You know, it comes down to, obviously, supply. RICK GATES: Yeah, I wish I had the answer that everybody is asking. But let's start with the question I think everybody wants to know, which is: When do you think anybody can walk into a Walgreens pharmacy or go to your website and make an appointment to get a COVID vaccine? You've already been doing that in partnership with some states and, of course, in long-term care facilities. On Friday, you kick off your participation in the federal pharmacy program, so at, you know, some of your locations across the country, you'll be administering vaccines.
You guys, of course, are in a very busy time right now. And Rick Gates, thank you so much for being here with us for Healthy Returns. To give us a behind-the-scenes look at this monumental challenge is Rick Gates, the head of pharmacy and healthcare at Walgreens, and he will be interviewed by my friend and CNBC's senior health and science reporter, Meg Tirrell. Realtime Transcription by TYLER MATHISEN: Walgreens is at the center of the vaccine rollout and will play an increasingly vital role in the coming weeks and months in inoculating millions of Americans in all corners of the country.
SVP PHARMACY FULL
Full video will be available at /healthy-returns.Īll references must be sourced to CNBC's Healthy Returns Spotlight. He is an active member of the American Pharmacist Association, NCPDP, NASP and the University of Iowa Alumni Association.Following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC interview with Rick Gates, Walgreens Pharmacy & Healthcare SVP, and CNBC's Senior Health & Science Reporter Meg Tirrell live during CNBC's Healthy Returns Spotlight today, Tuesday, February 9 th. in pharmacy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Rick serves as a board member with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Leadership Board, AllianceRx and the Lake Forest Swim Club Board. He most recently led a team ensuring operational enablement and execution of strategic programs at our various locations. He has led Western Pharmacy Operations and was responsible for pharmacy integration during the Duane Reade Acquisition. Since moving to Deerfield, he has been instrumental in implementation of innovative product offerings and operational efficiency programs. He began his extensive career in stores and field leadership before joining Walgreens corporate. Rick joined Walgreens after graduating from pharmacy school and has spent his career within store and pharmacy operations, along with health and wellness organizations. Previously, he was the Group Vice President of Pharmacy leading initiative development and deployment centered around the pharmacy customer experience. He is responsible for all Retail USA commercial healthcare activities, including sales and contracting, biopharma relationships, retail clinics, clinical and pharmacy affairs. Rick Gates is the Senior Vice President of Pharmacy and Healthcare at Walgreen Co. Rick Gates Partner Committee SVP, Pharmacy & Healthcare, Walgreens Boots Alliance