, reduced cost in the system, and improved the financial health of the hospital.

What is one of your hobbies?

I enjoy health and fitness, traveling, and spending every possible moment with my family.