We are thrilled to kick off the new year by welcoming Julie Burns as our AVP of Consultant Sales. We spoke to Julie about what makes Abarca a different kind of company, the future of healthcare, and what it means to be Like Family.
What makes you passionate about healthcare?
I have been in the industry for the majority of my career and am fortunate to have built an amazing network of colleagues and collaborators. The healthcare industry is unique in that it gives us opportunities to work together, share insights, and find places where our knowledge and experiences can be leveraged to make a difference.
But, if I had to pick my favorite part of what I do, it’s working with payers and employer groups to find the partners that will help them execute their strategies and find success.
What made you want to become an Abarcan?
When I began looking for a new position, I knew I wanted to join an organization with a positive, inclusive culture that emphasizes collaborative partnerships.
I heard about Abarca previously and knew it as a company that is very dynamic, honest, and transparent – and one that is on the forefront of unbundling PBM services to give health plans greater control over their pharmacy benefits. I was also familiar with Darwin’sTM reputation as the leading platform in the industry.
The combination of those factors made me really excited to join this team.
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
In my role, I will be accountable for working with the consultant community to find opportunities to leverage Abarca’s approach, expertise, and technology.
As I mentioned, I am passionate about making connections. So, I am particularly looking forward to embracing Abarca’s culture, championing it in the market, and introducing it to new potential partners.
Abarca’s approaches to business and technology are very different from other PBMs. Will these be important attributes as you generate sales opportunities in the marketplace?
Absolutely. Abarca’s approach to business is refreshing, and much desired in the market. Even before seeing Darwin for myself, I was aware of how advanced it is. Given the antiquated state of many PBM platforms, I think it’s imperative that as many organizations have access to advanced technology – and the innovation it enables – as possible.
As you know, Abarca has a deeply ingrained “Like Family” culture. Is there something about yourself that you would like to share with the rest of the Abarca team?
First and foremost, I am very excited to work in an environment that is Like Family. I think it’s invigorating to see any innovative organization – let alone one in healthcare – that prioritizes caring for each other on a personal level.
I consider myself to be a very straightforward person, what you see is what you get. And, at the end of the day, I want my teammates to have a strong voice, a successful experience, and for us to work together to do our best.
Abarca’s is on a mission to make healthcare “seamless and personalized.” Given your experience in the industry, what does this mean to you and how important is it to the future of healthcare?
Based on my experience, I know that transparency will play a critical role in transforming healthcare. I also believe that “seamless and personalized” goes hand-in-hand with transparency – they both require a foundation of trust that is built on clarity, commitment, and alignment from every party involved.
The future of healthcare will be shaped by the organizations who are willing to work together and deliver on those principles. And I’m looking forward to collaborating with healthcare and technology leaders at Abarca Forward to make this a reality.