“Taking care of my patients, taking care of my people.”
Dr. Anthony C. Scott is a nationally recognized pharmacy executive, educator, and healthcare strategist who has built a two-decade career at the intersection of clinical excellence, operational leadership, and compassionate mentorship. Guided by his personal credo—“Take care of my patients, take care of my people”—Dr. Scott has transformed pharmacy systems, optimized healthcare operations, and fostered cultures of innovation and inclusion in some of the nation’s most respected health systems and distribution networks. His journey from a clinical pharmacist to one of the industry’s most visible and trusted leaders is a testament to both his technical acumen and his profound commitment to people.
Born with an innate curiosity for science and service, Dr. Scott’s academic pursuits began at Georgia State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, graduating magna cum laude. He later earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management from New England College, laying the foundation for a career that bridges clinical care with executive leadership. His formative training included two ASHP-accredited residencies, providing him with an early platform to master not only pharmacy practice, but the complex systems behind healthcare delivery.
Dr. Scott’s professional career launched with a focus on hospital pharmacy operations and steadily ascended through progressive leadership roles at Parkview Health, UChicago Medicine, and Emory University Hospital. At Parkview, he reengineered outpatient pharmacy services and piloted cutting-edge discharge delivery programs, gaining a reputation for creative problem-solving and visionary planning. At UChicago Medicine, he oversaw operations across adult, pediatric, and satellite pharmacy units for an 811-bed academic center, introducing automation, RFID technology, and medication diversion prevention systems that delivered both safety and multi-million-dollar savings.
His tenure at Emory University Hospital from 2021 to 2024 marked a pivotal chapter in his career. As Director of Pharmacy Services, Dr. Scott managed a $70 million drug budget and led over 240 employees across multiple campuses and clinics. He guided Emory through a complex EPIC EHR system transition, streamlined medication distribution across three major sites, and embedded Lean principles to optimize staffing and operational workflows. Dr. Scott’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by agility, empathy, and transparency—helping his teams navigate unprecedented challenges while maintaining compliance, safety, and care quality.
Currently, Dr. Scott serves as Director of Pharmacy Operations and Account Management at Cardinal Health, one of the nation’s premier pharmaceutical distributors. In this role, he leads strategic client engagement across a network of healthcare partners, with a focus on optimizing operational performance, enhancing profitability, and deepening customer relationships. His deep understanding of the pharmaceutical supply chain, combined with his clinical leadership background, makes him uniquely suited to guide organizations at the crossroads of distribution, innovation, and care delivery.
Throughout his career, Dr. Scott has championed a future-forward approach to pharmacy and healthcare leadership. His presentations—delivered across national conferences including ASHP, Vizient, and the Children’s Hospital Association—explore topics ranging from artificial intelligence and automation to drug diversion, DEI strategy, and workforce development. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and led CE-accredited programs on pharmacy operations, RFID innovations, and equitable workplace leadership. His writing and speaking reflect not only technical expertise but a strong voice for transformation and inclusion.
Dr. Scott’s commitment to mentorship and education runs deep. He has held adjunct faculty positions at Mercer University, Chicago State University, Midwestern University, and others—mentoring students, pharmacy residents, and young professionals. As a Residency Program Director at UChicago Medicine and a national mentor through ASHP, he has guided the next generation of pharmacy leaders with purpose and integrity. His educational philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, accountability, and cultural competence—qualities he believes are essential for healthcare’s future.
A Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Dr. Scott has served in numerous national leadership roles, including Director-at-Large and Chair-at-Large of the Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders. His influence spans governance, innovation steering committees, and workforce development initiatives, and he has helped shape national conversations around the role of pharmacy in equitable and technology-driven care. He is also active in regional leadership through the Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists, where he continues to advocate for practice advancement and professional development.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Scott is deeply involved in community service, mentoring youth through golf coaching, volunteering with healthcare nonprofits, and supporting student advancement through university mentor programs. His leadership extends beyond the boardroom and bedside into spaces where he uplifts future leaders, families, and underserved communities. His work embodies both technical mastery and human-centered care.
Character:
Dr. Scott exemplifies integrity, empathy, and resilience. His leadership philosophy is anchored in doing what is right for both patients and professionals—earning him trust across multidisciplinary teams. Whether guiding institutions through system transitions or supporting staff during a crisis, his character remains steadfast.
Knowledge:
With a Pharm.D., MBA, and multiple certifications, Dr. Scott brings a rare blend of clinical depth and strategic insight. His contributions to RFID research, DEI in pharmacy, and technology-driven care reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and innovation. He remains a respected thought leader across both academic and operational domains.
Strategic:
Dr. Scott has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to drive enterprise-level strategy with measurable outcomes. From multimillion-dollar cost savings to seamless EHR conversions, he aligns vision with execution. He anticipates industry trends and turns them into actionable solutions for hospitals, wholesalers, and academic partners.
Communication:
Dr. Scott is a compelling communicator, whether presenting CE-accredited lectures, authoring peer-reviewed publications, or mentoring future leaders. His transparent leadership style fosters clarity, alignment, and empowerment at all levels. He brings a voice of inspiration and strategy to every table he joins.
