Global Program Director, Cannabinoid Drug Development Program, University at Buffalo’s NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences (CBLS) Associate Director of the Empire State Patient Safety Assurance Network Research Assistant Professor for University at Buffalo.

Dr. Jeffrey Lombardo is the Global Program Director, Cannabinoid Drug Development Program, University at Buffalo’s NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences (CBLS). In this role he leads the coordination of a team of researchers who focus on the understanding of cannabinoid replacement therapy approaches. Specific areas of focus are cellular transport mechanisms that influence cannabinoid distribution throughout the body, clinical pharmacology mechanisms that contribute to different responses among individuals, and drug interactions between cannabinoids and commonly used medications. In Jamaica, he is partnering with the University of the West Indies on studies involving medical marijuana and pursuing new initiatives for the University at Buffalo’s medication management research network (MMRN).

Dr Lombardo is the Associate Director for UB’s patient safety organization, Empire State Patient Safety Assurance Network. In this role he facilitates organization participation, coordination and implementation with participating sites as well as reviewing data and presenting reports on findings. Collaborating with Medical Oncologists he is tracking patient outcomes and advising physicians on best practices for cancer patients, making full use of his specialty pharmacy certification in oncology.

Dr. Lombardo received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University at Buffalo, where he currently holds a Research Assistant Professor Title. He has completed research and co-authored several articles on topics involving chemotherapy in the field of solid tumors. Dr. Lombardo started his career at Roswell Park Cancer Institute where he focused 15 years of work in hematology and medical oncology.

It was there where he learned what impact a pharmacist can have on a cancer patients’ journey. Dr Lombardo Moved on to be vice president of clinical affairs at a national oncology specialty pharmacy. These roles provided Dr. Lombardo with expertise in contracting with managed care plans and companies in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Lombardo has exhibited and presented his work both internationally and domestically at the University of the West Indies Research Days, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Health System Pharmacists and Value Based Cancer Care Symposiums.

Director of Pharmacy New Business Development, Catholic Health System, Buffalo, NY

Key Duties: Develops, implements, and enhances innovative strategies, strategic plans, and maintains unit specific business plans which include new program development, management, positive financial performance, and program evaluations. Evaluates and maintains all current pharmacy contracts with wholesales, group purchasing organizations, and pharmacy benefit managers.

Leads the growth and development of the specialty pharmacy oral and infusion programs by identifying strategic outside referral providers to Catholic Health. Works closely with Human Resources and the company’s healthcare benefit (First Choice) to implement the pharmacy benefit into the specialty pharmacy program. Evaluates financial performance monthly and reports progress to senior leadership.

Assists in the review, analysis, and appraisal for the effectiveness of all specialty, infusion, and retail pharmacy programs. Recommends new business lines and identified opportunities based on new pharmacy trends.

Education and Training:
Doctorate in Pharmacy, University at Buffalo, SUNY
BS in Pharmacy, St John’s University
Board Certification in Oncology – BPS
MBA in Health Care Administration – Niagara University