Beyond the Counter: Ben Korman’s Nontraditional PharmD Journey

When Ben Korman, PharmD ’15, enrolled at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, he was beginning a second career and stepping into a future he hadn’t fully mapped out.

“I started pharmacy school at 35,” Ben said. “At the time, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do.”

Like many pharmacy students, Ben initially considered more traditional clinical pathways. But a single panel discussion during his time at the College introduced him to a side of pharmacy he hadn’t previously considered: managed care.

Today, Ben serves as Vice President of Account Management at HealthStrategy, LLC, where he helps large employers navigate the increasingly complex world of pharmacy benefits. His work may look very different from the traditional image of a pharmacist behind the counter, but his PharmD remains central to everything he does.

His career is a powerful example of why pharmacists need a seat at the table beyond direct patient care, bringing a unique clinical perspective to complex decisions that impact patient care and access.

Discovering an Unexpected Path

The turning point, where he first discovered managed care pharmacy, came during a panel discussion featuring professionals from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

“One of the speakers talked about his role, and I remember thinking, ‘I can do that. I want to do that,’” Ben said.

That moment sparked a new direction. After graduating, Ben pursued residency training at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, then moved into medical drug management at Blue Care Network, where he worked on prior authorization for specialty medications. From there, he transitioned into a role supporting employer pharmacy benefit strategy and consulting before eventually joining HealthStrategy.

His path wasn’t linear, and that’s exactly the point. For students exploring where a PharmD can take them, Ben’s story is a reminder that career paths often take shape through curiosity, exposure and a willingness to explore opportunities outside of the expected.

What Does Pharmacy Benefits Consulting Look Like?

At HealthStrategy, Ben works with large self-funded employers — some with healthcare plans covering hundreds of thousands of members — to help them make informed decisions about their pharmacy benefits.

That work involves analyzing pharmacy benefit data, evaluating pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contracts, assessing clinical programs and helping clients balance two competing priorities: controlling costs while ensuring employees have access to effective, high-quality medications. 

It’s a role that sits at the intersection of pharmacy, business strategy and healthcare policy. While the work is highly analytical, it is also deeply people-centered. Ben says one of the most rewarding parts of his job is building relationships with clients and helping them navigate complex decisions that ultimately affect their employees’ access to care.

“I enjoy those one-on-one conversations,” he said. “Helping clients understand what’s happening in the market and what it means for their organization is what I get the most joy out of.”

Why a PharmD Matters in Business-Focused Roles

Although Ben’s day-to-day work isn’t clinical in the traditional sense, his pharmacy education gives him a critical advantage. His understanding of medications, disease states, treatment trends and specialty pharmacy allows him to bridge the gap between clinical considerations and financial strategy.

“Having the pharmacy background lends credibility and gives me a deeper understanding of the clinical side of these decisions,” said Ben.

That perspective allows him to evaluate pharmacy benefit programs with a more complete understanding of how decisions impact both cost and patient outcomes. It’s also what makes pharmacists uniquely valuable in spaces like managed care, consulting, healthcare analytics and strategy.

Advice for Students Considering Nontraditional Pharmacy Careers

For students interested in exploring careers beyond direct patient care, Ben encourages them to stay open-minded and actively seek opportunities to learn about different sectors of pharmacy.

His advice:

• Take advantage of nontraditional APPE rotations to gain exposure to managed care, consulting and other emerging areas of the profession.
• Seek internships and networking opportunities that introduce you to professionals working in nontraditional spaces.
• Embrace lifelong learning. Pharmacy is constantly evolving, and staying curious is essential no matter where your career takes you.

For Ben Korman, that mindset has been central to his success.