Chief Pharmacy Executive, UCSF Health and Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs, UCSF School of Pharmacy

Here is what Desi's nominator had to say about her:

Desi is a dedicated and thoughtful leader who consistently brings a strong sense of commitment and integrity to her work. Her ability to balance leadership with a genuine interest in the perspectives of others makes her an invaluable colleague and mentor. I appreciate her dedication and the positive impact she has on myself and those she works with.

Nominated by Korin Schmitz

Desi's Bio:

Dr. Desi Kotis is Chief Pharmacy Executive for UCSF Health System and Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs for UCSF School of Pharmacy.

Dr. Kotis received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Illinois, where she also received her Doctor of Pharmacy. She completed a pharmacy residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  Dr. Kotis was appointed fellow of American Society of Health System Pharmacists in 2013 and received the President’s award from the Illinois Council Health System Pharmacists in 2015.  She was also the recipient of the 2017 Pharmacist of the Year Award from Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists.  She was appointed by the Governor of Illinois and served on the Board of Pharmacy, ending her term in November of 2020 as Vicechair of the Illinois Board of Pharmacy.   Dr. Kotis also completed her term as Chair of the Vizient Pharmacy Network in January of 2024.  Dr. Kotis was the recipient of the Vizient David A Zilz Leadership Award in December or 2024. She is currently on the Executive Council of the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) and the Board of Hospital Owned Specialty Pharmacies (HOSP) representing all campuses of University of California.

Dr. Kotis is a strategic academic medical center leader in health system administration. She is currently reporting into the system COO office at UCSF Health and has the Chief Pharmacy Officer as a direct report. Dr Kotis has system responsibility for the UCSF pharmacy enterprise including regulatory, quality, safety, and financial responsibilities which include the management of the 340B program.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today? 

Believe in yourself, never let anyone underestimate you, and understand it is a journey.  The journey may take you places you haven’t thought about.

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?

Being appointed to the Illinois Board of Pharmacy by the Governor of Illinois.  A great way to give back in a different way by protecting the citizens of the state.  This appointment helped me understand the importance of giving back and I use that thinking in all I do.

What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey? 

My parents would go to the neighborhood pharmacy and get advice from the community pharmacist.  If he thought we needed to go to the doctor then we would. Because of this, I became a clinical pharmacist at an Academic Center where I started my management journey.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I LOVE to watch the NBA. A true Chicago Bulls fan but love the Dubs and the Sac Kings;  I also love flower arranging both fresh and dried flowers and do this weekly at home.

How do you think the role of women in the workforce has changed throughout your career? 

Many more females in the workplace at all levels in health systems. It is encouraging that the Glass Ceiling is cracking.

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.