Excellus BlueCross BlueShield announces the promotion of Mona Chitre, who has a doctorate in pharmacy, to the position of vice president of pharmacy management.
Chitre’s primary responsibilities include clinical and operational oversight of all aspects of Excellus BCBS’ pharmacy program, which spends $1 billion annually on members’ prescription medication. Her responsibilities include clinical program development, formulary and medical management, employer group support and vendor management. Her goal is to ensure that upstate New York residents have access to safe, effective and affordable medication.
Chitre has worked at Excellus BCBS for more than 12 years. She most recently served as director of clinical services, strategy and policy at Excellus BCBS.
Chitre earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees in pharmacy from Rutgers University, and did her primary-care residency with the Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo, Erie County. She was one of the first certified geriatric pharmacists in New York state and is an adjunct faculty member at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, Monroe County, and SUNY Buffalo School of Pharmacy in Buffalo, Erie County.
Chitre serves on the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester and volunteers with the Victor Central School District.
Chitre has published several papers and abstracts in scientific journals on topics including diabetes, infectious disease, managed care trends and medication therapy management. She’s a member of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.