Jun 17, 2025
At Precision AQ, we know that navigating patient access challenges requires more than data—it takes real-world expertise. That’s why we’ve launched our Meet Our Access Experience Team series, introducing the industry insiders who help life science companies anticipate payer challenges, optimize access strategies, and accelerate time to therapy.
Meet Courtney Patterson, PharmD, MBA, Vice President, Access Experience Team. Her extensive background in pharmacy oncology services plays a key role in our expertise and understanding of patient access. Here are some recent thoughts from Courtney.
Q&A with Courtney Patterson
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and areas of specialty?
I am a residency-trained oncology clinical pharmacist who has spent the past 15 years in leadership, leading oncology teams and new initiatives and establishing pharmacy clinical services.
Q: Where did you work prior to Precision AQ?
I was at Advocate Healthcare, most recently serving as the System Director of Oncology Pharmacy Services, directing and coordinating the operations of pharmacy oncology services for all oncology clinics in Illinois. Prior to that, I was an oncology clinical pharmacist at the University of Chicago and completed my Pharmacy Practice Residencies at Emory University Hospital and The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Q: What unique perspectives do you bring to ensuring patience access?
Through my background with healthcare systems and pharmacy services, I’ve been able to gain unique insights in the areas of population health, managed care, chronic disease management, and drug distribution. In combination with oncology care, I’ve been involved in most specialty areas of the patient care continuum.
Q: Which healthcare trends aren’t getting enough attention?
I see 2 main areas which must be recognized and addressed: healthcare equity and social determinants of health. These are the bedrock for patient care, and successful treatment will only be possible if we pay attention and give these areas the time and resources they deserve.
Q: Which trends will reshape healthcare in the next 1-3 years?
As we look at the months and years ahead, it becomes clear that the focus on quality and the holistic human experience is essential. This will absolutely determine where patients get care, and who in the market will deliver this care while meeting patient expectations.
Q: What are you most passionate about in healthcare?
Healthcare equity and patient experience are very important to me, because our healthcare system in today’s ever-changing world must never lose its connection with humanity and compassion. In addition, I am a firm believer in research and executive leadership, knowing how a constant influx of insight and discovery will keep us ready to handle any healthcare challenge.
Q: What do you like most about working at Precision AQ?
It’s exciting to join such an accomplished team of experts with diverse backgrounds that cover so many different areas and disciplines. Having all these people around you gives you a true 360º perspective that can often be hard to find in one organization.
Q: What should life science organizations prioritize in innovation?
Advancements in prevention and accessibility will have a great impact on our patient population, and the innovation we’ve seen in recent times should only accelerate as we find more ways to keep people healthy and out of the hospital. Also, I believe that we should encourage more innovation as we seek additional ways for patients to have access to care, along with agency over their care.
About Precision AQ’s Access Experience Team
Precision AQ’s Access Experience Team (AET), originally launched in 2009, was created to bridge the gap between payers and life sciences companies, offering deep insight into access decision-making. Comprising more than 25 former access decision-makers from prominent managed care organizations, specialty pharmacies, and health plans, the AET brings firsthand experience to payer strategies, reimbursement barriers, and evolving policies. As an integrated part of Precision AQ, the AET helps clients translate payer practices and market access insights into actionable strategies to improve patient access.
Want to connect? Reach out to courtney.patterson@precisionaq.com