Tanya Uritsky, PharmD, BCPP

For more than 14 years, Tanya Uritsky has been a committed advocate for her patients, helping them to better manage their pain and ensuring the safe use of medications at Penn Medicine. After beginning her career as a clinical pharmacist, Tanya now serves as the Opioid Stewardship Coordinator and Residency Program Director for Pain Management and Palliative Care. Her journey is marked by a deep commitment to patient care and innovative program development.

“I aim to support providers in making safe medication decisions. It’s a broad spectrum of expertise that requires constant vigilance and innovation.”

One way Tanya has helped drive meaningful change is by improving opioid safety. She has spearheaded efforts to minimize the risk of unused opioids falling into the wrong hands. Her efforts have significantly impacted both patient safety and community health.

I aim to support providers in making safe medication decisions. It’s a broad spectrum of expertise that requires constant vigilance and innovation.”

“I worked with organizations to secure funding for opioid disposal packages. That way when patients are pain free and no longer have need for their pain medications, they can dispose of them in a safe and secure manner.”

Tanya also believes in the importance of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team. At Penn Medicine, pharmacists are highly integrated into the healthcare system.

“Our institution values pharmacists as essential members of the care team. We work alongside physicians and nurses, ensuring safe and appropriate medication use. Patients see us on rounds and understand our role in their care. We understand how medications work within you, ensuring they are helping rather than hurting. I wish more people understood the breadth of what we do, from optimizing treatment regimens to providing comprehensive pain management.”

Tanya feels incredibly rewarded when her dedication is recognized by patients and their families.

I receive ‘Thank you’ notes for my efforts and I am reminded of how much of an impact we make. I know what it meant to me to be there when my mother was going through her own palliative care journey. It’s really a gift to be able to be able to do that and to be present.”

“I receive ‘Thank you’ notes for my efforts and I am reminded of how much of an impact we make. I know what it meant to me to be there when my mother was going through her own palliative care journey. It’s really a gift to be able to be able to do that and to be present.”

In addition to finding fulfillment in patient care, Tanya is passionate about mentorship and views it as one of the most rewarding aspects of her job.

“As the Residency Program Director, I love seeing our residents grow and develop. Teaching the next generation of pharmacists ensures that more patients receive expert care. It’s about creating a legacy.”

Tanya’s work in pain management and palliative care is a testament to her passion for patient care and her commitment to advancing the field of pharmacy. Through leadership, innovation, and compassion, she continues to make a profound impact on her community.

To Tanya, that’s what it means to be your pharmacist.