Professional Biography

I am a clinical pharmacist in the DMV area dedicated to advancing healthcare equity for underserved communities while fostering professional development in healthcare.

As Senior Program Coordinator at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, I established multiple initiatives focused on professional enhancement, leadership development, and diverse talent recruitment. I later served as Regional Clinical Pharmacist at a maximum security prison, where I held multiple clinical and administrative roles, providing equitable healthcare for incarcerated persons.

Currently, I work primarily with Medicare and Medicaid populations while conducting professional development workshops for healthcare professionals seeking career advancement. My diverse background has led to multiple publications and presentations across medical and academic institutions.

I leverage advanced pharmaceutical expertise as a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) to deliver transformative patient care across diverse and challenging healthcare environments. My clinical practice combines evidence-based medicine with patient advocacy to create meaningful health outcomes for vulnerable populations. As a clinical practitioner, I've developed innovative protocols that bridge healthcare gaps while maintaining exceptional standards of pharmaceutical care. My practice emphasizes both clinical excellence and compassionate engagement, establishing new benchmarks for pharmaceutical intervention in high-need settings.

My distinctive approach integrates:

  • Medication therapy management optimized for underserved communities

  • Clinical interventions that improve population health and address social determinants of health

  • Collaborative care models that enhance treatment adherence and outcomes

  • Targeted pharmaceutical strategies for complex patient populations

Clinical Pharmacy

My medical writing expertise spans clinical education, policy development, and technical documentation across multiple healthcare sectors. Beginning as a pharmacy student creating clinical content for community outreach, I've evolved into a versatile medical writer with impact across institutional and public health domains.My writing combines scientific precision with accessible communication, translating complex pharmaceutical concepts into actionable information for diverse audiences.

Portfolio Highlights:

  • Clinical Education Materials: Developed continuing education programs for Kaiser Permanente, including written modules and live presentations on specialized pharmaceutical topics

  • Professional Publications: Contributed articles to prestigious organizations including the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

  • Policy Development: Co-authored and revised statewide infection control policies for HCV and HIV management for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

  • Technical Documentation: Created comprehensive pharmacy vendor contract RFPs and medication information resources for healthcare institutions

  • Specialized Content: Produced targeted materials on medical research methodology, biostatistics, and medication safety protocols

  • Clinical Assessment Tools: Designed clinical needs assessments and laboratory testing protocols as part of freelance consulting work

Medical Writing

My scientific foundation was established through hands-on laboratory experience, providing invaluable insight into the complexities of drug development and testing. This bench science background continues to inform my clinical approach and initiatives. Though I've moved beyond active research, this experience bridged laboratory science with clinical application, allowing me to approach pharmaceutical care with a comprehensive understanding of the drug development continuum. This unique perspective enhances my ability to evaluate emerging therapies and translate research findings into practical patient care strategies.

Research Portfolio:

  • Laboratory of Immunology: Conducted foundational research as a MARC program participant at Temple University School of Medicine, where I developed core scientific methodologies

  • National Institutes of Health: Advanced to cancer research at the NIH Laboratory of Cell Biology as part of the NIH Academy of Enrichment Program

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences: Transitioned my research focus to patient-centered applications through pharmacy education

  • Academic Innovation: Explored the intersection of pharmacy practice, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

Research

I've expanded my impact beyond clinical practice by bringing evidence-based pharmaceutical knowledge to digital platforms. Despite my naturally introverted personality, I've embraced social media to democratize access to reliable health information, increase health literacy, and continue my passion for professional development. By showcasing diverse roles within the field of pharmacy and addressing health topics relevant to broader audiences, I continue to bridge information gaps while inspiring the next generation of healthcare providers.

Digital Presence:

  • Educational Content: Create accessible, scientifically-accurate videos on medication information, disease processes, and wellness strategies across TikTok and Instagram as @DomThePharmacist

  • Pharmacy Career Spotlight: Host in-depth conversations with diverse pharmacy professionals on my podcast Pharmacy Pathways, highlighting various career paths and personal journeys. Click to learn more about the Pharmacy Pathways Podcast

  • Community Building: Fostered an engaged audience seeking reliable pharmaceutical information presented in an approachable, jargon-free format

  • Health Literacy: Specialize in translating complex pharmaceutical concepts into practical knowledge that empowers viewers to make informed health decisions

Media

Teaching and mentoring have always been my true passion, weaving naturally through every phase of my career. There's something deeply fulfilling about sharing knowledge that can transform someone's practice or understanding. I've continuously invested in improving my teaching skills, seeking out specialized training that helps me communicate more effectively. My commitment to education extends beyond traditional settings through digital content creation that bridges knowledge gaps for both healthcare professionals and the general public. Whether I'm speaking to a room of professionals, writing in a newsletter, educating a patient, or presenting on updates to guideline practices…all of it is education. This multifaceted approach to education reflects my belief that accessible, accurate information is essential to advancing healthcare equity and outcomes.

Educational Impact:

  • Clinical Instruction: Served as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents, providing hands-on guidance in diverse practice settings

  • Academic Contribution: Delivered guest lectures at pharmacy programs, translating clinical experience into actionable learning for future practitioners

  • Professional Development: Conducted targeted presentations on guideline updates and evidence-based practices for healthcare teams

  • Patient Education: Developed accessible educational materials that empower patients to participate in their medication management

  • Advanced Training: Pursued specialized training in educational methodologies to enhance both written and oral communication effectiveness

Educating & Mentoring

Licenses and Certifications

Leading for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Higher Education - University of Michigan

Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist - Board of Pharmacy Specialities

Public Speaking - Heroic Public Speaking

Hepatitis C Provider - John Hopkins University School of Medicine; Division of Infectious Disease

Teaching Certificate - Washington Metropolitan Society of Health System Pharmacists

Immunization Delivery - American Pharmacist Association Foundation

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) - American Red Cross

Publications

White, C. Y., Patel, A., Cossari, D. (2022, Fall). Evaluating the Impact of Engagement in Diversity Recruitment Initiatives on Students' Progression. Journal of Best Practices in Health Professions Diversity: Research, Education and Policy, 15(2)150. 

White, C, Patel, A, Cossari, D. Organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: A strategic path forward. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. August 2021 https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxab322

Cossari, Dominique. The Big Three; A Review of Current COVID-19 Vaccines on the US Market. Kaiser Permanente Tips on Scripts Newsletter. August 2021. 

Cossari D, Patel K, Adigun K. PrEP for Women - The Dapivirine Vaginal Ring. HIV PRN Newsletter. American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Issue 1; Volume 5, Spring 2021.

 Robinson AN, Tebase BG, Francone SC, Cossari D, et al Co-expression of ABCB1 and ABCG2 in a Cell Line Model Reveals Both Independent and Additive Transporter Function. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. 2019.  doi:10.1124/dmd.118.086181. 

Wollebo, H.S., Bellizzi, A., Cossari, D.H. et al. The Brd4 acetyllysine-binding protein is involved in activation of polyomavirus JC. J. Neurovirol. 22, 615–625 (2016). doi.org/10.1007/s13365-016-0435-6.

Cossari, Dominique. Flu Shots-From the Rx Pad. QNotes. October 2018: Vol 33, NO12. 

Wollebo HS, Bellizzi A, Cossari DH, Safak M, Khalili K, White MK. Epigenetic regulation of polyomavirus JC involves acetylation of specific lysine residues in NF-κB p65. J. Neurovirol. 21, 679–687 (2015). doi:10.1007/s13365-015-0326-2.

Pharmacy Journey Timeline

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