Laura Cranston (STChealth)
Overview
Laura Cranston is a prominent figure in the pharmacy and healthcare quality domains. She is widely recognized for her role as the founder and CEO Emeritus of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to optimizing health by advancing the quality of medication use. Her substantial contributions toward integrating pharmacists into the broader healthcare system have distinguished her as a leader in the field. Cranston's commitment to healthcare improvement is further reflected in her tenure as CEO of Cranston & Associates, LLC, where she continues to offer expert guidance to public and private healthcare sectors.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Laura Cranston has maintained an influential presence in the pharmacy industry through her strategic initiatives and active participation in notable projects:
- January 2023: Laura Cranston was named one of the “50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy” by the Pharmacy Podcast Network, highlighting her continued impact in the pharmacy space and her commitment to healthcare improvements.
- 2023: Cranston played a critical role in discussions surrounding vaccine hesitancy and the phenomenon of "vaccination deserts," where she addressed issues like pharmacy closures and reimbursement challenges impacting independent pharmacies.
- May 2023: During a critical dialog about the changing landscape of immunization services in pharmacies, Cranston emphasized the pressure on pharmacists due to new immunization guidelines and financial constraints that drive pharmacy closures.
- October 2023: Under her strategic leadership, Cranston & Associates continued to focus on managed care pharmacy, advocating for better medication management practices and influencing healthcare policy reform.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Cranston |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Healthcare Consultant |
| Known For | Founder of Pharmacy Quality Alliance |
| Education | St. John’s University, Doctor of Pharmacy |
Early Life and Education
Laura Cranston's early journey in the field of pharmacy began with her academic pursuits at St. John's University, where she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Her educational background laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in healthcare, providing her with the skills and knowledge necessary to champion medication safety and healthcare quality. Influenced by the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare, Cranston was motivated to bridge gaps in medication management, leading her to establish significant organizations and initiatives focusing on quality improvement.
Career and Notable Achievements
Laura Cranston's career has been marked by significant accomplishments and contributions to the healthcare field:
- Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA): Founded in 2006, this organization has been instrumental in advancing medication use quality. Under Cranston's leadership, PQA grew to become a key player in setting the standards for medication use in healthcare.
- Cranston & Associates, LLC: As founder and CEO, Cranston has provided invaluable consulting services to numerous healthcare institutions, helping them navigate complex challenges and optimize their pharmacy practices.
- Influence on Policy: Cranston has been actively involved in policy discussions, particularly those influencing pharmacist roles in healthcare, contributing to the development and implementation of standards that support safer medication use.
Current Work and Impact
Today, Laura Cranston continues to impact healthcare through her consultancy, Cranston & Associates. She focuses on optimizing medication management strategies and advancing pharmacists' roles within healthcare teams. Her influence extends to advising healthcare organizations on best practices and policy development, thereby shaping the future of pharmacy practice. Through her ongoing efforts, Cranston has left a lasting legacy in the field, underscoring the importance of integrating quality medication use strategies into the broader health system.
Conclusion
Laura Cranston’s contributions to the pharmacy and healthcare sectors underscore her role as a pivotal figure in advancing medication safety and quality. Her vision and leadership have not only shaped policy but have also paved the way for enhanced roles for pharmacists within the healthcare system. As healthcare evolves, Cranston's legacy continues to inspire innovations that prioritize quality and safety, ensuring her enduring impact on public health. Her dedication to improving healthcare quality stands as a testament to her commitment to advancing the field for future generations.