Baptist Health First in Nation to Add Clinical Wellness Pharmacists to Staff

Throughout its history, Baptist Health South Florida has been known to be a forward-thinking organization, says Madeline Camejo, MS, PharmD, the health system’s vice president and chief pharmacy officer.

We see our role not just as caregivers for our community’s sick and injured but also as vocal proponents of health and wellness,” says Dr. Camejo, citing the first line of the organization’s mission statement:

“The mission of Baptist Health is to improve the health and well-being of individuals, and to promote the sanctity and preservation of life, in the communities we serve.”

Underscoring the organization’s commitment to wellness, Baptist Health is the first in the nation to add clinical wellness pharmacists to its staff. “Hiring a clinical wellness pharmacist has never been done at any other institution and is an example of what sets Baptist Health apart from other organizations,” says Dr. Camejo. She says Baptist Health is committed to expanding its wellness and wellbeing services for its more than 29,000 employees and physicians, as well as for the entire South Florida community.

Marissa Brooks, PharmD, was appointed to the newly created position of clinical wellness pharmacist, according to Dr. Camejo. She says Dr. Brooks, who is also a certified wellness coach, will focus on the areas of oncology, community health and employee health. A second clinical wellness pharmacist, Brandon Welch, PharmD – also a certified wellness coach – will focus on executive health, orthopedics and sports medicine. 

“Both of these new positions will support services for pharmacists as well as build greater relationships within Baptist Health among peer physicians, nurses, dieticians and support staff,” says Dr. Camejo.

Dr. Brooks says Baptist Health is certain to benefit from having clinical wellness pharmacists on board. “This approach strengthens our offerings as a health system since we act as liaisons to health and healthcare for our patients and their family members,” she says. “And as we move forward, having medication experts address prevention and supplementation of therapy becomes increasingly important.”

This first-of-its-kind position also sets a precedence for the profession, according to Dr. Brooks. This summer, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists launched the first cohort of its well-being certification program. Dr. Brooks helped create the program and is the first pharmacist employed in an institution to focus on well-being directly as part of her position. 

“Other health systems are sure to follow our lead, though” she says.