2023 Health Care Champions Specialty Provider: Mariah Hollabaugh

As the health care landscape continues to be shaped by new challenges, Mariah Hollabaugh, director of pharmacy at Citizens Memorial Hospital, positions herself as a pivotal force in the transition toward a more integrated and responsive health care system.

“Pharmacists are a valuable part of the health care delivery team,” she says. “We are the medication experts and can help our patients and providers with various issues related to medication access, proper use, dose optimization and evidence-based care.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hollabaugh’s role and that of her colleagues expanded significantly. She says they provided the crucial services of immunizations, testing and treatment – not only demonstrating the versatility of pharmacy professionals but also strengthening the case for recognizing pharmacists as providers.

Hollabaugh says her work involves innovation and advocacy.

“My role is to continue to push the envelope for pharmacy practice expansion and to find innovative ways to support my team,” she says.

Her approach extends to developing the pharmacy workforce, creating advanced roles for technicians to enhance their career progression and supporting the expanding role of pharmacists.

“I have led several pharmacy service expansion initiatives and created new positions,” she says, pointing to the addition of medication reconciliation technicians to interview patients upon admission at the hospital and a medication access specialist to help patients access medications at discharge.

Hollabaugh has also been at the helm of significant transitions, including software upgrades and pharmacy mergers.

“I have learned how interfaces work, all the tech lingo that goes with them, and built medication databases from scratch,” she says. “I worked elbow to elbow with my team and pulled a few all-night shifts to get the various projects accomplished.”

While the majority of Hollabaugh’s training has been with health systems – including Putnam County Memorial Hospital and University of Missouri Health Care – she says her roots are firmly planted in rural Missouri.

“I have always been passionate about practicing pharmacy in rural Missouri, where I want to live and raise my family,” she says.

Advocating for rural care is also an important factor for her, extending to the legislative level, where she has spoken with legislators and testified at committee hearings.

“Advocacy and sharing best practices is critical to keep the doors open for small community and critical access hospitals,” she says.

Hollabaugh’s involvement in professional and civic organizations, such as the Missouri Pharmacy Association, reflects her dedication to health care and community service. She has served on boards, engaged in educational events and actively participated in discussions to advance pharmacy practice and address rural health challenges.

She says the need is growing.

“Patients see and interact with their pharmacist several times a month in some cases, whereas they only see their doctor a couple times a year,” she says.