Behind the Scenes at Accredo: Spotlight on Physician Engagement Team
A passion for helping patients and making an impact has always been at the forefront of Diana’s career.
In today’s featured spotlight, we meet another strong leader at Accredo: Diana Florio, RN, BSN. In her role as Vice President of Physician Engagement, she leads a team of more than 200 physician engagement representatives that helps set Accredo apart from other specialty pharmacies.
It’s her team’s commitment to prioritizing the patient and being dedicated to the provider experience that helps Accredo support specialty prescribers and their patients in ways that other specialty pharmacies are unable to.
Q: How long have you been with Accredo?
DF: It’s hard to believe, but my journey with Accredo began over 22 years ago. My background as an oncology nurse helped to shape my career, which has primarily focused on operational and clinical aspects of health care. Accredo has evolved over the years, but the quality of people who work here has remained consistent. And I have been fortunate to work with several of my colleagues for more than two decades.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career at Accredo?
DF: At the beginning of my career, I was working as a nurse and a manager of oncology services at a hospital system. During this era, we witnessed a transformation in care. Until this point, patients were confined to hospital settings for any type of oncology care. However, the invention of the Hickman catheter changed everything. We could offer patients the opportunity to receive treatment in the comfort of their homes. It was thrilling to be a part of health care during this time of historical advancements in technology, and I wanted to be a part of the continued change!
While chasing this dream, I spent many years at Home Health Care of America and then at New York Hospital, where I was actively involved in developing specialized nursing services for patients in need of infusion therapy at home. It was during this time that I collaborated with business development teams quite often. Spending time in the fast-paced world of sales led me to reconsider my path at a non-profit hospital system.
I was inspired by the prospect of opportunities outside of the hospital. It was that inspiration which marked the beginning of my journey at Accredo. Since then, I have had the privilege of working alongside various mentors and colleagues from different parts of the organization. What continues to fuel my motivation every day is the profound impact we make in the lives of patients. We are not just providing health care; we are delivering a better quality of life. This is the mission that keeps me inspired.
Q: Tell me more about your current role as vice president of physician engagement, and how it benefits those Accredo serves.
DF: My role involves overseeing a team dedicated to engaging with specialty prescribers whose focus is on those therapies that are highly complex and encompass areas like oncology, bleeding and pulmonary disorders, neurology, rheumatoid arthritis, and rare diseases. My team is made up of field-based account executives and inside sales representatives, as well as field patient advocates, all with a variety of expertise in various therapeutic areas. They are focused on going beyond the prescription to engage in meaningful ways with our prescribers and patients. Our commitment to optimizing the physician experience and improving patient care is always at the forefront of our approach.
With Accredo, prescribers also have access to an industry-leading physician portal, My Accredo Patients. This digital solution ensures prescribers have efficient communication with the Accredo team, allowing for easy access to information and reporting, as well as the option to engage in real-time chats – all driving to a simplified experience for prescribers and to get patients on therapy faster.
I’m proud of my team, and what sets us apart is our commitment to prioritizing the patient and considering the bigger picture. Overall, Accredo is equipped to specialize in ways that many other specialty pharmacies cannot.
Q: What motivates you to get up and come to work every day?
DF: My motivation comes from my team. What drives me is how I can make a difference, remove obstacles, and help my team become the best they can be. Maintaining a culture of paying it forward and making a difference continues to be a key motivator. I emphasize not only how we drive the business forward but also why we are here, our purpose to provide the absolute best support for specialty prescribers so they can provide the best care for their patients.
Q: What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of?
DF: I find it challenging to single out just one moment that stands out on its own. In my current role, I’m proud of the influence and impact I have within the organization. I’m able to shape how my team performs at their best so that we can do our best work for the people we serve. I also have a voice at the senior leadership level, enabling the feedback we receive from our prescribers to be effectively communicated at the highest level. I’m proud of the fact that I have a voice that people listen to, and I can help make a difference in the specialty community.
Q: What is your favorite professional quote?
DF: One quote that resonates with me, and that I try to live by, is from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says it can’t be done.” I strongly believe in pushing boundaries, taking risks and trying new things. Whether it’s conducting pilots, surveying new territories, or introducing innovations, I’m a firm believer that you should always try something new. Even if it doesn’t succeed, the learnings from failure are essential for growth. Progress requires embracing new challenges!
Q: Tell me an interesting fact about you.
DF: Many people don’t know that I have a passion for cooking! I recognize the importance of giving back to the community and because of that, I joined an organization called Lasagna Love. This initiative began during the COVID-19 pandemic with a mission of spreading kindness through food. People can request a lasagna online with no questions asked. The recipients can be people who are hungry, in need, elderly, or facing specific challenges. I volunteer my culinary skills and cook several lasagnas each month, which are then delivered to matched families in the area. Given my passion for cooking, this has become a rewarding way for me to contribute to my community.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of work?
DF: I’ve recently taken up playing pickleball and it has been an absolute blast! It’s an incredibly fun and easy-to-learn sport that combines the elements of ping-pong and tennis. Within thirty minutes you can pick up the basics and start playing! Staying active is something I enjoy. I also have twin grandchildren who are fifteen months old, and spending time with them gives me so much joy. Staying active in my life and spending time with family are things that I prioritize outside of work.
